Finished with his Interface, Josh stood up next to Sen flexing and stretching the new geisha-sized feet he was sporting. He also nodded his thanks for ripping of the proverbial band-aid with his non healing legs so they could get back on the road–

  Sen did a grinning double take and made a show of comparing their heights with a hand from the top of his head to Josh’s ever so slightly, but still lower head.

  Staring straight into Sen’s eyes, Josh realized that Sen was taller than he was. ~That Sumerian bastard midgetized me! The next time see him I’m gunna—~

  ~What are you gunna do, my short brother?~ Sen was now definitely at least an inch taller. Josh, sent him a cheerless grin. ~Well I’m…I’m gunna hope that Cronos finds a convenient orifice to shove that jagged toothed saw into. I’ve a few suggestions if he needs one–

  ~Noted. And I already have. The four Sumarians have been removed from the field. At this point your rest stop is over. It is time for your reengaement. Despite your recent performance…We apparently still have optimistic expectations regarding this match

  ~Cronos?! How are you using our Karmic Bond?!? It is supposed to be unique to us!~ The simultaneous joint reactions of both Josh and Sen erupted from their minds at the reopeated intrusion in their private realm. Somehow even more presently important than their impending demise in returning to the Tavl match.

  Cronos mentally sighed and sent waves of deep distress at being unequally yoked with such ‘backward rubes.’ ~It is very difficult to think of you as anything but a hopeless waste of my time when you keep showing how little you actually know about your powers, your universe, and everything in it…~ But he did explain the how of his presence in their Bond. ~Never underestimate the power of Star Child Magi-physics young vampires. As quasi-immortal beings who are responsible for the genesis of all living beings in the iteration, we are eternally joined with the Karmic Ties of all spirit beings intimately. Because of this we have much closer ties with Karma, Balance, and Reality in our home iteration than any others. In many ways, even more so than the Transcended when they choose to visit.~ Josh felt Cronos send a mental wink at Sen as his classic, cocky attitude pumped up to high volume. ~As to how our Bond speak is possible, have you forgetten that Mother bound me and my siblings into your Karmic Bond via her Blessing of the Stars prior to our parting?~

  ~Uhhh…no…of course not–~ Josh mumbled, only know understanding that aspect of its significance.

  ~Mortal, even temporarily Bonded, like this… lying is a waste of time and energy… ~

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  Crap!

  Sen jumped in ~Temporarily Bonded for how long?~

  ~Obviously…~ A strong sense of Cronos’ face cringing and him leaning forward as he rubbed his temples in a vain attempt to dispel the mental pain of answering such inane questions. ~...until our joint purpose in these games is complete.~

  Cronos changed tack ~Joshua Tanner, you’re ability to form a tripple Tetrahedral braid at the Spherical level of cultivation was– unexpected.~ Cronos didn’t lie, but also didn’t provide any direct compliments. ~You will need to utilize that skill if and when either of you become snared.~

  Ya think. Josh rolled his eyes at Sen, but didn’t send any thoughts along the Bond now that it was a party line. It was likely open for all of the Titans who had shared in Gaia’s Blessing. Thankfully the rest of them were maintaining radio silence at the moment.

  ~It should be painfully clear, even to you both, not to free any more of the opposing teams from their Tafl imposed limits. From the beginning you should have used your primary advantage in avoiding them: Unhindered speed. Mother did nothing but run from the forces searching for her for millions of Standard Galactic years. This was made plain to you. I understand that your refusal to act wisely should not be surprising given your cognitive and experiential limitations. However, we had one opportunity to bring in combative forces. As you are also aware, that– what is the popular term in human culture now– ~ Cronos’ voice trailed off as he seemed to be searching for a word, !~‘Lifeline?’ Yes, lifeline.~ He spoke confidently as he appeared to take pride in confirming he was still intouch with the current human lingo in general, ~That lifeline is now no longer available to us–

  ~We didn’t know that Cronos. Maybe we should have ‘Asked an Expert’ before we ‘Phoned a friend’ but we didn’t even know we could. Don’t you think we should have been informed of what options were available at the start–~

  Cronos’ tone went from annoyingly superior to Kelvin, absolute zero. ~ I have already warned you once about testing me mortal. I shall not give you another. You both should and would have known had you not squandered the instructional time you had with Theia by insisting that she answer your unhelpful questions concerning past Tafl matches.~

  Josh swallowed hard. That was true. And no matter what, if they survived this game, Josh was not interested in stepping into the ring with any of the Titans. Least of all Cronos, who he had just witnessed manhandling four gods at once. Any of whom could best him and Sen in half a second flat, if that…

  Bitting his tongue, Josh lightened his own tone. ~You’re correct Cronos. I should have kept my mouth shut and listened more respectfully to Theia. I’m not trying to test you. I…we…~ Josh waved a hand to Sen who blanched at being included in Josh’s current godly fau pas, but didn’t deny his inclusion verbally, ~...We are just trying to see if their is an underlying point to our conversation?~

  Perhaps receiving some guidance on limiting the escalating confrontational nature of his words on his end of things as well, Cronos’ continued in a slightly less aggressive tenor himself. ~Yes human, there is…~ Cronos paused as if collecting his thoughts. ~... It seems that you’re ability to triple braid you cultivation has called into question House Olympia’s virtuosity in reporting your actual levels of cultivation. The other teams have claimed that somehow mother is unethically shielding your true strength and skills– Which I know you agree is a completely asinine conclusion to draw regardless of your idiot savant cultivational capacity…~

  Through their Bond, Josh got the sense of Cronos shaking his head at the ridiculousness of such lunacy before he continued. ~...Never the less. To smooth things over Mother has had to agree to expedite the conclusion of the Tafl event. The get to ‘Safety’ the two of you will have to overcome all of the remaining three teams in their crush rollers simultaneously. You will be transported to their location in three of your Earth seconds. Three, two, one.~

  Rays of light shoot up from under their feet to form oblong spheres around both him and Sen.

  Then they were gone.