Nimara: Children of the Gods

by Patricia Halladay

  “I never thought that Mother Earth could have a child with such a gruesome killing instinct. You’re not a goddess, you’re a fucking monster! You should be with someone who can appreciate your true abilities. We could have ruled both heaven and earth!” Eric screams grasping at straws to save his life.

  “You know what, I may be a monster. But I am one that gives life, just as much as I take it. You just take and destroy life, so in the end you’re more the monster than I am. By the way, your time is long past due and Chronos wants me to collect your debt. The fires of Hell need to be fueled and that is exactly what your soul is going to do.” I tell him. I slice quickly across his neck, then like his father, I slam my claws into his temple straight into his brain. Instead of chopping it into small pieces, I puree it into a slush. As I remove my hand, his body bursts into flames before it can slump to the ground. When I look up, I see hounds with blazing eyes, darting back and forth from body to body. After collecting the souls, the bodies burst into a blue flame, Hell fire. The flame burns so bright and hot, that even I am having trouble standing near it. The flames are starting to die down and all that is left is a heap of chard bone and ash. The pungent smell of burned flesh and hair fills the air, even a slight breeze isn’t enough to take it away. It’s in the earth and trees that surround our clan village. Hell, it’s probably in the food as well. Great, the veggies and fruit growing will taste like that too.

  Chapter 16

  ~ Nimue ~

  The sound of clapping comes from my right, when I turn to see who it is I hit the ground kneeling before the Council of the Gods. Hades is front and center, giving orders to his Hellhounds. Gaia, Selene, and Athena, I assume only because of the owl on her shoulder and a younger woman with a bow are all present as well. She must be Artemis, and there is a guy standing with them, but I am not sure who he is. The Sisters of Fate are here but stand slightly away from the council. While following Hades orders, a smaller Hellhound walks over to me and gives me a lick. It feels odd, instead of being hot and smelling of sulfur, the hound's breath is cool and it’s tongue feels like ice running across my skin.

  “Talia, finish collecting the souls you were assigned, now!” Hades orders, she growls at him and doesn’t move. Instead, she plunks her ass down and bares her teeth at him. So, this is the young girl that gave my mate his name. I am honored that she’s here, but I do not want her punished for not following Hades’ commands. Although, Tank did say she’s a handful and didn’t like to listen to Hades either.

  “Talia, please do what your master commands. You don’t need to get in trouble because of me.” I tell her while giving her a scratch under the chin, earning me a foot thump. Must have hit a tickle spot or an itch she needed taken care of. She takes off, but not before growling at Hades again and makes Selene jump. Hades pinches the bridge of his nose and just shakes his head.

  “Always defiant that one. Now I know why Hellhounds are always male.” He says looking at me with a smile. He walks over to me, cups my face, and places a soft kiss on my forehead. Growls are heard from all directions, including from Tank. I didn’t realize that all our allies and clan are still here, helping get some of the bodies piled before the hounds set them ablaze. That is when Dane comes over and pushes me away from Hades, baring his teeth. The guys have all come to me also, Bronx as his gargoyle, Dexter and Onyx with that metal chain again. Their actions cause the gods to snicker at Hades and his attempts at being a loving Uncle.

  “Do you four really think that I would harm my niece? I am not like that garbage Timothy; I may be the ruler of the Underworld, but I am not that sick in the head.” He says looking at the guys and then with a little humor adds … “Ok okay maybe I am sick in the head, but not like that! That is just gross!” I can’t help it; I start laughing. Soon everyone is laughing at Hades. Everyone calms down, and I watch Dane shifts back into the teenage boy he recently claimed as his new human. He too gives me a hug and then turns to the gods and bows. Before he leaves to help, he gives his thanks and appreciation for his wolf, Dane.

  “You did an amazing job, little one! I only wish I were here to help you and see you grow. There’s nothing we can do about that now, but I am happy everything worked out like it’s supposed to.” The new god says and gives me a hug. I take it he’s Chronos, he definitely does not match the old man image for Father Time. He is in his thirties and is about 6’2”. His hair is a light brown, shaggy in style. He has a tan complexion, and a muscular build. His face looks so soft, like even when he is mad you couldn’t take him seriously. Oh, sweet goddess! His grandchildren are going to have him wrapped around their fingers! I can also see where I get my chipmunk looking features! His cheeks are full, he has a soft angled nose and brilliant ocean blue eyes. Ok so where the hell do I get my shortness from then?

  “It’s ok dad, you and mom picked a great person to help keep me safe.” I smile. He looks to the guys and nods approvingly.

  “Where is that bear anyways? He should have been in the fight!” Chronos say with a disappointed dad look starting.

  “He guarded the children, and babies that were from other packs, that are now orphaned because of Timothy and Eric. Even for a male bear, he is not one to mess with when it comes to children.” Tilly says as she walks up with Ivy. “Nimue, ….”

  “It’s Nimara now. She has completely one bonded to her lycan and clan in her true form.” Hephaestus cuts in.

  “Oh Sorry, I didn’t realize, but that’s truly amazing though!” Tilly says as she looks at me with love and respect. “We did lose a few members, roughly about 10 to 15. They were some of the new rogues that left from the Northern Lake pack and Black Shadow pack. The Hellhounds did not collect their souls though. So, do we honor them like we would those of our blood kin?” she asks not sure of what we are to do. Ivy and other nymphs start to help clean up in front of the living dens. The battle didn’t spread too far, so clean up is going to be easy enough.

  “Yes we will. We can set up a Memorial Cavern here for them to be laid to rest. Just like the one Onyx built when mom and dad passed. Then that way, they will always be remembered, and others can be laid to rest there too, when their time comes. I will just need to check with Onyx and the other Earth nymphs first.” I say also making a quick decision for the Life Celebration to take place like normal. The threat has been dealt with and it is time to honor our past, present, and future. Our patrols, gargoyle, wolves, and other shifters have already started to circle the border of the Black Shadow pack into ours. Making our once 27 kilometer territory now 49 kilometers.

  “Clan members! I know you are all in different locations to keep everyone safe. Please let the leaders know that Alpha Eric Nickolas and Alpha Timothy Simon and their packs are dead. We will have the full 7 days of the Life Celebration. There will be a Welcoming Ceremony for new clan members and a New Beginnings Ceremony for those leaving to join their mate’s! Everyone is welcome. I hope to see you all tomorrow!” I broadcast through mind-link. Soon there is an almost deafening cheer in my head. Damn, the clan wants to get their party on, bunch of trouble making people. Small rumbling start up again and caverns start to open, bringing back clan members.

  Many of them go straight to the hospital, others to the clan house to use the industrial sized kitchen to make food for all those that fought against our enemy. Some are even emerging from the tree line carrying deer and a moose that has been killed to help feed all of us. I watch as children come home to find their fathers and mothers that stayed behind to fight, keeping them and their home safe. A few children are crying because one of our fallen was the last of their family. Many of the young women that came from other fallen packs comfort the children and take the role of mother for them. They are finding strength and love in a community that fought to give them hope and peace. I wish it could be like this all the time. Lottie cuts my looks of admiration for my clan short.

  “You had some help, didn’t you Nimara?” I turn to Lottie, when she asks me with a smirk, and glances
at my stomach.

  “Which one of the new fates are we going to have to really be strict on?” Attie says as she too gives me a stern but quizzical look.

  “Girls now remember. Snitches get stitches, and besides, I highly doubt Nimara is going to rat out her daughters.” Lash says with a chuckle and wrapping her arm around my waist, while Lottie and Attie just glare at her and then give up.

  “Nim what are they talking about?” Gaia asks, coming over and giving me a hug, taking Lash’s place at my side. Lash moves back over to her sisters, and everyone is interested in hearing about what they know.

  “I was going to ask the same. I think Onyx and Bronx want to know as well.” Scott says looking at the guys and they all nod. The memory of wildflowers during fall comes rushing back, and tears start to trickle down my cheeks as I see my girls again.

  “Little Firefox please don’t cry, what is wrong? Are you ok? Talk to us!” Onyx has picked me up and is holding me as tight as he can to help calm me.

  “Nothing is wrong, they let me have my memory back.” I say.

  “What do you mean?” Gaia says and looks like she is going to slap the Sisters of Fate.

  “I got to meet our pups. Our 3 girls, one with my silver hair, one with strawberry blonde and another with dark chocolate brown hair. The little girl with chocolate brown hair is Nyssa. The little girl with silver hair is Talia, she’s named after the Hellhound that gave you your name Bronx. The little girl with strawberry blonde hair is Jessica. They are beautiful and each has a different feature that absolutely shows that the three of you are their fathers.” I say, I can feel the girls and hear their heartbeats.

  “So, do they have your attitude? If so we could be in trouble.” Onyx asks laughing as I scrunch my eyes and purse my lips together at him. He moves quickly as I smack his arm, while he continues to laugh. I look at Bronx and he is glowing in pride, love, and admiration.

  “You gave them strong names, and each woman with power, wisdom, grace and equality. Thank you for giving one of the fledglings my mom’s name, she will be so honored!” Bronx says tearing up, the pride and honor he is beaming with is contagious. Not only do both Scott and Onyx have the same aura, but my mom does too.

  “If they are anything like their mother and grandmothers have fun guys. The biggest thing is they are happy, healthy, and safe. For the time being, they are, and that is all that is important.” Chronos says, chuckling amusingly, I wonder what they are telling him. I am not even showing yet, but the girls are already making their presence known. I start to look around and realize I have a lot of work ahead of me to get this place cleaned up and set up for the next 7 days. Like she read my thoughts, Artemis starts to send the council home.

  “We should leave, Nimara has a large celebration to get rearranged for a second time, and she needs to get the clearing here cleaned up, as I can imagine her guests don’t want to see dead bodies and charred remains or have their food taste of sulfur. Please give all our best wishes Nimara, and we will see you when the little ones arrive. I want to teach them how to use a bow properly!” Artemis says coming and giving me a hug with a playful smile. They all start to fade away after saying their goodbyes. My parents and Hades are the last to leave.

  “Nimara, I will come back and forth during your pregnancy, to help you adjust to the rapid changes your body will go through. It will be different each time. I will try and slow time enough for you to be ok, but I cannot give you a guarantee because your little ones seem to have a mind of their own already.” Chronos says and just laughs when whispers swirl in the air. I can’t quite make out what the girls are saying, but dad can, and it has him chuckling with amusement. Yep, they already have Grandpa wrapped around their little fingers.

  He smiles at me and says… “Just like their mom. You used to do that too Nimara when your mom was pregnant with you. You always had so much to say, even before you were in this world.” Chronos starts to fade, he gives me a quick hug and I love you. Mom sighs and comes to me doing the same. When she has faded away, Hades comes and gives me a nudge with his shoulder.

  “You ok kiddo? I can help clean this mess up. Or I can tell you how to do it and let you practice!” He says and laugh when I look at him with huge eyes. “The girls didn’t give you much information about your abilities after claiming your birthright did they?” I shake my head no and Hades just sighs.

  “We need to fix that with the new Fates, and no more riddles! That is so annoying!” The look on Hades face when he says that makes me laugh. “Ok let's get the cleanup started.” He says and then smiles.

  “Lord Hades do you need us to stay or are we able to go and start helping wherever we can?” Onyx asks, looking to see where the three of them could be best suited to help.

  “Well technically all four of you need to become more acquainted with your abilities. As I help Nimara, each of you can watch and practice too. We might make a bigger mess before it gets cleaned up, but we will get there.” Hades says to Bronx, Scott, and Onyx.

  “I’m not sure I’m needed, other than gaining wings and growing like a weed, my gargoyle didn’t gain anything that I can feel.” Bronx says, looking upset that he can’t be of more help.

  “That’s where you are wrong my friend. You’re gargoyle hit a growth spurt yes, but you also gain control over an element. Nimara is Mother Earth or will be once she’s fully trained and her mother steps down. But to keep her from going completely bat shit crazy and having a break down, the elemental side is divided between her and her mates. Onyx has Water. It will work well with his natural abilities he possesses being an Earth Nymph. Scott has Fire, because his cheetah creates high temperatures and the rate his body burns energy can be explosive. You Bronx, got wings because you hold the element of Air. It won’t help if you’re stuck on the ground now would it?” Hades says, watching Bronx creates 4 foot tall tornadoes to collect all the ash and small bone fragments.

  Once the tornadoes are black with ash, Onyx opens small channels in the gardens and Bronx deposits it in them. Onyx mixes ash, water and soil together making nutrient rich earth. Scott starts moving in small circles gathering and piling the bodies. Then a hound comes to start burning them. Scott rubs his hands together to start small fires to ignite the piles. All the bodies are burned and have been turned into fertilizer for the gardens. When I spy a mischievous smile, Dionysus comes out from the trees and throws a clump of mud at Hades. Giggling the little boy runs to the grounder that was his partner during the battle. They take off running, laughing as Hades chases them yelling, then they come to hide behind me.

  “Ram, she is not going to save you! Simon, that is your big brother? Or is it Uncle? I am not sure how it works, anyways Hades will get you one way or another.” Bronx says, while giving a stern look at Ram.

  “What do you mean?” Hades asks, looking a bit angry that he is covered in mud. His nice blue shirt is now black and sticking to his body.

  “Hades, that little boy is Dionysus.” I say as another clump of mud goes flying at Hades and hits him square in the face. I burst out laughing and holding my stomach. Someone tackles me and I get rolled in the mud.

  “Hey no fair! I was not ready!” I say sending mud flying at Onyx. Who is standing there laughing at me. The guys are all quick to join in, everyone does, including the hounds. Onyx makes it rain turning everything into mud and it becomes a huge mud fight! Soon even those in the living dens and hospital are coming out to join in the fun. We are all laughing, shouting, and having fun, everyone is now covered in mud. This has helped clean everything up, the blood was washed and mixed into the earth, helping to replenish nutrients. The ash and small pieces of bone are in the gardens, now helping grow new life and foods for the clan. The earth is being reborn again and it feels amazing.

  “Oh, little brother!” Hades calls and just as Simon turns, Hades pushes him into a huge mud puddle.

  “Hey, quit picking on the child!” Dionysus calls, trying to get back to his feet, but just keeps slipping and fall
ing back into the puddle.

  “Here I will help you.” Onyx says using the earth to lift Simon up and out of the mud. Ram has shifted back into her human side, and everyone is shocked. We all thought Ram was a guy. She isn’t much taller than me and she too has long silver hair and green eyes with silver streaks. She is one of our blood kin!

  “Oh wow, another new kin found! This is great! Do you go by the same name as your gargoyle or do you have a separate human name?” I ask eagerly, with a huge smile.

  “No just Ram. I was found when I was a baby, so no one knows who my parents were or what my name was if I was given one.” She says and gives me a smile back. “I was chosen to be your protector, while you’re here on earth. Gaia said I would need to be with you as much as possible. I am sorry I failed during the battle. I should have stopped the Alpha from harming you.”

  “You were, if you were not helping Dionysus, there would have been a lot more wolves attacking, and I may not have made it at all after Eric threw me into that tree. So, no need to apologize.” I say giving her a pat on the shoulder.

  “Ok so now we should finish cleaning up, I saw Tenelle fly overhead. I imagine she has replies back from the other Leaders about attending the Life Celebration.” Hades says and peels off his shirt. That man is built! I think he just got every unmated woman to drool. Damn we are going to drown! After a bit of trial and error and a whole lot of puffy hair, Onyx, Bronx, Scott, and I managed to get the place completely cleaned up. There is even new grass growing! Hades assured me that the fruits and veggies in the gardens will not taste like chard meat and that we will have a huge crop this year. With the new grass and wildflowers starting to pop up all over, Hades says goodbye and fades. The Hellhounds go with him, except for Talia, like Tank she has shifted into her human form.