Transfer of power

Bast steps forward to Reika, who looks at him in surprise. He smiles. “Just because you’re new doesn’t make you lesser. Last to join, last of your kind. You are as valued as any member of the family.”

He lays a hand on her shoulder. “This will feel strange, but not unpleasant. Reika, you are now goddess of deception and trickery. Use your power wisely, as you have in the past.”

Reika nods, closing her eyes and shivering. Bast nods, and moves on, standing in front of a grinning Uzume. He chuckles. “Your path is obvious, mighty Oni. Strength and war, as you lived before.”

Uzume grins and flexes, making everyone laugh. Bast smiles, moving on to Kali and Samara, who stand together. “Ahh, the Lilim sisters. So alike and so different. You are stronger together. Kali, you are life and light, while Samara is death and dark. There is no good or evil in this. Death can be mercy, or life can be pain, but without one, the other fades to nothing. Continue supporting each other as you have, and the balance is maintained.”

With a smile, he turns to Clarissa. “Fire, stone, and metal are combined in you. Unir has dominion over them separately, but in you, the alloy is stronger than the size of your parts. Goddess of the forge, you surpass your spiritual father even as you honor him.”

Next, Bast looks at Rachel, who looks rather nervous. He gently pats her shoulder. “The catalyst of all of this. You were there from the beginning, though your emotions weren’t touched until later. Wisdom and motherhood, two traits you have shown even before new life began to grow within you. Continue to be a steadying force within the family, and continue to love them as they all love you.”

He looks down at Yura, who stares back impassively. “A casual observer would think you emotionless, but there is a depth to you that these others can see. Your visions are a blessing and a curse, but you use them to help those you love. Goddess of knowledge, you will continue to be valued for all that you are.”

Bast nods to Lynn, who sits beside Yura. “Little one, you and your kind have been used and victimized for ages. Now you’re safe, and happy. I ask that you guide others down the same path as goddess of the abandoned and oppressed. It is a difficult burden, but I know your small stature in no way matches the size and strength of your heart.”

With a nod, Bast meets Elys’ gaze. “Princess turned runaway. Runaway turned exile. Exile turned bodyguard. Bodyguard turned lover. Your path was long, but it eventually lead you home, in more ways than one. Lover and songstress, now goddess of love and music.”

He glances over his shoulder. “And before you protest, goddess of the wind, love is not sex.”

Sadie giggles, and sits down again, as the others laugh. Bast smiles himself, moving to start in front of you, Maya, and Anna. “And here’s where it all started. Anna, so devoted and so happy in your devotion. You will be goddess of home and loyalty. May you serve forever.”

He looks at Maya fondly. “You are loyal as well, but to the whole family. Savage when you need to be, and willing to do anything for those you love. Your father is proud of you, and your mother would be as well. Goddess of family and protection, be the shield and the sword in defense of the defenseless.”

Finally, Bast meets your gaze. “It’s been a pleasure, Josh. You know what happens when I give you my power. I wish I could stay to see what you become, but I know with these others by your side, only greatness can follow.”

He places a hand on your forehead. “Brace yourself, this will be unpleasant, unfortunately.”

After a pause, he closes his eyes. There is a flash in your mind, and momentary, searing pain.