“I swear to god, Toji, if we’re late I’m going to rip your freakin’ wings off!” Ynda yelled from just behind his right shoulder.

He glanced back at her, giving her his signature crooked grin. “Just blame Dad,” he laughed. “I do.”

She stuck her tongue out and flapped her wings harder, a stream of silver light shooting out behind her. Even midair, she was still trying to adjust her jacket and ribbons, assured she could fix her hair the second they landed. Toji, on the other hand, left his jacket unbuttoned, his bright red hair a tangled mess as always. She was just happy his boots were clean for once. 

“We can’t be late for this, Neko, you know that.”

“So fly faster!” he laughed and took off with another burst of speed, leaving her cussing after him, exerting another burst of energy to try and catch up. 

The world around them flew past in a brilliant show of green hills flooded with new flowers and a running river that fell over the edge of a cliff, similar to the one they lived on. They zipped through mountains and trees, watching as a herd of wild deer ran under them, following their shadows. Ynda couldn’t help but smile. As annoyed as she was with her older brother, she had to admit that flying through the Veil like this was really fun. Especially when they were able to see landscapes they hadn’t in a while.

The sky was a clear blue, white clouds drifting lazily around, the air smelling of summer. She took in a deep breath and let out a whoop of excitement. Toji laughed and followed suit, the two firing off playful yells as they hurried to their destination. Before long, it came into sight and their noises died away. They exchanged a glance and Toji’s face twisted in annoyance. He really didn’t want to be here but they had no choice.

They spotted a figure standing on the bridge, his arms folded over his chest, his foot tapping impatiently. Toji grinned and he shot up into the air, did a somersault, and landed in a pose, one fist to the ground, the other on his thigh, his brilliant blue and red wings stretched out behind him. Alerik Albright wasn’t impressed.

Ynda landed a few feet from her brother, raking her fingers through her long blonde hair. “Sorry, we’re late, Uncle,” she said, hurrying to the large entrance hall, her wings retracting gracefully into her back.

Toji stood, frowning. “What the hell?” he demanded, hands out at his sides, palms up. “I thought that was cool.”

“Of course you did,” Alerik said in his usual flat tone. “Button your jacket, Highness. I won’t have you dishonoring your father, especially today.”

Toji rolled his eyes, his own wings disappearing. “I don’t dishonor Dad,” he muttered. He buttoned his blue and gold jacket anyway, running a hand through his hair, trying to tame the chaos that continued to resist no matter what he did. A lock of hair bounced back over his eyes and he sighed, tugging on his lapels as they reached the door. 

Ynda grabbed his arm and hissed in his ear, “Don’t draw any attention to yourself like you did last time.”

“Seriously, Yin, let it go,” Toji sighed as they hurried into Gods Hall, Alerik leading them around the back of the crowd toward the front where the rest of their family was waiting. One of the archangels was talking, making a speech honoring his father for all he had done in the last few years for the Divine Realms and on Earth.

As they maneuvered with practiced stealth through their group to their spots, Toji said through their link, Besides, you can’t pretend like you didn’t have any part in it. 

The wave she sent back made him choke back a laugh. Alerik leaned down and whispered, “Don’t forget, you’re being watched. Behave yourself, Highness.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Toji whispered back, taking his place between Ynda and their Pater who didn’t even bother to look his way. Their little brother, nine year old Havik, looked up at him with their father’s red eyes and stern expression. 

You’re late, was all he said before looking away.

Toji grimaced and faced forward along with the rest of the group. He looked up, scanning the massive hall, taking in the vast amount of Divine that occupied the space. It had been a long time since he had seen entities from all three Realms and it was staggering. He was proud of his fathers for making something like this happen. If not for Hawk and Hero Grace Helman, along with Hawk’s counterpart, Nox Graves, the Devil King of the Fifth Realm, none of them would be here now, honoring Hero. In the middle of the Hall was a large rounded platform that extended from one of the many entrances. Being on this platform was always nerve wracking; Toji, not liking being the center of attention to begin with, hated feeling like all eyes were on him, especially when all those eyes weren’t exactly friendly to him to begin with.

There were three rhythmic taps on his left shoulder but he didn’t turn around. He knew who it was without having to look.

“Dad said you’re in for another three hour set for being late,” Lukas Franks whispered in his ear. 

Toji inwardly groaned and tried to keep a look of annoyance off his face. “Technically, it wasn’t my fault,” he whispered, leaning back just enough for Lukas to hear him. “It’s genetic.”

Lukas snorted softly, covering it up with a polite cough. “Tell me later.” He caught the sidelong look Hawk shot his way and he stepped back, folding his hands behind his back. Hawk looked down at his oldest who was only an inch shorter than himself.

Do I even want to know? He asked.

Toji’s right blue eye caught his father’s own sapphire blue ones and he gave a small grin. Hawk’s eyebrow twitched and he fought back a smile. Ynda nudged Toji’s arm and both father and son straightened, properly chastised. 

“It is with great pride and privilege,” the archangel said, holding up a gold rope with silver inlay, “that I present the cord of Divine Honor and welcome Mid-God Hero Grace Helman to Gods Hall.” 

Hero stepped forward, dignified and regal in his blue uniform, amber and red trim accentuating each line, the kingdom’s crest emblazoned on the back; a bright star centered in a stone, runes in Divine text above reading Beauty and Strength, and below the family motto: When a star shines as bright as a god, it cannot be destroyed. His blonde hair was slicked back, his long braid hanging over his right shoulder, the amber, red, and blue beads bright in the Hall’s light.

The archangel, Toji didn’t know which one, turned around and placed the cord around Hero’s shoulder, hooking it under his epolet. He patted Hero’s shoulder and said something Toji couldn’t hear. Not that it mattered since everyone had begun clapping, himself included.

Hero smiled, thanking the archangel, and took a few steps forward, bowing to the rest of the crowd before turning back to rejoin his family. His eyes fell on Toji and his smile faded. 

Toji winced. Shit.

Ynda looked up at her brother, sympathy and concern in her eyes. She took his hand and squeezed it, reminding him he wasn’t alone. He didn’t even look at her; he was in trouble and they all knew it. He was always in trouble with his dad. Ynda was silently glad that their summer vacation was coming up and they could escape the Veil and the rest of the Divine realms for a couple months. Toji needed to get away more than the rest of them did and she knew it. They all did.

Hero took his place next to Hawk, and the archangel moved on to the next honoree for this event, Toji Grace Helman. He sighed as the Divine rambled on his many accomplishments and achievements, including the revolt he had successfully helped to tamp down from the Second Realm of Hell.

Please just hurry up and get this over with, Toji groaned. He stiffened as he realized that he had sent that through the family link. His eyes snapped to his fathers who glared at him. Havik rolled his eyes and Ynda suppressed a smile. She was no fan of these formal events any more than he was. If Dad wasn’t annoyed before, he certainly was now. When it was time to step forward to receive his blue cord, he stood at attention like the proper God Prince he was supposed to be, a representative of the Veil, a Child of the Veil itself. He thanked the presenter, bowed to the assembly, and returned to his place. 

“Bury me under the pool,” he whispered to Lukas. 

His best friend shook his head, a lock of brown hair bouncing on his forehead, an apologetic grin on his face.

“I hate you,” Toji mouthed before turning back around.

Lukas leaned forward, his lips close to Toji’s ear. “You couldn’t if you tried.”

Chloe, Lukas’ sister, tugged on his sleeve and he stood up straight again.

Toji just hoped he survived his father’s wrath long enough to try and hate anyone.

-*-

“How many times, Toji?” Hero bellowed, his voice echoing through the large office. “How many times have I told you to take your duties and responsibilities more seriously? Do you have any idea how many excuses I had to make for you again today?”

“I’m sorry, Dad,” Toji said, head down, hands behind his back. Ynda was standing against the wall awaiting her own tongue lashing. Hawk leaned against the window that faced the large desk, his arms and ankles crossed, his own eyes on the floor. 

“What did I say last night?”

“That I’m a representative of the Helman Kingdom and need to act as such,” Toji recited. “Including being on hand to greet and welcome all dignitaries and—”

“Not that,” Hero cut him off. 

Toji swallowed, his eyes on the floor, his hands shaking behind him. “That if I was late to the ceremony I wouldn’t be able to go on vacation with the rest of the family.” He did his best to ignore the knot that was forming in his stomach.

Hero stared at him, his eyes hard. “Tell me why I shouldn’t change my mind.”

Toji wanted to look to Ynda, to plead for her to help him. He even sent a silent call out to their own personal link but she shook her head.

I’m sorry, Neko, I can’t help you this time. I’m in it, too.

She had a point. They were both late and it was his fault. He could be a smartass like he always was and blame Hero but that wouldn’t work this time and he knew it. 

“Toji,” Hero said. Toji’s eyes rose to meet his father’s. “Tell me what was so important, you felt it was okay to risk going back to Helman Hall with everyone? To risk Ynda’s chance to go.”

Toji could feel his sister jerk at that. Dammit…

“Um…”

“Don’t ‘um’ me, use your words.”

Toji shifted his weight on the balls of his feet. “Would it help if I said it was an accident?” he muttered.

“No.”

Of course not. He was careful to keep that one to himself. His shoulders slumped and, after a quick glance at Ynda, faced his father and said, “I was training with Finn.”

“Oh for god’s sake…” Hero threw his hands in the air and began pacing. “That explains why he wasn’t at the ceremony. Nox is probably having a field day with him right now.”

“Wouldn’t doubt it, honestly,” Ynda muttered. 

Hero stopped pacing and turned his attention to her. She stood up straight and hurried to Toji’s side, taking up the same position as he. 

“Tell me what happened.” This was directed to Ynda.

She glanced up at Toji once before looking back at their father. “We met up with Finn this morning at the border. It was supposed to be a quick lesson, a combo attack we wanted to learn. We didn’t realize how late it was until Finn’s aide said something.”

“Please tell me you at least took your uniforms with you.”

The siblings both fidgeted and their eyes went to the floor. “No,” they admitted in unison. “We had to go back to the house,” Toji said. “That’s what made us late.” He fingered the stone that was attached to a hemp cord wrapped around his wrist. “I’m sorry, Dad, I really am.”

Hero put his hands together and steepled them under his nose. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. “Your uniforms were ready for you.”

“Yes,” they said.

“It shouldn’t have taken you more than ten minutes to get dressed and ready and get to Gods Hall.”

“I know,” they said.

“So then, aside from training with a demon in the Veil, what else made you late?”

Toji swallowed and gripped the stone. He couldn’t answer; he really didn’t want to. How could he even explain it anyway? Dad would never believe him; as far as he was concerned, all Toji ever did was lie. Ynda reached out with her energy, enveloping him in warm comfort. He looked over at her, bewildered. She smiled up at him then turned to their father.

“He was reliving a memory.”

Hero froze. Hawk’s head snapped up and they both stared at Toji who’s face paled.

“Another one?” Hawk asked, eyes wide.

Toji slowly nodded.

“Wait, what do you mean ‘another one’?” Hero asked, looking back at Hawk. 

Hawk kept his gaze focused solely on his son. “He had one a month ago,” he said quietly. 

Hero turned back to Toji who couldn’t meet his gaze. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Would you have believed me if I had?” His tone was harsh but he couldn’t disguise it. “Besides, all you’ve cared about was that stupid ceremony and making sure I was in perfect form for it.” He turned his strange eyes on Hero, his neck flushing just above his collar. “All you care about is making sure I look and act like a proper Prince. I couldn’t talk to you about anything, you wouldn’t listen. So yeah, I told Pater instead.” His hands fell to his sides, clenched in shaking fists. “He actually listens.”

Hero didn’t say anything, he didn’t even blink. He just stared. 

Ynda cleared her throat. “Daddy, it honestly was an accident that we were late,” she said gently. “We were already dressed when it happened and he froze at the cliffside. I tried to get his attention but—”

“Forget it, Yin,” Toji said. “He doesn’t care. He never does.” With one last parting glare, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the room, past Havik who was waiting just outside with Arla and Noah Albright, their cousins. He didn’t even stop to say hi. Havik watched him leave, catching the look of hurt and anger in his brother’s face. He glanced into the office, at his fathers’ stunned expressions and Ynda’s straight back, her long blonde hair falling in waves down to her waist.

“What was that about?” Noah whispered.

Arla and Havik shook their heads.

In the office, Hero came back to himself. “Go on home,” he said to his daughter. “Your punishment is the same as Toji’s. Extra sets and two more lessons with Gabriel.”

“What?!” she exclaimed. “Toji just got the extra sets with Uncle Jordan! Why do I have to have lessons with Gabriel?”

Hero turned away. “Because I said so.”

Ynda clenched her fists and looked past Hero to Hawk. He nodded, dismissing her. She turned on her heel and rushed out of the office, slamming the door shut behind her. She glanced at her little brother and the twins. 

“C’mon, we’re going home,” she said to Havik.

“But—”

“Now, Havik,” she said, ending the argument before it began.

“See ya,” the twins said. Havik nodded and followed his sister.

-*-