Destination Unknown

Names are a Bitch.

I turn towards Vasilissa and Rex and give them a gentle smile.

"It's nice to meet you." I rise from my seat, dropping Sam's hand. "I apologize if I'm not the person you remember, I'm still having trouble adjusting to everything." I reach my hand out and to him, and he gives my hand a funny look.

"Yes, it's definitely a bit different. I don't think I've even shaken your hand. It's not something family usually does." He takes my hand and shakes it gently. I drop his hand and Sam comes to stand at my side. He brushes his fingers on my arm and leaves a trail of goosebumps. That's new. His face breaks into a smile and I can hear him praising his 'manly powers' in his head.

"Now Rex, how long has it been?" Sam's smile widens as he and Rex step into the most bone-crushing hug ever. They clap each other on the back and pull back, both smiling.

"Well Father, it's been long enough." Sam makes a face at the word father.

"What did I tell you? Don't call me father. It's much too formal." Rex smiles and his teeth gleam the brightest white. Time seems to slow down when he moves and speaks. Time itself moves around him, always flowing, always moving.

"Well, I refuse to call you Sam. It's much too informal. I'll just settle for dad." I put my hand up, stopping Sam from saying what he was about to.

"I would much prefer that you do not call me mom. It's still too weird of a concept for me. You could just call me Cassie." I suggest. Rex makes a strange face, fighting some inner thoughts, but nods his head in agreement.

"Alright, Cassie." His makes a face while saying my name that looks like it tasted bad coming out. It will probably take some time for him to get used to it. At least someone else will know the feeling like me. A thought suddenly pops into my mind. Sam looks at me with an eyebrow raised, his thoughts saying he's going to enjoy the reactions when I ask the question.

"Hey Vasilissa," I turn to her, "do I have any more children that I should know about?" Vasilissa pales.

"To answer your question to my best ability, you have more than most can count." I give her a strange look.

"I have more than you can count? What is that supposed to mean?" Sam shakes his head and he's guarding his thoughts.

"Well, to tell you the truth, there has been a couple of times when you've been reborn into a different body, and we were not able to find you right off." My mouth gapes wide open. "You could have many many children from those times, but we haven't been able to figure out who they are yet." Sam mentally chastizes me to close my mouth, and I snap it shut.

"But how would they still be alive though?" I knit my eyebrows in confusion.

"Hm, I thought we covered this. You and all your children are immortal. The same way that Sam is. They all are able to live forever, in those glass balls, or they can jump to other times or places. The stones help them to stay anonymous. Once they feel that they have been in one place too long, or have lived a full enough life, they will request to be placed in the stone for a couple of hundred years, so they can start new in the future." I stand there looking at her in slight shock.

"That's, incredibly genius, I have to say." I try and slow the thoughts and questions running through my mind. Sam laughs and sends calming vibes my way. I mentally thank him and he laces his fingers through mine. Rex gives us a funny look, but I just brush it off.

"Um, Rex?" I turn back towards him. "Is 'Rex' your actual name? It doesn't seem very much my style." Sam and Rex both start laughing loudly. I drop Sam's hand and cross my arms. How rude? They could at least tell me what the joke is. Sam's laughter quiets and he sends me a sideways glance. Calm down Cassie, it can't be that bad. I narrow my eyes at Sam. "If you could elaborate, that would be great." Rex and Sam manage to calm themselves down eventually.