1 Epilogue | The Gift That Keeps on Giving Itself Away

A chorus of anonymous complaints echoed around whatever white-space, astral projection bullshit they were suffering in, but one complaint rang out loudest:

"Your abilities are a gift, and you wish to use your gift maliciously for-"

"Gifts are given," Ulrik interrupted, "We weren't given this. We were born with this. Thus, we choose what we do with it."

"Your choices affect others around you." another complaint ra-

"We're aware," Rufus chipped in. A big, boyish smile masked his face.

"You're harming others."

Trenton shrugged. "All mortals die eventually."

The three just continued to volley back any and all complaints thrown at them, and sure as rain, they kept being thrown.

"Your actions are child-like."

Ulrik grinned lazily. "That's a harsh blow, love."

"You're being ordered to shape up. Otherwise, actions to shape you up will be taken."

"Oh. I'm shaking." Rufus chuckled, still taking the barking words around them as a school-yard scolding. After all, the whole ordeal was a merry-go-round of complaints and cliché counter taunts.

"Now is not a time for games. You all shall vouch to change your actions under the eyes of the council."

The three now decided to look up to see the hundreds of other eyes peering down at them with an intense fury. They represented the best ideals of nature, and balance was their main goal. The actions of the three disrupted balance, so action had to be taken against them.

Trenton's expression remained indifferent and Ulrik managed to look even cockier. Rufus was the only one who wavered slightly. He exchanged glances with the other two, so Trenton nodded discretely to Rufus.

"We'll discuss the matter," Trenton conceded.

"It's not a discussion. It's a command."

"Command?" Ulrik chuckled. "No one can command us to do anything."

"We'll see about that."

"Is that a threat?" Ulrik challenged.

"Yes. And you have one last chance to come to reason."

Trenton and Ulrik glanced at Rufus since he seemed to be the wariest. They spoke with their eyes, and they wouldn't make a final decision until Rufus felt one hundred percent okay with it. To Trenton's and Ulrik's surprise though, Rufus broke eye contact before the conversation had finished and looked to the council.

"We've made our decision," Rufus began, "You're right about all you've said. Our actions have been selfish, reckless, and utterly immature. It's only reasonable now that we'd tell you to go fuck yourself."

Rufus relished in his moment with a smug smile…for, well, a moment, but Rufus' smile quickly disappeared, and seconds later so did he.

"Where did he go?" Ulrik demanded.

"The farthest he can possibly be from the both of you."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Trenton snarled.

"Tre-"

Trenton's head whipped around to look at Ulrik, but Ulrik was cut short as he dissipated into nothingness as well.

"Before you met each other you seemed to behave, so we're keeping you all as far apart as you can possibly be."

Trenton smirked. "We scare you that much, huh?"

And just like that, Trenton was gone.