All new trouble

The First Spear paused at the mouth of the cave, her presence stilling the air.

"I sense a disturbance," she said. "You two are needed outside. I recommend handling this yourselves."

She turned to go, her tone solemn.

"Remember—these Fates are no longer under the Council’s rule. Everything has changed for them. Show grace."

A soft blessing: "Be well." And she departed.

"Wait, GiGi!" Charlene called after her. "I wanted to ask you something—"

A distant voice floated back, almost amused.

"We’ll talk later, sweetheart. Go ahead—you’re needed outside. I’ll be back."

Seth and Charlene emerged from the cave into chaos. The air was thick with noise—shouts, sobs, and arguments swirling into the sky. Hundreds of Fates were packed tightly together, shoving, yelling, fraying at every edge.

"My God..." Seth murmured.

Charlene pressed her hands over her ears, then closed her eyes and tried to listen.

She winced. "No. I can’t make sense of anything—it’s all jumbled!" She tried again, focusing harder.

"They’re yelling at each other. Screaming. Kids are crying. It’s total pandemonium! Emotions are bouncing everywhere!" She turned to Seth, urgent. "We have to stop this before someone gets hurt, Dad!"

They plunged into the crowd.

"Just calm down! One moment, please!"

Twelve female Fates had poor Gilead cornered, bombarding him with medical questions.

"I can stop this!" Gilead shouted above the fray. "One at a time, please! Let me regroup!"

Seth grabbed Charlene’s hand and pressed forward, threading through the masses.

"We will have lounging soon, please be patient!" someone called.

Another pocket of turmoil erupted—educators arguing over teaching roles, devolving into a physical scuffle. Professor E and Tabitha moved to intervene.

"STOP!" Professor E’s voice rang out. "This is not necessary!"

"We will have a university," he promised. "And we will need administrators who can handle the issues swiftly and competently. Trust me. Now, settle down!"

Tabitha touched his back gently. "Don’t be too hard on them, my love," she whispered. "Sometimes Fates don’t know how to ask for help."

Turning to the crowd, she raised her voice with calm clarity.

"This is not the way," she said. "Fighting and shoving solves nothing."

Seth and Charlene kept moving, catching fragments of desperation and confusion, the tension pressing against their skin.

"Heaven help us..." Seth breathed.

A voice answered. “Are you asking for help?”

He froze. He knew that voice.

"Yes," he said aloud. "Yes, we do."

Suddenly, images flooded his vision—blueprints, maps, infrastructure. He saw the Realm: the university grounds, eastern and western housing banks, everything. Clear and precise.

He snapped into action.

"We need to sort them into groups," he said, mostly to himself.

He touched his mark. "Megaphone."

His voice boomed across the field—loud enough for all 200,000 to hear.

"Hello, every Fate!"

"We know this is new and confusing. You’re tired, angry, unsure. That’s okay. That’s human."

"But listen—we have shelter, we have jobs, we have community. Let’s get organized."

He pointed. "All those who worked at the university—go to the dunes on the left. Doctor Gilead will meet you there."

Gilead jogged to his post.

"Journeyers—you’ll take the eastern section. The housing is identical to what you had back home. Idris will guide you."

Idris leapt into view, waving his arms. "This way!"

"And those from the Sect in the woods—you’ll be in the western section. Charlene will lead you."

Charlene blinked. "Dad, how do you know all this?"

"I just do, Princess. I’ll explain later."

She nodded and took her group. As she walked, she glanced back. Her father stood like a general, calmly assigning duties, drawing order from the storm. She felt pride swell in her chest.

When she returned, Seth was still issuing commands. She moved closer and saw his eyes—words scrolling across his pupils like a digital feed.

"Dad, are you okay?"

"Yes, Princess. Just reading the last bit of information. Then I want to talk to our group."

"GIGI!" Charlene shouted. "I need you!"

"I'm over here," came the dry reply—from GiGi seated on a rock.

Charlene marched over. "My dad is not a puppet!" She stood tall, arms crossed. "What is the matter with you?"

GiGi didn’t flinch. "Relax. I can see the confusion. No, I’m not controlling him. Just projecting blueprints into his eyes. Like 3D glasses. It’s just information."

"And Mike?"

"A fast way to snap you out of your funk. I made a mistake. Good catches on your part. I’m proud of you."

"GiGi—stop reading my thoughts and let me talk!"

GiGi chuckled. "Fair enough. But remember—I’ll always have your best interest at heart."

Charlene leaned down and hugged her grandmother. "I know. I just need time."

From across the clearing, Professor E gasped. "Is that who I think it is?"

Tabatha, Gilead, and Idris dropped to their knees in front of the First Spear.

GiGi sighed. "Thank you. But stand, all of you. My grandson needs your attention."

"Thank you, GiGi," Seth smiled.

"Now that we’ve settled the Fates in their homes and assigned roles—"

Idris raised a hand like a student. "I have a question."

Seth groaned. "Yes, Idris?"

"There’s no housing left. Where will we stay?"

Seth smirked. "Ah. Perfect timing for a prank."

He turned. "We’ll be staying in the caves."

"What? Everyone else gets nice homes, and we get a cave?"

"Use your imagination!" Seth elbowed him. "Remember when we were kids?"

Idris rolled his eyes. "Open sesame," he muttered sarcastically.

The stone rumbled and rolled away. A hidden wonder revealed itself—overhead lighting, lush walkways, soft moss beds, a crystalline lagoon.

"GI GI made some alterations," Seth said smugly.

"You tricked me, bro!" Idris laughed. "This place is amazing!"

The twins, Baxtsy and Betsy, tore past them into the entrance.

Tabitha called, "Don’t touch anything, girls!"

Professor E added, "And don’t get lost!"

Inside, families found their spaces. Professor E and Tabitha picked a cozy spot. Idris claimed a corner just big enough for workouts and sleep.

Charlene stood at the threshold, Issa beside her. "Pretty cool, right?"

She didn’t answer at first, lost in thought. He studied her—this wasn’t the same girl from the woods. And he liked it.

Seth and GiGi approached. Seth addressed Issa directly.

"Terrific, isn’t it?"

"Yes, sir." Issa’s gaze stayed fixed on Charlene.

Charlene noticed the look from her father and quickly cut in. "Dad, can I show Issa around the caverns?"

Seth hesitated.

"Sure you can!" Idris jumped in.

The two teens wandered off toward the lagoon.

Idris sang out, "Can you feeeel... the loooove... tonight?"

Seth didn’t turn. "Don’t make me roll that stone over you."

Idris laughed, bolting down the corridor. "Catch me first!"

Left alone, GiGi whispered to herself, “So this is what having a family really feels like.”

She smiled and rolled the stone closed with a flick of her hand.