An aging overweight man who plays too much online gaming receives a gift from Freya, the
goddess of love, lust, beauty, sorcery, fertility, gold, war and death.

Freya's Gift

Chapter 24: Escalation and Revelations

Monday 24 August

It's been a week since we got back from Saginaw and the Rhinehart shoot. This past weekend we had gone to the 'Hunter
Tune-Up' in Eagle Point, Oregon, about 3 hours south from home for us. The shoot was a warm up for the 'Bowtween Seasons
Benefit' shoot to be held in late October.

Bruce was there, with Jolene always at his side, they were very much in love. Dave and Nate had commented that they'd
never seen Bruce so devoted to a single woman before.

Bruce told us that they planned to be married at the 'Bowtween Seasons Benefit' shoot since all their friends would be
there. We congratulated them on their engagement.

We spent the days of the shoot together as a group again, something that became a regular occurrence with us. The nights
however, we cheated and ported back home to sleep in our own beds. Jolene sure seemed to be the perfect woman for Bruce.

The shoot went much as the Rhinehart shoot had with similar results. To say that Helen and Richard were happy was an
understatement. Sale orders for Katie's and my model bows were through the roof, making them doublely happy.

************************************************

With nothing planned until the end of October, we settled into the daily routine of regular life. Lauren and I reveled in
the fact we were to become mothers. And Jimmy was so happy, he never had anything but a smile on his face.

Last week had been nothing but checking on sighting with nothing to show for it. We all took turns checking the reports,
mostly so that Austin, Lauren and Jimmy could get accustomed to be in their alter personas.

At breakfast, Lauren got a call from Greg that they were almost ready with the final editing for the new V.S. add campaign
and would email a copy to us when it was done. Guess they were pushing to get it aired soon.

************************************************

After breakfast, I went to moms to check with Edith on the local sightings. I left early before Lauren and Jimmy were
ready to go. As I went in, Edith rushes to me and gives a big hug and asks if I'm feeling fine.

I answer, "I'm just fine, thanks. Why?"

Edith says. "Just worried you might be having morning sickness is all."

"No, I'm wonderful, never felt better." I say truthfully.

"Well, as long as you're ok then. Want some tea, dear? I have some Earl Gray I just got. Like to try some?"

Being a Trekkie at heart, "I love Earl Grey. Thank you."

She held my hand like a doting mother while we chatted. She told me about a few sightings the locals had mentioned to her
this morning.

As I rose to leave, "Edith, since Lauren and I are sister brides as it were, could I call you Aunt Edith? I would make me
so happy."

She wraps me in her arms and starts crying, "Of course dear. Nothing would make Stan and me happier, We already think of
you as part of the family."

With tears in my eyes, I thank her. I say goodbye and call across to Stan, "Bye Uncle Stan." Stan smiles and waves back.
His buddies try to give him a hard time as I leave.

*************************************************

I called in to report on patrol, and that I was looking into another sighting. Before I got too far along Cappie calls on
my phone to give me some information I might want to know about.

"Freya, have you seen the television at all this morning? The news stations are going crazy!"

"No Cappie, we don't really watch TV at all, why? What's been happening?"

"It's better if you see it first hand. How quick can you get here to headquarters? I've been recording it all, but mostly
it keeps repeating."

I had pulled to the side of the road and parked as Cappie spoke. I knew there was an empty closed garage that I could hide
the car in at HQ. As soon as no one was in sight, I ported the car to it and got out. The garage connected to HQ at the
end of the hallway past Cappie's office and the bathrooms.

Almost as he finishes speaking, I walk into his office, "Is that fast enough Boss?"

He just hangs up the phone without asking how I'd gotten there so fast. He was really learning that it was better to be
kept in the dark about some things.

"Sit down and watch." Pushing play on the DVR. "You want some coffee or something?"

"No, I'm good, thanks." And he leaves as I watch the news reports.

If what the news reports were saying was true, then we had a major problem on our hands. And not just locally. The news
was reporting that there had been sightings around the globe. There was video footage showing Tera monsters in differaent
places across the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa. Local police and militia's were not coping too well. And when they
did, the ruination of the environment was near catastrophic.

Cappie came back with his coffee, looking haggard and worn out, like the weight of the world had ended up on his
shoulders. I turned off the TV and looked him in the eye.

"Cappie, I'm afraid that the time has come. And you need to meet someone before you can talk to the higher ups about all
this." I take his hands in mine, "Do you trust me Nathan? What I'm about to show you is all real. But it will stretch your
limits of sanity. But you have to believe it's true. Now, will you trust me?"

Cappie stares into my eyes, the intensity I put forth startles him a little. "Freya, I've only known you a short while,
but everything I know, and sense about you, tells me to trust in you. If we can help out all those people, I have to."

I close the blinds in Cappie's office and before I close the door, tell his aide that Captain Parker doesn't want to be
disturbed for any reason. And locked the door.

I take Cappie's hands again, "Godess FREYA, Hear your daughter, we need to see you. Please call us to your wise
countenance. Summon your 'Star'."

Cappie begins to look like I've gone off the deep end. But before he can speak his mind. We are transported to FREYA's
garden in Asgard, as are the others. Lauren, Katie, Austin and Jimmy are looking confused.

We turn as FREYA alights, I run to her embrace. "Goddess mother, our world is overrun with the monsters that plague Tera
and other worlds." The others look shocked at the news, they hadn't heard yet.

FREYA speaks, "Be at ease, my children, I have seen it also. I have been in session with Oden All-Father and Thor and they
now realize the mortal peril your world faces."

I ask, "Who is behind all these attacks? Surely this is the work of some individual, bent of the ruin of earth."

Cappie gains his voice, "My lady, I take it that you are in a position to give us the knowledge we seek."

FREYA, "You have done well Cappie! to protect my forests, and I thank you for allowing my goddaughter to extend our
protection as much as has happened." Then FREYA frowned. I have never seen her unhappy before this, and we all feel her
emotions. "We are tracking leads even now. Heimdall searches for any clue as to whom is responsible."

I ask FREYA, "But mother, how will we deal with all these beasts? They are too widespread for the five of us to deal with.
And the armies can do it, but at the expense of so much damage."

FREYA takes us all into her embrace sensing our enhanced fear. "Children, we must expand our influence. Other 'Stars' must
be formed around the world, to do as you have done in your part of the world. The Gift must needs be given to more like
you and your family, daughter."

"What do we tell our people to do?" I say. The others saying the same thing.

FREYA lowers her voice, "We have been too long away from your world, and it is time to correct that lapse in judgement."

The next moment we are all back in Cappies now crowded office. Wondering what FREYA had meant by her remark.

************************************************

Before we can gather any consensus, Cappie's aide is beating on the door. Cappie yells we're busy in here right now.
His aide, "Better turn the tv on, you're going to want to see THIS."

Austin is closest to the set and flips it on. There is a white haze on the screen. Changing channels show that everyone
has the same thing. Then, as we are about to turn it back off. FREYA's image appears on the tv. Her lips don't move, but
everyone hears her voice.

"Children of the Earth, do not fear me. I am FREYA, goddess of the Asgard from your neglected past. I speak to you now, to
let you know that I have heroes among you to stop these vile monsters from destroying your world." She allows her
statement to settle. "I am looking for other unique individuals to help these heroes. The five already among you are
called my 'Star'. I need to create more 'Stars' to protect the world from these beasts. I will visit those I deem worthy
and offer my 'Gift'. If you accept my 'Gift', you will be rewarded more than you can imagine. Be at peace my children!"

With that, the screen went blank again. Moments later, when the stations resumed regular broadcasting, all the channels
were abuzz with talk of what had happened. Some stations played it off as some cyber stunt to scare the world. Most
thought there was some merit to it, as cited by the reports of the otherworldly creatures evident around the world.

Many stations were wondering just who the current 'Star' members were. This was something that couldn't go public. If it
did, our lives would forever be in the spotlight.

************************************************

We decided to keep our secret among those in the room. Knowledge was on a need to know basis. Anytime we went against
monsters now we'd have to wear masks to hide our identities. Everyone agreed that the masks would be necessary. Cappie
needed to know some of the background, why we were able to battle the creatures without damage. We told him about the game
and how it was used to try and cleanse the planet Tera, which was a parallel world of our earth. Cappie seemed to take it
all in stride.

The only current threat in the Americas was in the rain forests of Brazil. Lauren and Jimmy made calls to clear their work
day, so we could deal with the threat.

Lauren had the idea to use party masks that she had in the store. So before we left for Brazil, she popped over and picked
up the masks for us. When she was back, the masks she displayed were all a different color for each of us, and made from
exotic feathers. Cappie suggested using bandanas to hide more of our faces, just as bandits did in the old west. I had
enough in my patrol car to suit our needs, so we were set and ready to go.

We all went to the garage where I had hidden the car. After getting the bandanas and passing them out, we called our
armour and then our friends. When Gilbert and the rest showed up in the shed, little room was left to move around. Cappie
was only shocked for a fraction of a moment and then told us 'Good Luck'. Cappie left us to our final preparations before
leaving.

Gilbert says, "FREYA has told us about the current situation, and we are ready when you are." Looking around at all of
them, they each nodded in turn.

We hop on our friends' backs and I say, "To Brazil family."

*************************************************

In Brazil, we found through contacting the local police, the location of the monsters in question. When they tried to stop
us, we just ran and then ported away. When we got to the site overlooking this outbreak, we were met with a formidable
sight.

Arrayed before us, was a small army of Kumas and Battlemasters, about a hundred of them combined. Our enhanced sight
allowed us to see that they were fairly low level monsters, none of them over level 45.

We decide to start at one end of the valley and just work our way through them. The work wasn't very tough, but it was
grinding us with the total number of them all. Fortunately, they didn't re-spawn as in the game, we still took breaks for
healing and resting. At one point when we are resting up for the next round, we spotted a number of helicopters in the
area. They were mostly news choppers, but a few looked to be government flown. At least they didn't get in our way.

It took the better part of the day to rid the large valley of all the monsters. Searching for clues afterwards proved
fruitless. Before we could leave, a local village chief approached and thanked us for saving their valley, "The blessed
mother has sent you, for our salvation. Please allow us to thank you properly." In his broken English. "Please sit with us
and eat, to the blessed mother."

We thought it would be extremely rude to leave without at least sitting for awhile with the village people. "We would be
honored to eat with your people. What is the name of your tribe?"

The elder says, "In your speak, we are called 'The Bird People' or 'the People of the Flying Valley'. Please follow me,
our honored guests."

Once we reach the village close by. The elder shows us their temple of 'The Blessed Mother'. The shock was that they had
an image of their deity, the very likeness of FREYA.

When asked, "Is this how the mother appears to you?" I say.

The elder responds, "Oh yes, it is a very good likeness of her, why do you ask?"

I tell him, "Your Blessed Mother, is also goddess mother FREYA. It is by her gifts that we are here to protect the land
from destruction."

He turns to his people and in their own tongue tells them that we are gifted by the 'Mother' and are to be treated with
the greatest respect. This we learned through Gilbert, who translated. The people are not surprised to hear Gilbert speak.

As we sit with the people, Gilbert and our other friends rest near to us. Earning as much attention as we do, especially
from the children. Through the course of the evening we each are approached by the members of the tribe. One older woman
sat before me and spoke a long while. The elder was having trouble finding the proper words, so Gilbert translated for
him.

Gilbert speaks for the woman, "I am happy to finally meet another, gifted as I was many years ago. I too was born a male
and lived an unhappy life, until the 'Mother' made we a woman. It was then that I found love and happiness. I married a
wise man who became our village elder, and together we raised many fine sons and daughters. And we enjoy them and our
grandchildren. The 'Blessed Mother' has given you a second life, and I can tell that you and your sister wife are both
with child. 'Praise The Mother'."

I start to cry and reached for the old woman, Lauren joins us in the embrace. When we broke, I asked Gilbert, "Please tell
the revered lady that we thank her for her words and I will cherish them always."

The elder says as she moves to his side, "My wife is the village seer. She told us you were coming to help. The 'Mother'
has ever been her guide to all things." And kisses the old woman.

Before we left at the end of the night, we found one person who had seen a pair of oddly dressed men speak to the
creatures when they first showed up in the valley. He said they looked like priests of a sort, one was subservient to the
other who carried a staff with a glowing crystal. It was something, but not enough.

We thank the elder for his village's hospitality and said Goodnight.

************************************************

We ported back home for a well earned rest. We spent the remainder of the evening cuddling in bed and waited for sleep to
overcome us.

*************************************************

Tuesday

The next morning I awoke before Lauren and Jimmy and slipped into the bathroom. After doing my business I decided on a
soak in the bath. So after I got comfortable, I was joined by Margie, waddling in the door and sliding into the bath.

With a contented sigh, Margie says, "I could really get used to this, it reminds me of after I hatched and momma would
take us to a hot spring. But this is so much better, no stink of sulfur to endure."

"I'm glad you can enjoy it Margie. Where's Gilbert this morning?"

Lauren wades in with us before Margie answers. "Mmmm, that's so nice."

Margie then says, "Gilbert is checking on FREYA's other 'Stars', two were created last night while you were sleeping."

I was intrigued and asked, "What do you know about the other groups Margie?"

"Only that that one is from Europe, and the other in Asia. All the members are Tera gamers as well. And live in the
relative areas they will protect." She said.

I say, "Hopefully we'll learn more soon. I'm going to get breakfast started."

Lauren says, "No you aren't, Jimmy is already making breakfast for us. Pancakes with mixed berries and whipped cream.
Mmmm. I love a man who knows how to take care of his women!"

I laugh and say, "With breakfasts like that too often. We're both going to get fat before our baby bumps even show."
Lauren laughs at that.

"We'll just need to teach him the proper care of prenatal women."

We both get out and dry off and head for the kitchen. When we get there, Katie and Austin are already into their pancakes.

Jimmy and Austin are the only ones with clothing, albeit boxers. We girls feeling free to go without.

Austin barely blushes, he must be getting used to seeing women naked by now. Jimmy says, "Not that I mind, but, do the
three of you plan on living the nudist life at home?"

The three of us almost to the word just claim we had just got cleaned up and hadn't dressed yet is all.

Katie quips, "Besides, what's wrong with skin? Everybody has it, so what?" Smiling.

I add, "If Jimmy keeps feeding us this fattening breakfasts, no ones going to want to see us naked."

Jimmy scoffs at us, "For your information my good woman, the pancakes are gluten-free, the berries without sugar and the
whipped cream is non-fat. So eat up my lovelies."

As I pour the tea for Lauren and I, "Healthy and delicious, just what an expectant mother of twins needs! Right, Lauren!"

Lauren high fives, as I come to the table, "You got that right sister! We knew there was a reason to let this guy into
'our' bed." And we both blow Jimmy a kiss.

Jimmy smirks, "I love you too, dears! And thank you for that privilege, I am forever in your debts." And bows to us. We
girls giggle at that and Austin laughs loudly.

After eating and cleaning we all get dressed for our respective days at work and school. The best part about Katie and

Austin being together, is that while Katie is by no means a slacker when it comes to studying, Austin is more focused and
that is affecting her too. Now, instead of lazing for a while and then going into school, she goes with Austin, and spends
her extra time before classes working ahead and planning for their futures.

************************************************

At Moms, Edith has little news for us. Though she does have a revelation that surprises us all.

When we walked in, Edith gave us hugs and asked how her favorite nieces were doing, patting us on the tummies. We assure
her we're just fine. Then she says, "I just hope you are all careful when you are fighting these things The beautiful
goddess spoke of."

Lauren looks shocked, "Aunt Edith, what makes you say such a thing?"

Edith stares at us, "Come on, I'm not going to tell anyone. Besides, it was obvious, really."

I say, "Why is it obvious? I don't understand."

Looking at me, "I'm a lot smarter than most people around here give me credit for. A goddess speaks to the world. Her name
is FREYA, the same as yours, and says she will gift others to help as she has already done." She smiles big and gives me
another hug, "Then there was also how when I first met you, it seemed you were trying a little too hard to fit in. Can I
guess that you used to be a man, Freya?"

"Yes, but.... how could you.... " I stammered in shock.

"It's alright dear, not many people would have picked up on it. I just spend a lot of time watching people, and see past
their looks. And what I saw in you is that, you are a beautiful person inside. Add that to the goddess yesterday, well.

Besides, being with child, your all woman."

All I can say is, "Bless the goddess for you Edith." And squeeze her so tight.

Edith just says, "No, bless you, for making me happy for Lauren, and making us all a family."

Jimmy laughs and says, "Well, just wait till you meet our 'pets'. You may want to sit down for that one."

We all join in as Edith looks confused.

************************************************

There are no threats in our immediate area to worry about. After checking in with dispatch to clock in, I got the regular
notice to call Cappie. When Cappie answered the phone, he asked, "How'd things go yesterday? Everyone is okay, I hope?"

"Yes Cappie, all are fine. We were late getting back because the local villagers wanted us to eat dinner with them. We had
a great time."

"Any info of who's responsible for all this?"

I tell him, "Some info, but nothing solid yet. Although I have a feeling in the back of my mind, I just can't figure it
out though." I sighed, "Oh well, it'll come to me, I'm sure of that."

Cappie says "It's like someone is playing a game with the world, as if it was some cosmic joke."

"Yes.... but, no, it's still not coming to me." I said.

************************************************

Through the day, we heard through news sources about small incursions in the USA and Canada. Each of the five of us took
turns dealing with them. At lunch time, Jimmy dealt with giant spiders in the Arizona desert. Lauren and I took care of a
small group Battlemaster beasts in the Yukon wastes.

In the Yukon, we had some small luck, with the beasts, were a couple of more or less humanoid creatures. We made them talk
before dealing swift justice. What we learned was, though they gave no name, the man behind all of the incusions was a man
dressed in green and gold, with long black hair. He also spoke in an arrogant tone.

That tickled something more in the back of my mind. But still not there.

*************************************************

At home for dinner, chicken Parmesan with rice and mixed veggies. We decided we needed a more direct source for news, and
Lauren magiced a huge flat panel tv, we mounted it above the fireplace. Now when I say magiced, I mean, what she made, was
larger than anything available.

Sitting on the sofa, the three of us tracked the news of any events pertaining to the creatures. Flipping through channels
between news stations, Jimmy passed a movie playing. He kept going to a news station.

Something clicked, "Wait, Jimmy go back to that movie quick."

Jimmy says, "What is it?"

I said, "I think I saw something that puts it all together. Please go back."

"Okay," Switching back. The movie is an action flick with Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson. "The first Avengers
movie? What did you see Freya?"

"Let's just watch a bit." We settle in and start watching, paying close attention. There's a scene where Ironman lands on
the balcony of his penthouse tower. And a man in green and gold with long black hair, and a scepter with a glowing blue
crystal. Loki.

All of us put it together at the same moment, "Loki, he's the one responsible for all this. It all makes sense now." I
say.

Lauren asks, "What do we do now?"

Jimmy states, "To fight a god, you call a god. Or in our case, A goddess, FREYA."

Jimmy's right. "Pause the movie." Then I close my eyes, "FREYA, godmother, hear your children's call. Please come to us,
we have important information you need to see. And you may want to bring Thor with you. Please mother we beg you!"

The next moment a flash and bang. From outside the house, it must have looked like a flash grenade had gone off. Standing
in our living room was our goddess FREYA and beside her the mighty Thor. Now, I know everyone has this vision of Chris
Hemsworth, and you wouldn't be far off the mark. The real life Thor was a bit bigger in height and weight, more like the
original comic book version. Only with redder than blonde hair.

Freya says, "I can sense your distress, child, what, pray news do you offer?"

Thor takes my hand, "A pleasure to meet you, young one. FREYA speaks very highly of you and your friends. Please tell us,
what is this great news you speak of?"

I speak to Thor, "It's a great honor to meet you, Thor. As a child, you were always the one hero I wanted to be like."
Smiling at him. Then, "We have something you need to see first, please sit and be welcome in our home."

As they sat on the sofa, god, pardon the pun, it seemed so surreal to have what until recently, were, mythological persons
sitting on our sofa. As Jimmy backs the play up and started the movie playing. After 30 minutes or so, I motioned for
Jimmy to freeze the action on a still of Loki.

Thor is the first to speak, "These images, while not true, do bear some merit of symmetry. My brother does wear very
similar vestments, and the haughty attitude is well placed."

FREYA seems puzzled, something I never would have thought to see on her wise and knowing face.

I say, "We, Lauren and I, had a chance to question a few lackies, earlier today. And the man they described giving orders
bore a resemblance to this actor portraying your brother Loki. We think that Loki is the one responsible for all these
problems, both here and on Tera."

FREYA says, "I agree with you daughter, it is much like him to play with people this way. What say you Thor, do you
concur?"

"Yes FREYA, I do. My brother is overfond of playing the fox in the hen house. Your 'daughter' does you justice. A very
bright young woman."

"You flatter too much, but, thank you truly. But now how do we deal with your brother?"

Thor smiles, but FREYA answers, "You leave that to us immortals. You have enough to deal with for now, with the
incursions, and in the months to come the little ones. But there is one additional thing I can do."

Lauren asks, "What would that be?"

FREYA says, "I am certain that Loki knows how close you five are to my heart, and there is a great likelihood that he will
try to use that to his advantage. I will add to the charms guarding you, so that he cannot harm you or the children you
carry."

With that, the goddess took the five of us into her embrace and held us for some time. She spoke words that none of us
understood, probably ancient Norse or such. As she spoke, a glow enveloped us within her hold. The colors changed as she
recited her litany, from pink to blue, orange to green, purple to yellow, and every color of the rainbow.

At long last, FREYA releases us, leaving the deepest feelings of love and kindness, and of being at one with the universe.
FREYA says, "I just hope that I did not over do that. If I did, anyone you are close to will be affected when you are
near."

Feeling an almost high of euphoria, Jimmy asks, "What exactly do you mean by that?"

"Not all that much really, just that some around you will feel more caring and at ease." Smiling, "For now, just go about
the usual. Just be a little more careful. And if you run up against Loki directly, port away and call to me, I will show
up with Thor, and deal with the 'fox'."

In parting, Thor kissed all the girls' hands and shaking hands with Austin, he gave Jimmy a bear hug and whispered in his
ear. Jimmy slapped him on the back and said, "Sure thing, you can count on me." Then another blinding flash and clap of
thunder, ringing our ears, they were gone.

We all asked Jimmy what that last had been about. He smiled and said, "Thor just told me to take good care of Lauren and
Freya." His smile got broader and adds, "He said that I'd fit in Asgard fine with two beautiful women at my side."

End of Chapter 24