The Grey God

"Laugh all you want, little brother."

"You haven't called me that since …"

Darian offered a small smile, aware those around him had no way of knowing the changes he'd gone through in the past week. The magic forced into his body during a battle with an Other in Ireland had opened up much more than he liked. He'd begun to remember his life as the White God, memories that had been trapped in darkness for so long. He didn't want those memories, though. He found the dark memories of his enslavement were enough to motivate him without the heartache of remembering all that was good that would never be his again. The new memories made him feel vulnerable when all he wanted to feel was ... nothing.

"I'll never be who I was," he said. "I know who I am now. I want to discover what I can do. I don't want to be a burden to you or our family anymore."

"You're never a burden," Damian said.

"I need my own space, like Jule and Dusty," Darian continued, referring to their adopted brothers.

"You don't need my permission. What's mine is yours. You can commandeer any safe house or Guardians or anything you want. And please take some of these damn cats with you."

"Thank you, Damian."

"You've come a long way in a short time. I'm proud of you, Darian."

"We've both come a long way," Darian replied. "Our father would be thrilled at how well you've done."

Damian's smile widened, and Darian could see how touched his little brother was at the words.

"Anyway, I'll take a few cats with me when I find a spot. You have any luck putting North America back together?" Darian asked.

"Working on it. We lost a lot of Guardians to Jonny's predecessor and that psycho son of his. Dusty's in Atlanta surveying spots for a new headquarters, and I'm staying right here for now. Jule's the worst off. He's in Europe trying to figure out how to pick up the pieces," Damian said.

"It'll be just you and the girls."

"Great." Damian rolled his eyes. "How does the White God get put on babysitting duty?"

Darian smiled, knowing how much Damian loved his family despite his complaints. He set the cat down and rose.

"Could I ask for one last favor before you leave the nest?" Damian asked.

"Always."

"Check on Jenn."