The Answer

After what feels like days, the day is finally over. I head home and I see Hope, Lukus, and Everett making string bracelets. Something I see is that Lukus is using his frost over the bracelets. I see that everyone is still wearing their bracelets that Lukus and Hope made up Friday. I start thinking about the possibility that the bracelets are the reason the time isn't affecting us. After all, Lukus got his power from one of the gods so what is to say that another god isn't messing with time. I mean it makes sense and it is the only reason I can think of. I should test my theory before saying anything.

"Guys I'm back."

Lukus hugs me. "Hi dad. I missed you."

"I missed you too kiddo."

Hope smiles up at me. "Hi Uncle M. We are making more string bracelets for yours and daddy's work."

"That is very nice of you, little bud. Now can you help me with something, Hope?"

Hope nods her head as she walks over to me. Everett looks at me a little skeptical but doesn't say anything. Lukus sits back now.

"I just need you to take your bracelet off for a minute."

Everett and Lukus look at me slightly confused. Hope looks down at her bracelet for a second before back at me. "Can I put it back on afterwards?"

"Of course." 

Hope takes off her bracelet. I keep my eye on the clock.

Everett stands up. "I'm going to make dinner now."

Hope smiles and walks over to Everett. "Can I help dad? Can I?"

"Of course you can, honey."

Hope and Everett goes to make dinner. Once they leave, Lukus speaks.

"Why did you ask her to remove her bracelet?"

"I have a theory I want to test."

"What is that theory?"

"It's about the time stuff that is happening."

"You have any answer?" Lukus seems extremely hopeful.

"I might. We will see maybe soon."

"Will it end this?"

"No but I might be able to."

"That's good."

"Yes, it is."

I started helping Lukus pick up everything from making string bracelets. After a little bit, Hope starts talking and walking backwards. I look at the time and it is going backwards. I smile slightly to myself.

"Looks like I was right." I mumble to myself. I put Hope's bracelet back onto her. I smile at her.

"How do you feel?"

"My head hurts and I feel dizzy."

"How about you lay down for a minute?"

Hope nods her head as she lays down on the couch. I get Hope some water and I hand it to her. Hope drinks the water.

"Lukus, can you watch over Hope?"

"Yes, I can."

"Thank you."

I head into the kitchen to help Everett with dinner.

"How did you know that would happen?"

"I didn't know that would happen but I thought it would as it was what made sense."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because us four are the only ones not affected and the main thing we have in common are the bracelets so remove the bracelet and we should be affected and it turns out that I was right. I am just curious if Lukus will be affected."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because it's Lukus' power that is making it so we aren't affected so I am wondering if he will be affected because his powers are part of him. Unless they can be removed but I feel like that would just prove my point farther. Unless he would be seen as a god or part god. Are gods affected by each other? I wouldn't think so if the reason why we aren't being affected is because of a god's power." I kept going on a ramble.

Everett just keeps listening to me as I ramble on as he makes dinner. I keep rambling on until dinner is done.

"Dinner is done. You can talk more after dinner and you will have my full attention."

I didn't realize how long I was rambling for and he was just listening. Why is that kind of hot? I can't be thinking about my best friend. He was just listening to me ramble on, without judging me or stopping me, and even offering to listen to me afterwards. I need to get my head straight. Every time we are alone and out of work I have these thoughts about him. I wonder if it's just because he is here with me on the weekends and he isn't scared of me. I know he has had a hard dating life so maybe I just want to be the exception. I have had these thoughts about him…

"Mallvack? Are you good?" I must have been a little lost in thought.

"Yes. I am good. Sorry. Lost in thought."

"I'm sure that with everything going on you have a lot to process. The kids are waiting for us at the table."

I sit down at the table as we all start eating. There is some small conversation that is happening and I talk now and again but not a lot. After dinner I help take care of everything but Lukus asks to help me instead of letting Everett and Everett allows him to.

"Dad, are you alright?"

"Yes, I am kiddo. Sorry, I have been a little lost in thought."

"About what?"

"Everything, I guess. This is a lot different than normal. Plus, I have you now that I have to take care of."

"It seems like you are stressed."

"I am."

"You should take a break then."

"I will tomorrow. I will be staying here to take care of you and the little dude while Everett goes in to get a few things done."

"What do you need done?"

"Just something that is going to help us a lot with something else."

"What will it be used for?"

"Well I plan on killing the god that put so much responsibility on you at such a young age, but seeing that this is happening, I am assuming that I will have to deal with more than one."

"I want to help."

I look at him, surprised. "What? Why? I know I said that you could but this is dangerous."

"I want to help. Please. You have helped me and I want to know why they chose me. Please. I can be safe but I want to help. I… Just, please. Let me help."

"Fine. I will let you come with me but you will need to train first. You are a good fighter but there are still flukes in your fighting style."