A bit of a Chat

Nils had gotten an email this morning, telling him that his family would be calling him at 4 o'clock their time, which meant 2 in the morning his time. They knew he would still be awake then, and the entire family would be free. Under the circumstances, it seemed best for all four of them to be involved.
Nils made sure to get his drinking done early enough in the evening that he was not detectably drunk by the appointed time. He made sure that Chad was sound asleep before sitting down with his phone.
He answered on the first ring, nervous and eager all at the same time. "Hello, Mum, Dad, Mary. I'm sorry to worry you, but I thought you should know what was going on."

John was the first to answer, saying, "Son, sorry to talk to you so late your time, I just thought we should have a discussion about what you talked to your mother about the other day. Now, she told me what you said, but I'd like to hear it from you, precisely."

Nils smiled. It was good to be talking to his family after all the insanity, even if it was under less than favorable circumstances. "It all started with Chrys' death, Dad. Chrys had this douchebag boyfriend named Steve, and they'd been fighting, as per normal. Bea and Esperanza live right upstairs from her. Chrys had asked Bea to check on her after Steve left. She did, and no one answered the phone or the door, but they knew she hadn't left. They used the spare key, and found Chrys dead in the bathroom. From there, everything went crazy.
The police said it was suicide, but I knew better. I snuck into her apartment that night and checked it out, and I got a vision of her death. She was definitely murdered, Dad, I felt it happen. I told the others, and they didn't really believe I could do that, but we investigated anyway because we knew Chrys didn't kill herself. We kept finding weird things that didn't fit, like a live webcam feed that had a chunk of the recording missing from the time when she died. Eventually, we tracked down Steve and got our first real lead. He thought he was a vampire, and he was crying blood and moving way faster than any human ought to be able to move, though he didn't quite know how or why. He warned us that we were in danger because we knew too much, but not everyone took him seriously. Then last night, Esperanza got home from her gig and called Bea because their place got broken into. We all rushed over, and then we found that Aimee and Connie's place and my place had been broken into as well.
We figured that Steve might've gotten into trouble too, so Aimee and I went to check on him. His place was deserted, and there was a big chunk of plaster missing from his wall. It was then that Rachel showed up. She busted in looking worried, and she matched the description of the one he thought had turned him into a vampire. She said a lot of things that didn't make sense at the time, but they do now.
Simon sent us a text message saying Steve had shown up looking like a bat out of hell, and told the others they all had to get out, to a place he knew that would be safe. He told them he'd told us to meet him there, but Aimee and I never got anything about it.
We rushed out there only to find Connie's car trashed, and Bea driving her truck away from... something, I couldn't really tell. They said it was like three dimensional shadows later. Esperanza did something and a bright flash of light went off. All the shadows vanished and Steve was burnt badly.
Rachel had us take him to the Administration building on campus, then down an impossibly large flight of stairs.
When we got to the end, this... dwarf was there, and let us in. He had a bunch of other dwarves that tended to Steve and to Bea's arm. The first guy was Eitre, the Eitre, but he's going by Peter here in the States. He and Rachel told us we were the children of the gods, and that Chrys was too, and that's why she was killed. They also told us about the Jotunn, or Titans, or whatever else you want to call them. I don't know what myths you're most familiar with. They're loose and trying to start a war with the gods.
They didn't know who our divine parents were, but Esperanza already met Baldur, who is supposed to be her father. That's where she got the coat that burned Steve. We decided it wasn't a good idea to go home that night, so Aimee paid for us to have rooms at the hotel here. When I got back to the room, Loki was waiting for me. He told me that he was my father, gave me a lot of items with weird powers, and told me that I needed to help fight the Jotunn. He ended up having to run off in a hurry, and I'm guessing that it's because Heimdall showed up not long after and half killed me thinking I was him. He did look a lot like me, actually. I was lucky that Freyr was there to stop him.
That was Saturday night. Sunday we went and talked to Eitre again, after finding these weird cards on our door. They had a picture of an eye, an address, and the words 'It's all a lie'.
We went and checked it out last night. Turns out it's this bunch of crazies who call themselves the Nephelim. They think they're working with angels, and that anyone who gets told they're the child of a god is really demonspawn. It turns out that they killed Chrys.
In any case, I know that enough of this is true that I'm willing to give the rest the benefit of the doubt. The presents really work, and since Loki visited me, I've been able to control the psychometry. I don't pick up readings any more, I just talk to things. I can touch things without worrying for the first time in my life!"
He sighed. "So, I know it's kind of awkward, but there's a million possible ways that it could have happened though no fault of either one of you. I'm just worried about Mary. Eitre said that since she can move things she's probably a god's child as well."

Silence came from the other end of the line as Nils continued to speaking. Occasionally it would sound like someone began to speak, but it was always stifled. As he drew to a close, there was a pause before John responded.

"Son, I don't know what to say. You sound convinced, and I know how hard your 'gift' has made it for you. I know we've made mistakes before, but have you talked to someone about this? I've raised two very special children, and I've always wanted to know where your...abilities came from, but this seems so far-fetched."

Another pause followed, a few moments seeming to take forever before Mary cheerfully asked, "So I'm like a demigod or something?"

Nils sighed. "Dad, it's not like I can get an impartial opinion on this. Anyone I talk to will either already believe or not. All the stories match up, Aimee, Connie, Esperanza, Bea, and Simon have all gotten their own visits and gifts. I know that the beings who call themselves our parents are very powerful, I know Eitre can make amazing things and his people healed Steve from almost dead to mild sunburn in two days. Simon has a raven that turns into a laptop now. Watson turns into a damned coatl, Dad. I don't think disbelief is really an option. As to whether or not they're really our parents, all I can say is why else would they pick us? If it helps, Loki specifically mentioned that he thought you were a good man. And you'll always be my father, no matter how this turns out."
Nils laughed outright at Mary. "Apparently the going term is 'scion,' Mary." He told her, "But I don't know that you count yet."
He swallowed hard as a thought occured to him. "Mary, be careful in the meantime. Please. I don't think I could stand it if you ended up like Chrys."

Nils could hear his father's concern and confusion, even over the phone. John sighed before responding.

"Nils, son, if you believe it, then I believe you. I just want to know if you're ok. Are you safe? Is there anything we can do? And I want you to know, I don't care who or what claims you, you're our son and you always will be. We will always be here for you."

"Always. Be careful, sweetie," Lucy added, sounding shaken.

Nils smiled a bit. He could tell they were still very confused, but he irrationally felt much safer just sharing the information with his family. It was nice to hear an outside party believing him and wanting to help. "I'm alright for now, Dad. We fought the girl who killed... her, but Esperanza apparently has the ability to heal us up now. I didn't even get hurt. As for safe, I kind of doubt it. I don't know that we'll ever be safe again. At the very least, as long as these Nephelim are around, we're in danger. I'll be alright, I have a sword now. All those fencing lessons may actually come in handy. And we all have rooms right next to each other, I'm staying in areas with plenty of people, otherwise. Try to take care of yourselves, Mum, Dad. I'd hate for anything to happen to any of you because of me."

John patiently heard his son out before responding, though he grew more and more worried as Nils continued.

"You confronted a known murderer, Nils! Why didn't you go to the police? Son, you don't need to get mixed up this. I know its easy to want revenge, but I don't want you to get hurt, healing or no."

John paused, and Nils could hear his mother whisper something quietly to her husband. John breathed in sharply before continuing.

"Ok, son, I'll trust you to take care of yourself. But I want you to be as careful as possible. Forget a sword, you live in Texas. Get a gun, it'll work better. Stay close to people, stay as safe as possible. we love you."

Nils sighed. "We'd love to, but it's not like we can actually go to the police and tell them what we know, we'd all get locked up as crazies! Not to mention sending normal humans to fight her would be a bad idea-she's got these weird magical daggers she can summon out of nothing, and when Aimee ran her through, instead of killing her, it just let out these weird demonic looking things. Besides, the police think it was just another goth suicide." Nils sounded distinctly bitter, a tone incredibly unlike him. If they'd been able to see him, they would also notice that the discussion of Chrys had him reaching for the wine bottle again. He was sober enough he could afford to drink here. It wouldn't catch up to him for a while, long enough to get off the phone at any rate.
"Connie, Aimee, and Esperanza all have guns, Dad, and I haven't the slightest idea how to use one. I'd be afraid of shooting one of my friends by accident. I think this is probably safer." He smiled sadly. "I love you too, Dad. I'm sorry to worry you with this."

"Ok, Nils, just...let us know if or when you need us. We'll do everything you can." John sighed for the millionth time, continuing, "For now, son, I think your sister is going to explode if we don't let her speak."

Nils could her two people, he could only assume his parents, stand up and walk away, as Mary began firing questions at him.

"Scion, huh? Weird. Ok, so, you're the son of Loki, right? How'd that happen? Am I Loki's daughter? Or someone else's? Is it only Norse? Maybe I could be Demeter's, or Athena's. Have you met a lot of the gods? What about your friends? Does this mean we're related to Connie and Aimee?"

Nils sighed and took another swig of the wine, careful not to let any noise make it to the phone. "I will, Dad. Go ahead and put her on."
He couldn't help but laugh a little as she fired question after question at him, not giving him a chance to reply. "Yes, I'm Loki's son, and I have no idea how it happened or if you're his too. I'm going to ask him the next time I see him, if you don't get a visit first. From what Eitre's told us, the other pantheons based on real religions are also real. So yes, you could be one of their daughters. I've only met three gods and a lot of dwarves and a svartalf. I met Loki, Freyr, and Heimdall, and Heimdall introduced himself by trying to kill me. I was really lucky Freyr was bringing Chad back to the room in time to save me. Aimee's Freya's daughter, Connie belongs to Frig, Simon's Odin's, Bea's Heimdall's, Esperanza's Baldur's, Chaddimus is Freyr's, and none of them are related to me because Loki is the child of giants and not gods."
It was only after he finished answering her questions that he realized he'd mentioned Chad... going to his bedroom. He just hoped she didn't notice the wording.

"Awesome. Who's Eitri? What's a svartalf? Is Eitri a svartalf? All real religions? So like, Jesus was a Scion? Did the others meet their parents? Do you think Loki will come to me now that I know? Was he nice? What's it like? Do you feel any different?"

She paused for a second before continuing in more conspiratorial tone.

"So, whose this Chaddimus guy I haven't heard of before, who was being led back to your room?"

Nils sighed and took another drink. "Eitre is a dwarf, and the finest craftsman the Norse have to offer. Svartalf means Dark Elf, more or less. I don't know about Christianity, but the Nephelim are firm believers in that being the one true order, so I guess even here monotheism and polytheism can't get along. Yes, all the others have met their parents. I couldn't begin to understand Loki's motivations, so I don't know if he'll come to you, but I can guarantee it won't be him if he's not your father too. He was pretty nice, all things considered. He definitely seemed interested in helping me out. All his kids in myth have pretty nasty fates, this is probably an exciting chance for him. It's honestly really nice to know why I had my power, and it's amazing to not have to worry about it anymore. I don't really feel much different. Maybe a little. It's only been a couple days."
He took another long swig at her question. "He... he's a guy I started seeing a couple weeks ago. I didn't want to say anything to Mum and Dad because it's so new. But he's a Scion too, and so he's staying with me at the hotel until we figure things out because I don't want anything happening to him. The guys seem to like him pretty well, he's been spending a lot of time with us. Aimee and Connie approve, which is something."
He glanced behind him to make sure Chad was still asleep before continuing in a whisper. "I really like him, Mary."

"Started seeing a few weeks ago? And I'm just now hearing about him? I know more important things are going on, but still." Mary hmphed loudly before continuing. "So, we're gonna put the god stuff aside for a sec, because I have to know more about this guy. What's he like? Is he a grad student too? You said Aimee and Connie approve, so I can only assume he's decent. Don't drop the ball again. You need to try the whole relationship thing for a while. Its nice."

He couldn't help but be amused by her enthusiasm. "He's still an undergrad, but he's on the tail end of that, old enough to drink, anyway. He's sweet, a little shy. He's kind of a snark, too, great sense of humor. I think I've lucked out with him, especially since I wasn't exactly paying attention to his personality when I brought him home."
Nils sighed. "I'm sorry, Mary. I should've mentioned, I know. There's just... been a lot on my mind. I... had to tell the guys about my psychometry, because I was using it to try to help find whoever killed Chrys. And... " He took a deep breath, pressed the mute button to take another swig, then continued with a sigh. "As per usual, I wasn't exactly ready to see what I saw. Some of the worst visions of my life, I'm so glad I never have to worry about that again."
Mary was still his little sister. He wanted to protect her a bit, she didn't need to know the full extent of his situation, she'd kill him if she found out how much he'd been drinking, and he didn't want her to worry about him, which she would if she knew he'd had a vision of Chrys' death. He was straddling the line between sharing with his family, which he so desperately wanted to do, and protecting them, because they were everything to him, and he didn't want his self destruction dragging them down.

"Look at you, big bro, robbing the cradle and all." Mary giggled, taking a moment before continuing. "I'm happy if you're happy."

She paused again, the silence odd between the siblings.

"Are you happy? I know terrible things have happened, and you've got a lot to deal with, but you seem... off, somehow. Is it Chrys? Or all this 'Scion' stuff? I mean, I can't imagine what you're going through, but I'm here for you. You know you can tell me anything, right?"

Nils shook his head, noting fondly that Watson came to settle around his shoulders. He muted the phone to take yet another swig from the wine bottle, then sighed audibly. "It's just... She was family, all the guys here are, and I couldn't save her, she's gone, and now our worlds are upside down and I'm having to deal with the nightmares. I... had a vision of her death. From her perspective." Fuck it, this was Mary he was talking to. He'd shared every terrible vision he'd had since she was old enough to hold a conversation with her, she'd always dealt just fine in the past. He'd just avoid mentioning the drinking. She had no idea that he did, anyway. She'd only be suspicious if he didn't confide in her about the visions. This was the better way. He muted and took another swig of his wine to reassure himself.

"Nils, I'm sorry. I know that had to have been horrible, indescribable. But you know it wasn't your fault. Power doesn't solve everything, and it doesn't make you responsible for everything. We know that better than anyone. You did all you could, I'm sure. And you're doing all you can now. You have to let yourself off the hook. You're worrying me."

Nils sighed, petting Watson wearily. "I know, Mary. It just doesn't quite chase the nightmares away." Another brief mute, another swig. If this kept up, he'd have to hang up soon, before the wine got to him. "And we're dealing with it now. We can't bring her back, but we can make sure no one else ends up like her."

"Damn right, big brother. You guys kick the crap..." Mary was interrupted by muted yelling, to which she responded, "Jeez, sorry, darn right. Happy?!" She continued in a more normal tone.

"Look, I know its hard. But it always has been. You're strong, Nils. Stronger than you seem to be remembering. You're an openly and flamboyantly homosexual man on one of the most conservative campuses in the U.S. You'll get through this, even if me and Aimee and Connie have to drag you through it."

Nils couldn't see it, but the smile was evident in her voice as she said, "I love you, you big drama queen. And I'll always been here for you. Now what do I do about this whole Scion thing? Should I be praying more? And to who?"

Nils bust out laughing at his parents reaction to Mary's swearing. There were few things they were unwilling to compromise about, and one big one was cursing. He hoped she wouldn't be in too much trouble. Under the circumstances, he imagined they were probably doing their share of cursing too. He was glad his parents were so close, he was almost positive that after the initial confusion this wouldn't cause any real change between the two of them. They'd always been such rolemodels for him and Mary both about how relationships should be.
Mary's words brought him back to the conversation. "Funny, that's more or less what they've been telling me too."
He couldn't help but smile at the obvious affection in her voice. "I love you too, Mary. As for the scion thing, I wouldn't worry. Praying to the wrong god could cause problems, since not all of them get along, and we have no idea whose you are. Just keep doing what you're doing, but be careful. I know you can defend yourself, but don't let yourself be alone if you can avoid it, and keep a weapon handy at all times. I have no idea how many of these fuckers there are, but I don't want to risk my baby sister. Most importantly, if you get a card or a letter or anything with an eye insignia, let me know straight away. They won't go after you if they think they can recruit you."

Mary listened intently to Nils' advice, growing increasingly worried.

"Ok, no praying until I figure out who to. Check. And, yeah, I can handle myself, but carrying a weapon? I know dad told you to, but it seems extreme. Are all of you carrying weapons? And this eye thing? What do you mean they won't come after me if they think they can recruit me? Who's recruiting? Also, no fair cursing if I can't."

Nils sighed. "Yes, Connie always had her gun, I have a sword, Aimee has a gun that turns into a sword, and even Esperanza has a gun now. We stay together, so that's plenty of protection for us. I know you're in Japan, and the laws are a lot stricter there. Just don't be defenseless. Even a text book can be a powerful weapon if you're ready to use it."
He paused, taking a small drink. "Their insignia is a picture of an eye. At least, that's what's on their business cards. They're called the Nephelim, and they are trying to get all the Scions to work for them, they think that the whole thing's a scam, and we're actually the children of demons. Which would be perfectly okay, except they don't see anything wrong with offing anyone who doesn't believe like they do. At least this one crazy lady who did for Chrys doesn't. She strolled in with a gun to Connie's head, cool as a cucumber, and said they should kill us like she'd killed 'the other one'. Didn't even bother denying when we asked if she meant Chrys. She's bad news."
He smiled. "And I no longer live with Mum and Dad, and I think under the circumstances I have the right to curse a bit."

Mary sounded uncomfortable for the first time, despite the odd conversation. "I'll, uh, I'll keep an eye out. Umm, no pun intended."

"So, uh, you've told me to be careful and all. What exactly are ya'll's plans? I mean, what is it that ya'll's "parents" want out of you? there's got to be a reason for this, right?"

He took another drink while his sister spoke, feeling guilty about it, but not enough that he was comfortable discussing Chrys without the wine.
Nils sighed at her question. "We don't really have plans yet, per say. We're supposed to be killing monsters, according to Eitre, but we're not sure how or if we're going to do that. Violence isn't really our thing." He paused to pet Watson, who was making worried noises at him. "As for what our parents want, they want us to stop the end of the world. Loki said that the Jotunn-the giants, the beings who came before the gods- were loose, and that they were trying to take over. Sounds like Ragnarok to me. Not sure how we're going to actually be able to do anything about that. Presumably we've been given some power besides the presents. Maybe that'll help? I don't know, but I definitely think that if there's a chance of the world ending, I can't in good concience sit around without trying to help."