A dragonfly hums its mission as it moves through the air. I am crossing over now, it thinks. It begins to separate from its insect form as it lowers slowly to the ground. One last hum of wings and it becomes still but for the soul discarding the casing that it no longer needs. I have crossed, it cries and in that moment, it is free.

A stout and winged creature sits perched upon a massive gate. It looks out at all it has ever known and turns its head to admire the brilliant glow of a new arrival. Dragonfly! the creature sings and swoops down to follow its flight.

A man plods through the woods, lost in thought. What a relief to be away from the bustle of the city, from the collective madness of the energies of too many humans in such a small radius, from the spaciously confining warehouse that has become his temple, his library and his home. Now he is here, in this sanctuary, blessed nature. He stops to admire the flight of a dragonfly made curious by its descent. It lands with a single ripple of its cellophane wings and lies motionless on the trail. He squats to examine the creature. He has seen them pass away in this manner many times. He whispers a prayer of thanks to the dragonfly for offering him the gift of its discarded form.

A long shadow stretches across the marble floor. It paces then stops. There it is again, that cry. Where is it coming from? The shadow turns suddenly and moves through the room. Its powerful legs cover the expanse of the marble in a few strides as he sets off in search of the sound.

In the realm of the Gods, there appeared a sleeping stranger.



I didnt choose to block my memory, Hope added.

You did, but do not fear. You did nothing wrong. The barrier you have created is probably protecting you. The question is, from what? Fortunately, you have not forgotten how to function on a basic level. Izanami explained.

Like using the toilet, Pan offered with a laugh.

Exactly, the goddess confirmed and turned from Pan to face Hades. She is in good health but do not press her for information. It will come. I recommend that she stay among us until the memory loss passes.

And if it doesnt? Hope wondered aloud.

Izanami turned to her. You are here for a reason, Hope. This is part of a journey that your soul has chosen to take. My prescription for you is this: Take time to contemplate what occurs on this journey. Listen, not just with your ears but with this, she leaned to touch a delicate fingertip to Hopes chest. Your heart will hear and it will also speak to you. Give yourself the time, peace and solitude to attune to that. Stay for as long as you wish. Surround yourself with love and allow that to be a balm.



Hey buddy, you all right? someone called. Chuck looked up as he panted. A man with long sandy hair stood on the passenger side smiling at him. Need help?

I uh, Im cool. He huffed, still catching his breath. He was not sure what to say about what had just occurred.

Hey pal, do you think you could give me a lift? My girlfriend dumped me on the corner and I dont even have any money for the bus. The stranger smiled and lifted his hands. He turned his palms out to display their emptiness.

Uh, yeah sure, no problem, Chuck was beginning to catch his breath as he unlocked his door. He dropped into the drivers seat and fumbled to unlock the strangers door. He cursed himself for not having fixed the interior light. Where you headed? Chuck asked as he engaged the ignition. He glanced sideways at the stranger who slid into the seat next to him. The newcomer was barely visible in the darkness of the car.

If youre leaving on 17, then Im the first farm road outside of town, the passenger explained.

Easy enough, the driver smiled, his composure having returned somewhat. Rough night? Yeah, me too. He picked up route 17 and hit the accelerator, happy to put the city behind him. They arrived at a deserted country road and drove on in silence. Chuck jolted suddenly when he spotted a form in the middle of the road ahead of them. What the fuck? He slowed to a crawl.

The silhouette of a child appeared to be jumping up and down in the street, arms waving frantically over its head. Help me, please! They could hear it calling. As he approached, his headlights spilled over the form. A green faced creature smiled at him as massive wings fanned out at its back.

Oh my god, Chuck stuttered.

Yes, that would be me, Pan smiled and filled the car with an unearthly glow.

Chuck looked down to see the beastly legs of his passenger. Chauncey hopped up onto the hood of the car and smiled into the windshield. See if he has any treats! The gargoyle rubbed stubby claws together.

I dont think you want anything hes got. The satyr crossed one golden hoof over his furry knee. Chuck backed away and pressed himself against his door. His hand grasped blindly for the handle. Chauncey saw this and flapped down to the door. Chuck jumped away and fell into Pan.

Hey, I dont know. He had Hope once and she is really nice? The gargoyle played at pulling on the door handle.

Huh Hope? He stammered. What do you know about Hope?

Oh, just everything! the satyr leaned into his face and barked. He laughed as he reached out to tweak Chucks cheek.

Chuck threw his arms up to cover his face. Shes a liar man. Shes pathological! I never did anything to her! Get away from me you freak!