The Return of the Chosen

Mystic Moon SZA Nobody Gets Me Zion's eyes fluttered open and he jumped as if he was startled. His eyes landed on Tabatha. He seemed dazed and confused. He stiffened as he glared at her as if he could not understand why her presence was there. He also immediately felt an emptiness inside him, an undeniable ache. He had been dreaming she had returned, but he could not feel her. He was praying when his eyes opened, she was here, but instead, life's cruel reality slapped him in the face. As always, it was a horrible dream. "Why are you here?" He asked, staring at the ceiling as his eyes filled with tears. "Your pack lost a lot of people and I didn't feel you should be alone when you woke." She said softly. Her puffy eyes were an indication she had been crying. His bitterness, anger, and grief would not allow him to empathize with anyone else. "And no one else could deliver that news?" He asked not bothering to hide his contempt, practically growling at her. "Yes, of course, Zion, but being that I have been where you are, I thought you would rather hear it from me." Tabatha snapped back at him. Of course, Zion would wake up with an attitude problem she thought to herself. She didn't have to be there, but she wanted to because he was her brother as far as she was concerned. "You thought wrong, I banished you and said if I saw you again I would snap your f*****g neck," within seconds he had her dangling in the air, his hand around her neck. "Kill me, Zion, go ahead and add me to your list of the dead." She choked out, not even bothering to fight against him. He huffed and tossed her, she slammed into the wall so hard she left her shape on impact and landed on the floor with a thud. Tabatha groaned in pain as she tried to lift herself using the wall for support. She knew he was hurting and when he was, his temper was explosive. She was fully aware of that before entering the room. "Where is Kade? He should be here! Where are my parents? How long have I been asleep?" He growled, as his voice echoed bouncing off the walls at her, anger pulsating from his body, as his head was throbbing, and his rage was building. Tabatha strained to get up, then fell back against the wall she slid back to the floor. "For 11 days you have been asleep," Tabatha said, crawling toward the door. She quickly determined this was not a good idea, as his Lycan was too unpredictable. She was not trying to get herself killed.  "11 days! Why?" He growled. She stopped to turn and face him, "You don't remember?" She looked puzzled as she asked. "Nooo!" He growled, thinking back, but nothing was coming to him. Tabatha staring at him pissed him off more, "Zion, you almost died. You were carrying Earth toward a transport vehicle and Akoshka blew it up," she explained, a shiver ran down her spine as Zion's red eyes began to glow. She had not come back to Mystic Moon to die, but when she heard of all the destruction, the loss, she had to be beside him. Even after he banished her, he was her brother. Well, as close to one as she would ever have, for years his mom had been like a mother to her. Zion had always been so protective. Even after he banished her she found it hard to be mad at him, she had screwed up big time. Czar was another beast entirely. He was unpredictable and thirsty for blood.  "Where is my son?" Tabatha froze; she knew she needed to move very carefully. Czar was not one to toy with. His raspy voice had so much power she immediately took a submissive bow, "Czar. He is okay," she quickly said.  He looked around. Spotting the window, he frowned, "Home," Czar spoke, confusion in his furrowed brow. "Yes," Tabatha said quickly. "Mate?" He growled, "She is in the dungeons, Zion, we have been having trouble containing her. Her Lycan is ah unpredictable," Tabatha explained, "Czar I mean, I'm sorry." She had called him Zion and immediately saw how pissed that made him. Or maybe it was the way she referred to her Lycan as if he was not one. She tried correcting herself but he grabbed her by the hair. She screamed, "Bring his mate hurry, please!" She cried out. "She is okay Czar, the power has just been difficult for her," Tabatha cried as he had an unyielding grip on her hair and it was so tight all she could do was cry. Tabatha had heard shuffling outside the door and prayed Leilani was having a good day because she most likely would be the only one that could calm his beast. The only problem with that was the mark she received from Zion was driving her mad too. Seconds later, Leilani came strolling into the room. She ran into his arms, so, Czar dropped Tabatha and she fell again with a thud, letting out a sigh of relief. She watched as Czar sniffed his mate with satisfaction.  "Pups," Czar said to Leilani. "Maddy is fine, but Elijah and Earth are gone," Leilani said, Tabatha looked at the girl like she was insane. Of all the words she could have chosen, the b***h, had said, gone, she thought. Right after she had explained about the explosion! Czar went berserk. He flipped over the bed and started tearing the room apart. "Zion, Zion!" Tabatha screamed as Leilani was knocked into the wall and the room was rushed by warriors attempting to tackle Czar and restrain him.  "Context woman, context!" Tabatha screamed at Leilani, who still looked dazed from being knocked into the wall.  "THEY ARE WITH CATORI ZION!" Tabatha yelled at him. Czar turned his eyes on her and Tabatha nearly wet herself as he lunged for her.  "NO!!!" He growled. Leilani, back on her feet, ran to him, again she started trying to calm him by rubbing his arm and again he shrugged her off as he did the warriors. Tabatha was the bearer of bad news; she had told him his pups were with their mother and he only saw red. He was going to kill her. "Czar, please, she will bring them back," Tabatha cried out as she backed into a corner trying to escape his wrath. Her words were not making sense to him though, and all he heard was his boys were with their mother, and all he remembered was Catori was dead.  Richard and Kevin came running into the room, "back down Czar!" Kevin yelled. "Ah f**k," he groaned, shifting as Czar went for his throat. Richard yelled at Tabatha, "Go damn it!" As he also shifted, trying to get control of Zions Lycan. Tabatha scrambled to her feet. Running from the room, she nearly knocked Chenoa over.   "Goddess!" Chenoa said, bracing herself. She burst through the door, growling, "Zion f*****g Black with everything that needs to be done, why are you in here acting like a complete utter fool?" She demanded hands on hips. Czar looked at her pain, feeling like a knife to the heart. Seeing her always reminded him of what he had lost. "Go!," She pointed to the door. All of the warriors immediately left the room, all but Kevin and Richard. They gave her a questionable look. "Seriously," Chenoa said, glaring at Czar, "trust I can handle Czar," better than most she said, glaring at Leilani, she gave Czar a wicked smile, "Isn't that right Czar?" Czar scoffed, looking at her, turning his head away from her. "And what brought all this on, may I ask?" Chenoa said, walking closer to stand in front of him. Czar's eyes filled with tears, "I told him the pups were gone," Leilani said in a whisper. "Geesh," Chenoa snorted, "so much for co-parenting,"  Czar turned to look at her confused, he backed away whimpering as the pain went shooting through his head. He grabbed his head with both hands, growling. Chenoa walked up to him again and went to touch his head when he snapped at her. Anika her wolf growled at Czar, "Don't snap at me again you ass, I'm trying to help you!" She said, poking his chest. She touched his head and the pain eased, "the explosion," he said, giving her an explanation for his painful new symptoms. "I think not, someone needs to tell Earth, and Elijah's mind linking to other dimensions is a no-no. Poor Dora nearly passed out when they tried talking to her. Summer and Maddy have been vomiting. I tried mind-linking Cat but she had her block up and she hasn't responded to anyone. Zion pushed Czar to the back, grabbing her arm, his eyes sparkled, and his face was covered with shock and disbelief. Chenoa tilted her head to the side, as she now understood, "You didn't know." "Where is she?" Zion asked, "I don't know Zion, she dragged Akoshka away by the hair and f*****g vanished into thin air. Then she came back through like a freaking tornado, and when it was all said and done, Earth and Elijah were gone." Zion sunk back into his chair.  "Why wouldn't she be here? Did she know I was injured?" He asked. Chenoa looked at Leilani and pointed.  "Her, duh! It's pretty obvious she was pissed off." Chenoa said, pulling up a chair, "She will bring them back. Zion just chill out."  "Are you shitting me?" He yelled, "you could of f*****g led with that! I thought my boys were dead!" "Dead! Goddess no, why would you think that?" Chenoa asked as Zion shot accusing glances at Leilani. She had already started pacing and Chenoa looked at her annoyed, "Look, you need to do something with your b***h, because I am not chasing her ass down today." Quamir always seemed to be gone when they let her out to run and she always had to be the one to tackle her and drag her back to the dungeons. Although she would never admit it to anyone else she somewhat enjoyed the tussle. She was the only one that gave her a challenge which helped her with the built of stress she had from worrying about when or if Catori would come to her. She wanted to hug her sister. Leilani looked at Chenoa and growled before taking off like a rocket. Zion went to stand, "Don't even think about it. You're too weak to chase her down. The worst case scenario is she will pass out from exhaustion." Zion looked concerned, "the power is too much." "Yup, it is and the one person that could help kind of despises you right now, but you're not alone. She hates us all." Chenoa said sarcastically, but Zion heard the hurt behind her words, "what else did they not tell you?" She asked. Zion could tell by her words there was more.  "What is it, Noah," he braced himself. She bit her lip, looking at him, sighing. Finally, she said, "Zion, your parents did not make it." "Mmmmmmm," he whined as if he were in great physical pain. "Both of them?" His head dropped and his shoulders racked with guilt. He howled in despair as he coughed out tears. Not bothering to be strong in front of Chenoa she grabbed his hand and they cried together. So many others were gone, his parents were just the closest to him. Chenoa waited until he had calmed down before reaching inside her pocket and pulling out a list of the fallen in his pack, "the list is still growing Zion, bodies are scattered, and a lot of people missing. This is the confirmed dead as of today." Zion took the list, scanned the names and a fresh batch of tears began to fall. Akoshka had left all of them broken from her heinous crimes. "Is she dead?" "Most likely as I said she has not been much for conversation since her return." Chenoa winced, "A ceremony for the dead will be held in three days, glad you are around for it." Before Zion could respond the voice he had longed to hear for five your could be heard around the world like music to his ears. In the Realm of the heavens "Grand rising, People of Earth, I am Catori Knight, your Chosen. I was created to restore the earth, create balance and bring peace to all. Unfortunately, five years ago I was betrayed by someone I trusted and because of this, the world suffered the wrath of a Goddess. You will suffer no more, you are free to rebuild your homes and your lives. I failed you, I let my guard down. That will never happen again. Please be kind to one another and live your lives to the fullest. Take time to mourn your loved ones. The world has destruction was catastrophic and there is a lot of work to be done, everyone must do their part. Humans have no fear you will not be feasted upon by creatures of the night. Since the beginning of time, we have been there walking among you. The only change is now you know we are there. Please do not pray to me, I am not a God or Goddess again I am your Chosen and I have no desire to be worshiped. Thank you for your time." Catori sat lazily in a bed of flowers as her boys ran around her playing, "how was that mother?" She asked, her snippy tone not missed by Selene, "It will do for now."  "Good," she groaned, laying completely back, taking in the many scents of the flowers surrounding her. Selene studied her, she did not wish to be a nag but Catori had work to do. She had been hiding out since disposing of Akoshka. Emmanuel was looking for a resolution to the situation Selene had created. Today he had come to a decision. "Catori you have been summoned," Selene said to her, Listeria, the land between time and dimensions where men did not go because they were unaware of its existence, is where she and the boys were dwelling. Listeria had springs of healing water which she bathed in constantly, the only soothing thing she had to ease the pain of her wound. She enjoyed her privacy because other than Pegasus or as Catori referred to them unicorns, and a few other creatures there was nothing there. Catori seemed fine with it though, and Selene was fully aware of why. In Listeria she felt no pain from the wound she received from Khrishna because she for the most part soaked the majority of the time or splashed around in the water with her boys. She did not have to deal with what was to come. She could not avoid facing Zion forever or dealing with her sister and Kreis' union. Selene could feel her discontent simmering. She sighed hoping she did not lose control. Catori's eyes never moved from her boys, "It has really been five years?"  Catori watched as her boys chased each other around smiling at them adoringly. "It has dear, I truly missed you." Catori didn't acknowledge Selene's words, instead, she said "I expected them to be babies," her eyes teared up. Poor thing did a lot of crying. Selene worried that the adjustment would be too much for her. "I understand this must be difficult for you." She watched her, lovingly. She did not realize how much she had missed her until she returned. She remembered the first time she called her mother and she did not correct her because she felt like Catori needed the bond. Now she realized she adored the girl and their bond was as close as any mother and daughter could be. She sensed her apprehension, "Catori what is it?" "Nothing, I am fine," Catori said to her and she knew there was no truth in the statement. Selene smiled knowing Catori wore her heart on her sleeve and she would open up when she was ready. "Come, the boys will be fine until we return," Selene said, leading her into the falls of justice. They both knelt at the throne of Emanuel,  "Stand Catori," Emanuel's boisterous, voice commanded, Catori blushed because she found herself comparing that voice to Jams Earl Jones. Emanuel laughed, "Well it's not a terrible comparison," "Oh," Catori's mouth dropped open, she was embarrassed he had read her mind. Catori Knight, you have been summoned because it has been brought to my attention your true origin. A crime punishable by death was committed by my very own child upon your creation. So I have asked myself what should be done about this. It has been recommended that my daughter be put to death and you be named the new goddess of the moon. Catori blinked several times she stumbled back a few feet dumbfounded she looked at Selene as she shook her head wildly, "Mother," Tears sprang to her eyes, "No." "I am sorry Catori I did not know how to tell you," Selene said apologetically. This is too much Catori thought, Catori's head began to spin.  "Catori Knight, how do you feel about this option?" Emanuel asked. "No, I do not wish to be the Moon Goddess. I'm not even a Goddess how could that be? It doesn't even matter. I don't want to do it." Catori said, looking at Selene. "The other option is death! If we put you to death. We can eliminate the problem and Selene can live her life in the garden forever." "So be it," Catori said and the room began to buzz as the Gods and Goddess considered her words.  "So to be clear you would die so Selene could live?" "How is a being created to give peace supposed to live knowing their life brought death? You do not have an issue with the Chosens but with me. So it only makes sense to eliminate me. Mother lives and can hopefully create a new protector for Earth. I have my boys, they will be a wonderful contribution to Earth when they come into their awakening. I can watch them grow from the heavens, um I do get to come to heaven, right?" Catori asked. Emanuel chuckled, "I find it difficult to dislike you, Catori." Catori frowned at the irony of his words, thinking yet we are discussing putting me to death. "The last option Catori is to,"  he looked to one of his advisors, "Issac how do the young say it now,"  "Upgrade you, your majesty," Issac said, "Ah yes, let me upgrade you." Emanual chuckled again. Catori looked over at Selene and saw the slight smirk on her face, what the hell she thought, this was no laughing matter! Catori Knight, what are your thoughts? Catori looked at him with a raised brow, "I don't understand." Catori you are as much a Goddess as any in this room. The only reasonable solution I see to this is making you a goddess officially. "But that means-" Catori paused thinking over his words, "so Mother lives?" "Yes dear, and you will have eternal life here in the heavens," Emanuel said "Who will protect Earth?" Catori asked. "You may, dear until you are ready to rest," Selene said,  "And what will happen to you?" Catori asked Selene, Selene looked at her father. "I am a God of forgiveness, Catori. I could never put Selene to death. She will remain in the garden permanently. You will still be guided by her." "But I will never be with-" Catori paused, the only mate she had was Lusca. She would never see him again after he passed if she was a Goddess or her children. As the Chosen one day she could rest and be with her mother Aponi, her brother Khrishna and her children one day in the other life.  You have time to consider your choices.  "How long do I have to consider this choice," Catori asked, "Oh indefinitely," he chuckled "Indefinitely?" Catori looked at Selene who smiled brightly. Catori smirked at him, so God indeed has a hell of a sense of humor. Emanuel chuckled again looking at Catori, "I suppose I do," "Okay Mufasa," Catori mumbled and he chuckled even harder. Catori smiled, feeling his love and warmth inside, 'My Father is the light Catori and you are part of him, he would never forsake you. You saved his most precious creation, Earth.' Catori stood and listened as Emanuel laid down the law with a list of all the things she was now to do.  "Catori I do have a small gift for you. Just a small act of appreciation." "Oh, and what is that?" Catori asks her eyes glistening with curiosity. Catori left the meeting in total awe, her mind wandering as she thought of all the possibilities that could come from the conversation she had with Emanual. For now, she decided to keep the little secret to herself. Afterward, they joined the boys in the garden. "How do you feel about the rules, father has given you?" Selene asked. Catori shrugged her shoulders, "Checks and balance, I'm okay with it." She said looking at Elijah as he came running at her falling into her lap.  "Mom daddy is awake," Elijah said, looking at her with his big brown eyes. "He is," she whispered. "Can we go home now? I miss daddy." Earth said plopping down beside her. "Of course, you can," Catori said, tickling his stomach.  "Can we sleep with you tonight mom," Elijah asked her. "Yes, I want you to sleep in our room." Earth agreed. Catori looked at her boys and smiled, "boys I will not be staying." Both of their eyes grew big. "Mommy you're leaving us again?" Earth was fighting tears. "Not for long, I have to work, and there are some personal matters that I have to deal with, but I am only a howl away." She said teasingly. Earth smiled but Elijah was not amused. "I'm confused, daddy said when you came back we would be a family." He pointed out. "We are a family, Elijah just not the kind that lives in the same house," Catori explained. "Is it because of Leilani?" Elijah asked. "I like Leilani," Earth chimed in. "I don't, I think she is stupid!" Elijah said. "Elijah, that is not nice. We do not speak unkindly about people that have done us no wrong. Leilani has absolutely nothing to do with this." Catori scolded him. "Now up up up, home we go." The boys jumped up and Earth asked, "Can I take grandma and Leilani, flowers?" "That would be a lovely idea," Catori said, looking at Selene. "Do you want to talk about it?" Selene asked. "No more than you want to talk about her," Catori responded referring to Akoshka as she reached for her boy's hands. "You need to talk to him and her," Selene said to Catori, she tried to keep a straight face as Catori gave her the most grotesque look. "For what?" Catori said with a strained tone, "Catori, she has something that belongs to you," Selene said softly to her. Selene felt her immense pain, she also knew she was teetering on the edge and barely in control. This is why she does not wish to discuss it, she can't handle the thought, better yet a conversation Selene thought to herself. "Mother," Catori said, shaking as she blinked back tears, "If he truly belonged to me, she would not have been able to take him," Catori said with tight lips. "Catori I was not speaking of Zion, the mark transferred some of your energy to her," Selene explained.  "Oh," Catori said simply and nodded before transporting back to earth. Catori looked around at the work they had done. In two weeks they had rebuilt the school and the hospital. The skeleton of the packhouse was there but there was a lot of work to do. Several smaller homes were in place.  Catori felt immediately overwhelmed with emotion. It was too much because not only was she feeling her own, which was purely rage, hate, and disgust. She felt unsureness, apprehension, pain, wants and needs and what are these other… She stiffened as she realized they were the feelings of his new mate.  "Mommy, mom," Elijah pulled at her arm. She looked down and saw the concern on his face and her heart melted. "Find your center." He instructed her. She gave him a loving smile realizing how in tune he was with her emotions. She understood now he was an empath. He felt what she felt, she kneeled in front of him and he placed his hand on her heart. It was the most calming and soothing feeling.  "Thank you, Elijah." She whispered, "You're welcome, mommy." He said to her and she leaned in kissing his head. She absolutely adored her pups. They were so beautiful to her. "Cat!" Catori turned and before she realized it someone was twirling her around. She was placed back on her feet and immediately decided to establish a no-touching rule. "Welcome back. I missed you." Catori blinked a few times, stepping back, "River?" Her mouth dropped open, "Wow! You have gotten even taller and I like the fluffy hair. Nice touch." She said, nodding her head. He went to hug her again and she stepped back, "I don't like being touched, River." She said to him,  He looked surprised but simply nodded his head. "Um, do you think you could make sure the boys are handed back to Zion? I really have a lot of work to do." She said to him, "You're leaving? You just got here." River pointed out. "I know but-" he cut her off in the middle of formulating a decent excuse. "You will be back tomorrow though for the ceremony for the fallen?" He asked her. "Um well, I don't think I'm needed for that. I have-" "Cat, what are you talking about? We lost a lot of people, friends, and family of yours and mine." River said, to her as she had taken a step back the moment he said this. Her expression changed almost as if he had struck her.  "I'll see," Catori said hurriedly, only to turn and stumble right into Zion's arms. She had not heard him even approach. He quickly wrapped his arm around her pulling her to him. It felt like the earth was spinning as her body melted into his. Her mind could not gather a thought because her body was reacting to the sparks that made her tremble. Like electric waves, they flowed through her being. "Ah Cat, sweetheart," he said, inhaling her scent he buried his head in the side of her neck kissing her mating spot, Catori inhaled sharply as it immediately sent a longing between her thighs that she had not felt in five years. His grip tightened and he began to suck so hard on her neck she was sure to have a hickey, it was like they were in the world alone. She could feel all his emotions, joy, pain, relief, his…love rushing through to her as his lips crashed into hers demanding more. His hunger ignited a spark within her that she had not prepared for, He kissed her so passionately, intent on ravishing her he growled, gripping her ass, he pressed into her. River grabbed both of the boys by the hand. As he realized they all were staring. He cleared his throat to get their attention but there was no use. Zion was clearly determined to have his mate and Catori was not putting up any resistance. River turned to lead the boys away; he had just rounded the corner when he heard a huge commotion. Leilani must have sensed Zion's need but it wasn't for her. All she knew was her mate needed an itch scratched and she would not be kept away.  'Oh, boy Alpha you have a problem.' River mind linked Zion, right as Leilani broke free. Zion broke his kiss, coming up for air he looked into her eyes and she instinctively reached out wiping tears from his eyes. "Hi," she whispered as he held her possessively. "Are you really here?" He asked, just as Leilani let out a ferocious growl. Catori took a deep breath, struggling to untangle herself from him, but he refused to unhand her, she cut her eyes at him, trying to push him away. She could feel this woman's anger her jealousy for what she thought was hers. Catori's nostrils began to flare, her anger began to peak. Leilani came charging at them like a bull seeing only red. Someone had, some woman had the nerve, the audacity to touch her mate were Leilani's thoughts as charged to rip the woman into shreds. Catori felt like she was going to explode this bond that Zion created had tied not only him to this woman but she also felt her within every fiber of her being. Catori gave Zion one last shove, growling, "Get your mate, before I f*****g kill her!" She snapped, fuming as she thought it over, "Actually don't let me match that energy,"