Purpose

by  Julie O.

Edited by Amelia R.  &  Tyrone Slothrop
Background information on Santorini  by  Steffen M.

 

Chapter Thirty-Seven

"You okay?" asked Kim, as she knocked on the bathroom door. It was a little after seven in the morning.

"I am now," replied Hallie, as she stood up from her crouching position in front of the toilet. She couldn't believe that she had finally gotten to Thera and had gotten sick. She had barely made it to the bathroom before she threw up. "I guess something I ate disagreed with me." She ran some water in the sink and splashed it into her face. She then washed her mouth out and flushed the toilet.

"I'm okay, and we ate the exact same meal, so I doubt if it was food," replied Kim.

Hallie stepped out of the bathroom. "I guess it was left over from the ferry ride."

Kim stared at her. "Uh huh."

Hallie stopped and looked at Kim. "It's no big deal. I'll be okay."

Kim gave her a long look.

"What?" asked Hallie.

Kim began to count off the symptoms. "Tender nipples, nausea, throwing up… when's your period due?"

Hallie stared back at Kim with disbelief. "You don't think that I'm pregnant?"

Kim shrugged her shoulders. "Well, did you use any protection with Tyler?"

"No, but we only had sex one time," replied Hallie defensively.

"Didn't your mother tell you that it only takes one time?" replied Kim with a wink.

"My mother never told me a damn thing about getting pregnant, and you know that!" replied Hallie with a slight laugh.

"Seriously, I think we should get you a pregnancy test."

"You sure?" asked Hallie, as the gravity of the situation sank in.

Kim nodded. "In case you're worried about us, I don't mind. Besides, I think you'll look cute with a big belly."

Hallie smiled and hugged Kim. "It's probably nothing."

"You're right, but we need to make sure."

Carla knocked on the door. Kim walked over and let her in. "What's going on?"

Hallie looked over at Kim and then at Carla. "It's probably nothing, but Kim thinks that we should play it safe, and that… well, I think it's just something I ate and…."

"Hallie might be pregnant," interrupted Kim. She then turned to Hallie. "Sorry, Hallie, but the way you were going, you'd be in labor before you got it out."

Carla leaned over and gave Hallie a hug.

"It's probably just residual from my seasickness," remarked Hallie, as she sat on the edge of the bed.

"Still, we'd better make sure one-way or the other," remarked Carla.

The possibility that she might be pregnant began to sink in. Hallie was suddenly struck with panic. "What'll we tell everyone? Shit! I mean, my official story is that I had a sex change; what do we tell them now—that they did a really, really good job?"

"Calm down, dear. First off, we don't know if you're pregnant. If you are, then we'll cross that bridge," comforted Carla.

Hallie ran her hands down to her tummy. "I'm sorry."

"Why are you apologizing? I'm not offended," stated Kim, sitting next to Hallie

"Neither am I," added Carla.

"Thanks." Hallie took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I don't think it's seasickness. I've felt like this the last couple of days. I just shrugged it off. But, it's too soon for me to have any symptoms. I mean, I was with Tyler just a few days ago."

"Hallie, it was almost two weeks ago and pregnancy symptoms can show up as early as a few days after conception," remarked Carla.

"Oh," replied Hallie. "I didn't know that."

Carla sat down next to Kim and Hallie. "Try not to worry, there's nothing you can do about it right now."

Hallie turned to Kim. "If I'm pregnant, I want to have the baby. Does that bother you?"

"I already told you that I don't mind," replied Kim, kissing Hallie.

"We should be able to get a pregnancy test when we get back to Crete. We might even find one here," stated Carla.

Hallie nodded.

"You okay for now?" asked Carla.

Hallie nodded again. "I guess you're right, there's no sense in worrying. But I'd appreciate it if we found that test as soon as possible!"

Chapter Thirty-Eight

They saw the Thira ruins first. As they walked out of the inn, there was a nondescript brown dog lying in the middle of the sidewalk.

"That's Zoilo. He won't move, so just step over him. Don't worry, he's used to it," stated Gene.

Hallie looked at the sleeping dog and noticed how at ease he looked. "Who named him? He's definitely not lively."

"He was when he was a pup," replied Gene with a grin.

Zoilo opened his eyes for a moment, let out what could best be described as a sigh of contentment, and then went back to sleep in the warmth of the morning sun.

After just a few minutes on the road, Hallie was glad that Gene was driving. She couldn't believe the amount of traffic on the roads.

"Is this normal traffic?" she asked.

Gene shook his head. "No, it'll get worse once all the tourists get up. You were smart to get started early."

While the site was not Minoan, it was worth the trip. It had been used by many cultures from the Dorians to the Romans. Gene had told them that the fact the ruins were on top of a mountain kept most of the tourists away. From her map Hallie saw that the ruins were 396 meters above sea level (1300 feet). It wasn't a bad walk, as it wasn't too hot, and they passed a pretty chapel with a small cave. Inside the cave was a fountain.

They ate the packed lunch in the old amphitheater.

"It must have been spectacular seeing a play here," remarked Kim.

"I agree," replied Carla.

"What're you reading, Hallie?" asked Kim.

"A guide book that I picked up in the hotel. It has some interesting observations about Santorini," replied Hallie.

"What's it called?" asked Carla.

"The Steffen Guide," replied Hallie. "Hey, look Ava and Basil's inn is mentioned and it's highly recommended!"

"So when do you think 'it' will happen?" asked Kim.

"I suspect this evening, maybe in the form of a dream journey. The temple was blown away during the eruption," theorized Hallie.

"I hope it's a dream journey. I've wanted to be in one of those since you told me about the first one."

"Well, I suggest we head down the mountain so we can spend some time in the Akrotiri ruins. Those are Minoan and are also very interesting," suggested Carla.

They passed a man offering donkey rides down the mountain, but decided to walk.

"I'm not sure if that donkey would make it down the mountain," quipped Kim. "Hey, maybe we can talk the Guardians into transferring Konstantin from being a goat to being a donkey!"

"No, I like the fact that he—rather, make that SHE—is working for Mikos," replied Hallie.

"By the way, how're you holding up?" asked Kim.

Hallie smiled. "No problems."

Gene was waiting for them at the bottom and pulled a cooler out of the trunk. "I have some cold water for you."

"Do all your guests get such first class service?" replied Hallie, as he handed her a bottle of water.

Gene smiled. "Maybe not all guests. Uncle Stefanos is special and so are friends of his."

They got in the car and headed back to Akrotiri.

"Stefanos isn't really my uncle, but he's been very generous with my family. My father worked for him and Stefanos helped him buy the inn," stated Gene. "He also helped me get into university. Have you known him long?"

"I first met him twenty years ago. My husband, Alex, has known him longer than that," stated Carla.

"And you two are studying to be archeologists?" asked Gene.

"Yes, that's right," replied Kim.

"I'm studying marine biology. I take the summers off to help the family," stated Gene.

A few minutes later they arrived at the ruins at Akrotiri.

They made arrangements with Gene to pick them up in a few hours. As they walked the ruins, Hallie felt a growing sense of familiarity. Granted, she had seen many of the buildings in books and online, but as they strolled among the ruins, Hallie knew she had once walked in this place.

Kim stood next to Hallie. "Do you feel like you've been here before?"

Hallie nodded.

"Good. I was worried that I was the only one," she replied.

"I've been here several times, but it feels different today," added Carla. "I've never had this sort of feeling before. It's as if I'd walked these streets many times."

"I'm glad we could share this together," commented Hallie.

"We'll have to go to the museum tomorrow," added Carla.

"Will we have time?" asked Kim.

"Yes, our ferry doesn't leave until late afternoon," answered Carla.

Hallie let out a long yawn. "Excuse me."

"I think you've got the right idea. We need to go and meet Gene. I suggest we go back to the hotel and take a nap before dinner," suggested Carla.

"That sounds like a great idea," answered Hallie.

When they returned to the hotel, the same dog was still there, although he was now lying in the shade in front of the inn. As Gene said, the dog didn't flinch as they stepped over him to enter the hotel.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Dinner that night included Ava, Basil, Gene, and Gene's fiancée, Phoebe. Carla offered to help in exchange for the recipes, and Ava eagerly accepted.

Basil produced several bottles of an excellent local white wine.

"If you're careful, you can just detect the taste of our volcanic heritage," boasted Basil.

Hallie noted a slight smoky taste; it seemed appropriate for a wine from Thera. "Can I buy a couple bottles of this? I'd like to take some back to Crete."

"Buy? Nonsense! I'll give you a case to take back, as long as you promise to share them with good friends," stated Basil.

Hallie smiled. "Agreed!"

They traded stories over appetizers.

"Phoebe is also studying marine biology, we're hoping to be at Scripps in La Jolla next year," stated Gene.

"I hope you get accepted," commented Kim.

"I've heard that California has a similar climate to here," stated Phoebe.

"It does. I lived there when I was little, but I don't remember much," remarked Hallie.

Phoebe looked at Hallie. "You were born in the States?"

Hallie laughed. "I've gotten that reaction before on this trip."

"Has anyone told you that you look like one of those beautiful women in the frescos at the museum?"

Hallie nodded. "I must have some Minoan blood in my family."

After dinner Hallie stared out of her window at the caldera. Kim walked in and sat down next to her.

"Do you think that's where we'll be going tonight?" asked Kim.

"I hope so. I'd love you to see what the dream showed, just as long as we don't experience the volcanic explosion. I don't ever want to see that again."

"How're you feeling?" asked Kim.

"How many times are you going to ask me that?" replied Hallie with a grin.

Kim laughed and leaned over and kissed her. "Come on, let's go to bed, we shouldn't keep the Guardians waiting."

Chapter Forty

Hallie woke up and struggled to get out of her bed. It took her a moment to realize the reason for her awkward condition—she was now eight months pregnant. She was totally naked, and the sight of her protruding belly was quite startling. "I guess I won't need that pregnancy test after all," she said to herself.

Hallie knew she was in ancient Thera, and she wondered where Kim and Carla were. She was assisted in getting dressed by two young women, priestesses in training. They helped Hallie with her skirt and slipped her sandals on. As before, she would remain bare breasted. They combed and styled her hair and applied her makeup.

Hallie then stood up and walked slowly towards the temple. Looking around, Hallie knew that this was Thera roughly one hundred years before the explosion. Her attendants walked next to her, ready to assist as necessary. Hallie discovered walking was much more difficult, requiring a very slow pace.

Along the way to the temple, people bowed and greeted her. Her pregnant status made her even more revered to the followers of the cult. Being with child was seen as a good omen. Hallie noticed that young women went out of their way to touch her. Maybe they hoped her fertility would be passed on to them.

At the temple Hallie saw Kim approaching her. Kim was dressed in a similar skirt and was also bare breasted. They gave each other a hug. Kim ran her hand over Hallie's round belly. "Oh, my!" whispered Kim.

"I know. It was really hard walking up here," stated Hallie.

"I love the fact that I get to wear this. You have no idea how much you turned me on when you dressed like this for me!" whispered Kim.

"It's a rather freeing fashion form," replied Hallie, "especially with my slightly larger breasts."

"Slightly larger? Hallie, you're a good cup size bigger than before! I think we're supposed to head up to the main altar. We should find Carla there."

As they reached the altar, they were pleased to see Carla. She extended her arms and greeted Kim and Hallie. "I'm not exactly sure I have the figure for this look," stated Carla, referring to the topless fashion of the priestesses.

"I think you look stunning!" replied Hallie.

Carla looked at Hallie and reached over and caressed her belly. "How do you feel?"

"Content," replied Hallie. There was a large smile on her face.

"So what happens next?" asked Kim.

Hallie looked around. Except for the attendants, they were alone. "I'm not sure. I don't think we're going to participate in a ceremony, as it's still daytime."

"Oh, we saw one yesterday," stated Kim.

"Yesterday? How long have you been here? I just got here this morning!" exclaimed a shocked Hallie.

"I've been here for two days," remarked Carla.

"Me too. I guess they wanted us to see what you saw on your earlier trips," added Kim.

Hallie shook her head in disbelief. "I guess there's still much we don't know about them."

Just then, an older woman walked into the temple, followed by two other women, each carrying a ceremonial labrys. Hallie immediately knew that they were the head priestesses of the cult. The attendants immediately withdrew.

Hallie, Kim, and Carla all bowed respectfully to the women.

The oldest woman approached Hallie. "It's almost your time, my dear. The signs all foretell of a healthy birth. Your daughter will be born in this temple in less than a month."

"Thank you for granting me such an honor," replied Hallie respectfully.

The older woman nodded. "We have decided that after you recover from the birth, you and your companions will be sent to our temple on the main island."

Hallie knew that she meant the temple on Crete.

"You have chosen your companions very well. We are pleased with the selection," stated the woman.

Hallie nodded again.

Suddenly the air grew very still. Hallie noted that it felt the same as when the Guardians rescued her from Konstantin. The three older women suddenly morphed into the blue entity form that Hallie had first seen when she was transformed.

The lead Guardian then spoke to Hallie. "You still have much to learn, little one. However, you are starting to understand your destiny, and we are impressed with the way that you are accepting it. All will be made clear in time, be patient."

The Guardian then turned to Kim and Carla. "Your friend is fortunate to have such loyal and loving people in her life. We thank you for the support you have given her, and the support you will give her in the future. She and her daughter are the future of Minoa."

"The one called Lane will continue with her re-education. She must learn that her own wants are not the most important," added one of the other Guardians.

Hallie wanted to ask the Guardians so many questions, but she never got the chance. In a flash of light they were back in their beds at the inn in Akrotiri.

Chapter Forty-One

Hallie woke up and immediately put her hands to her belly; thankfully, it was still flat. However, she didn't have much time to celebrate this fact as she felt another dose of morning sickness coming on. As she hurried to the bathroom, she was at least content knowing that she was actually pregnant.

Kim sat up in bed. "You need any help?"

"No, thanks. I can throw up without help," quipped Hallie.

"Did that really happen?" asked Kim. "You know we were only gone one night."

"Yes, it happened," replied Hallie, as she stood up and washed her face.

There was a knocking at the door. Kim got up and let Carla in. "That was fantastic!" exclaimed Carla. "We should record our observations immediately."

"I'll be right out," yelled Hallie.

"Oh, my. I completely forgot! How're you feeling?" asked Carla.

"Better, thank you," replied Hallie, as she walked out of the bathroom. She was immediately group hugged by Carla and Kim.

"I still want you to take a pregnancy test," stated Carla.

"I will," replied Hallie.

They spent the next hour discussing and recording their observations of Thera. Carla and Kim had been there longer than Hallie and busily recorded every detail of Minoan life

"I guess you were out seeing the sights while I was napping," remarked Hallie.

"Well, it also took you longer to walk to the temple," added Kim. "You looked really cute and very happy to be pregnant!"

"I hope you feel the same way later this year," replied Hallie. She then ran her hands over her tummy. "I can't believe that I'm really pregnant!"

"I must admit that you're taking it well," commented Carla.

"I know what you mean. I'm sort of surprised that I'm not freaking out."

"Well, we'd better get dressed and packed, do you still want to see the museum?" asked Kim.

Hallie nodded. "It would be shame to come this far and not see it."

 

Chapter Forty-Two

The day just flew by and before they knew it they were on the ferry back to Crete. Kim went back to reading her book and Hallie stared out to sea. Thankfully, she didn't get sick this time.

Hallie thought about the similarity of the frescoes in the Museum in Akrotiri. There were many similarities in colors and style to the one back in Crete. Hallie wondered if they were done at the same time. It was obvious that Cretan artist had been influenced by frescoes in Thera. Hallie smiled at the fact that each discovery created more questions; it was what she loved about archeology.

Carla walked over and put her arm around Hallie. "How do you want to handle this when we get back with the others?"

"I've been thinking about it. I don't see any reason to tell anyone until I take a test. Then, I suppose there's no reason to keep it secret. Still, I'm a little worried about what will happen if someone digs too deep into my past."

"Well, as the Guardians said, you have us on your side. I know that Alex that will do everything in his power to protect you."

"Thank you. I know that, but it still makes me feel better hearing you say it," replied Hallie with a smile. "I also want you to know that I see you and Alex as my parents."

Carla smiled. "You know, Hallie, that we're going to be very active grandparents. We've been wanting a granddaughter to spoil for years!"

"I was counting on that. I just hope I'm a better parent than my birth parents."

"You will be," replied Carla.

Hallie stared out to sea. "I hope that she won't mind being raised as the daughter of an archeologist."

"I'm sure she'll love it."

"Tyler will be back in Crete in a few weeks. I plan on talking to him and will offer him an opportunity to find peace. Will you assist me?"

"Yes. Although, I'm not totally sold on the priestess outfit," replied Carla.

"I don't think the Guardians will mind. I don't think the way we dress for the ceremony is as important as the fact that the participant is completely willing to change. It will be Tyler's choice."

"I suspect he will be the first of many people you will help find wholeness in their lives," stated Carla.

"Just as long as I don't get pregnant from each of them!"

"Look, you can see Crete on the horizon," stated Carla.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how far they've gotten since we've been gone."

"I'm just looking forward to seeing Alex," stated Carla wistfully.

Chapter Forty-Three

"Excellent wine! Thank you, it has been too long since I've had a good bottle of Santorini wine," exclaimed Stefanos, as they sat out on the patio. Lydia was sitting next to him, with Artemis sharing their laps.

"We made some great progress on the site. There is a large collection of writing pieces for you to sort through," stated Alex, cuddling up next to Carla.

Hallie saw that Lane and Theon were sitting together. He had his arm around her shoulders and Lane was resting her head on his shoulder.

"I can't wait to get started," replied Hallie.

As the evening progressed, Lane and Theon walked off towards the beach.

"Well, my love, I need to go. I have to stop by the club to make sure everything is alright," commented Lydia. "I'll see you tomorrow." She leaned over and kissed Stefanos goodnight.

Carla got up and spoke to Lydia before she left.

"Now that we're among the select few, did you have a dream journey?" asked Stefanos anxiously.

Carla nodded, and she began to tell them what happened. Kim and Hallie added their observations. They left out the fact that Hallie was pregnant.

"This pretty much confirms that the cult was centered in Thera. The temple here was probably abandoned shortly after the eruption," remarked Alex.

"It became another victim of the eruption," added Stefanos.

"It may have died out as a major cult in the Minoan culture, but I don't think it died out completely," interjected Hallie.

Alex picked up the bottle of wine and offered it to everyone. Hallie was about to have some more, but remembered her condition and declined. "Please, Hallie, state your theory."

"This is mostly based on my own feelings, but I don't think that the cult just died out. We know that there was an evacuation from Thera; this would have included the priestesses and followers of the cult. The Minoans were the greatest navigators of their day and had connections in dozens of other civilizations. I suspect that the cult went underground and its priestesses took their knowledge into other cultures. Don't forget that the Minoans were shifting towards a male dominated society."

"That's an interesting theory. The transformed males would have had knowledge of the civilizations around the Mediterranean. They would have been able to pick the best societies to integrate into. The problem will be proving it. They would have done this very secretly, and finding proof will be difficult," stated Alex.

"An interesting place to start might be Lesbos," suggested Kim, with a grin.

"I could always write it as fiction," quipped Hallie, nudging Kim in the ribs for the Lesbos joke.

Everyone laughed.

"Well, we'd better get to bed, we have a lot of work to do and time is running out," stated Alex.

On their way back to the cottage, Carla stopped Hallie. "Lydia will pick up a test for you. If it's positive, then we'll make an appointment with her doctor."

Hallie smiled and nodded. "I thought that's what you were talking to her about. I wonder what she thinks of me?"

"She was very supportive and understanding. I don't think she thinks less of you," replied Carla.

Hallie gave her a goodnight hug and then walked off to join Kim. She stopped near the path that led down to the beach. She could hear the sounds of lovemaking. Lane's moans were just barely audible over the crashing of the waves. She smiled to herself and walked into the cottage.

"Hey, what took you so long?" asked Kim.

"I was just listening to the waves, the rush of water hitting the beach, and the sounds of Lane making love to Theon," answered Hallie, as she sat down on her bed.

"I can't wait to quiz her tomorrow!" remarked Kim. "You know, I think she has the right idea."

"I really love you," replied Hallie.

"I know and I want you as my life partner. I want to share the rest of my life with you, including the raising of a family," answered Kim as she leaned over and kissed Hallie.

Hallie smiled and shifted over on their bed. "I couldn't ask for anything else in the whole world!"

Chapter Forty-Four

Alex was right, there was a large collection of new fragments from all three languages. Hallie started off by sorting them into three groups, one for Linear A, one for Linear B, and one for Linear H. Thankfully, her morning sickness had taken a day off, and she worked without discomfort.

"How're you doing?" asked Carla as she joined Hallie in the museum.

"I've been sorting by language. I wrote out some charts to help you, H looks very similar to B," stated Hallie.

"I see Artemis is in her usual place," remarked Carla.

Hallie looked over at the cabinet and saw the sleeping cat on the top.

"I never heard her come in," replied Hallie, who returned to work.

"Have you looked at the tub excavation today?" asked Carla.

"Yes. They're progressing nicely. They've got almost half the dirt out of it," replied Hallie.

"It's taking longer than expected. Stefanos says the dirt inside the tub is almost as hard as a rock."

"Have you heard his great idea?" asked Hallie.

Carla shook her head.

"He's contacted some of the local art reproducers, the ones that sell tourists 'authentic ancient Minoan and Greek artifacts.' You know, the ones that they make themselves? Well, they're going to make a copy of the reconstructed fresco to be reattached to the original wall of the temple. That way the original will be protected."

"That's a wonderful idea. It would be wonderful to reconstruct the entire temple. Too bad we don't know what happened to the altar."

"Stefanos says he's checking on that too. I'm sketching out a drawing of it for him. He thinks it may be located here on Crete!"

"Where?" asked Carla as she sorted the pieces.

"Believe it or not, he thinks it may be part of a bar in a club in Souda."

"How will he get it back? If it's the original altar, it would be worth millions!"

"Stefanos says that he'll rely on the club owner's ignorance of what it's worth. But, he'll have the museum make an appropriate offer. Actually, he can have it seized, as it's considered a national treasure, but he wants to be fair."

"Won't the club owner get defensive? I don't think he'd like being accused of looting," replied Carla.

"Stefanos says the bar was originally a British army officers' club, so he'll blame the Brits and let the owner be a hero for returning the altar."

Carla laughed. "I've heard of wilder stories. I hope it's the altar. It would be a nice addition to the site."

"This could mean a boom for the locals. If this turns out to be the Rosetta Stone of Minoan languages, then this temple will become an essential stop for archeological studies."

"And your name will be featured prominently."

"I don't really want that," replied Hallie.

"Why not? Honey, you deserve your share of the praise for this discovery," stated Carla.

"I don't know. I just got the knowledge with my sex change. It's not like I did extensive research or something like that."

"Don't downplay your contributions to this discovery. Great discoveries are often caused by chance and luck. Yes, the dildo turned around your life, but you didn't curl up into a ball and cry either. You moved on and made the most of your new life. You also have made significant contributions to this dig."

"I seem to remember crying quite a bit in the first days after my transformation. Still, fame is the last thing I want in my life right now."

"Everything will work out."

"I wish I had your optimism," replied Hallie, with a smile.

"You do, you just don't know it!"

Chapter Forty-Five

Lydia came by the site that afternoon and dropped off lunch for everyone.

As they finished up, Lydia turned to Carla and Hallie. "I have some errands in town, would you two like to join me? I promise to have them back in a couple of hours, Alex."

Hallie took the cue and Alex reluctantly released them.

They drove back to the house and Lydia handed Hallie the kit. The instructions were in German, French, and Greek. Still it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what had to be done.

A few minutes later they had the result. As expected, it was positive.

Hallie let out a long sigh. Carla and Lydia hugged her.

"Is it congratulations?" asked Lydia.

"Yes, I'd say it's a good thing," replied Hallie.

"You're taking it rather calmly," continued Lydia.

"It's a long story," replied Hallie. "I do appreciate your concern."

"I'd love to hear it when you're ready to tell me."

"When do you think your doctor can get her in?" asked Carla.

"Later this week. I'll let you know as soon as I find out. Are you going to tell the others?" asked Lydia. "I just want to know so I don't say something out of line."

"Kim already knows. I'll tell Alex and Stefanos this evening."

"I wouldn't tell Theon. He's very old fashioned in many ways. I know he doesn't approve of Stefanos and I being a couple," remarked Lydia.

Hallie noted the tone of defensiveness in Lydia's voice. "I think you and Stefanos are a great couple."

"Theon thinks I'm 'too young' for his father!"

"Theon doesn't like the idea that Kim and I want professional careers," added Hallie.

"I don't know where he gets it. Stefanos isn't like that at all."

"Well, we'd better get back to the site, Alex will be having kittens!" interjected Carla.

"I'd love to see what you've uncovered there," stated Lydia as they walked towards her car.

"Sure, you can help Carla and I put together an ancient jigsaw puzzle," quipped Hallie.

They arrived back at the site. Hallie nodded to Kim, who jumped up, ran over and began hugging her.

Alex stood up and looked confused. "What's going on?"

So much for keeping it a secret until dinner thought Hallie. "I'm pregnant." She stood there with a slight smile on her face.

Alex stood there and glanced at Carla who nodded. "Well, hug her!" scolded Carla.

Alex smiled and gently wrapped his arms around her. "You okay with this?"

Hallie nodded. "It's all part of the plan, I guess."

Stefanos was more enthusiastic, and he gave her a big hug. "Promise me you won't give up your career!"

"You can count on that!" replied Hallie. "Carla was raised around digs and she turned out great!"

Lane hesitated approaching Hallie.

"It's okay, Lane," stated Hallie.

"Is this connected to…."

"Yes," interrupted Hallie, noticing Lydia's confusion.

Lane gave Hallie a slight hug.

"Do you feel like working today?" asked Alex.

"Yes. I'm fine, but thanks for asking," answered Hallie.

Hallie, Carla, and Lydia walked into the museum. They showed Lydia the fresco and how far they had come in reconstructing it.

"I didn't realize how far you'd gotten. When Stefanos said that you were working with the fresco, I didn't think that you'd actually be able to put it back together!"

Hallie cocked her head in Lydia's direction.

Lydia smiled. "I first saw it when I was a only five. My mother brought me here to see it. I always hoped it would be fixed."

Hallie wasn't totally sure that Lydia was telling them the truth, but she shrugged it off. "We're sorting through pieces of what appears to be a prayer or blessing. It appears to be in three different languages. One is Linear A, and another is Linear B," stated Hallie.

"The third appears to be a new Minoan language that Hallie discovered," added Carla, with a smile.

Lydia immediately gasped at what Hallie and Carla said. "My god! That means this could decipher the Minoan languages!"

Hallie and Carla nodded.

"That's explains it," mumbled Lydia to herself.

"What did you say?" asked Carla.

"I just was saying that's why Stefanos has been so protective of this dig," answered Lydia.

Hallie could tell that she was hiding something, but sensed that she wasn't a threat.

"If you want to help, you can assist us in sorting the pieces," offered Hallie.

Lydia pulled up a stool and assisted them in the tedious job of sorting the fragments of words and letters into their appropriate piles. Artemis took her normal position on top of the cabinet and drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Forty-Six

After dinner they sat out on the patio and enjoyed another bottle of Santorini wine. After Lydia and Theon left, the others shifted to discussion of the dig and the cult.

"The dirt at the front of the tub is like concrete. I suspect that the original water source was high in mineral content. That, combined with the soil and volcanic ash formed together into almost a cement. We're using hand drills to slowly cut it out," stated Stefanos. "If the original pipe is still intact, then I don't want to risk damaging it."

"Something has been bothering me about this site," remarked Alex.

"Just one thing?" quipped Carla.

Alex laughed. "Traditionally, Minoan cult religions have been found in three places. Originally they were in caves. They also used the peaks of hills, and then there were the domestic shrines. This temple is totally different, it doesn't fit into any of the previous categories."

"I've heard rumors of caves in these hills, but I haven't ever found any," stated Stefanos.

"The temple is in the valley, next to a steep hill. There were villages in this general area, but nothing directly nearby," continued Alex.

"We know it's Minoan, because of the fresco," interjected Hallie.

"I'm not disputing that. This site may have been a major evolutionary step in Minoan religion and culture. It's just that I'm beginning to suspect that this temple wasn't that old when Thera exploded."

"But the pottery with the Linear H on it predates the Thera explosion by hundreds of years," added Kim.

"That's true. Hypothesis; the cult started on Thera and it came over here much later. Would the cult start off by building a temple here?" asked Alex.

"No, they would be secretive. They would slowly recruit followers and slowly gain acceptance," suggested Lane.

"So there's a possibility that there's a much older cult site here in Crete?" asked Kim.

"It would make sense. I suspect that if we did a thorough search of the hills around the temple, we might find something, either on the top of a hill or in a cave," offered Alex.

"That makes sense. The temple on Thera for the cult was well established. It would have been very foreign to Minoans living here on Crete. So, they may have used traditional sites for their rituals," suggested Hallie. "Once the cult was established here, they built the temple, even decorating it with an image of their most sacred ritual. Perhaps it was for the building of the temple that the Guardians sent Kim, Carla, and I here, a hundred years before the eruption."

"Good theories, but we need proof," stated Lane.

"That's true. What I'm getting to is that this area has the potential for many more digs. Everything we've discovered is pre-Thera, the dating of some of the fragments is still being conducted, but I suspect it will be very close to the explosion. So where is the alpha site?"

Hallie smiled. "Does this mean that you're going to try to establish a permanent research center here?"

Alex nodded. "Stefanos and I have been working to get this area protected. The area around the temple needs to be surveyed. It could take years to find the site and many more years studying it."

Hallie suddenly had visions of herself and Kim working in the area, with their daughter playing in the hills. She smiled at the idea of them spending summers here digging up the past.

"That would be wonderful," stated Kim. "Don't you agree, Hallie?"

Hallie was snapped out her daydreaming. "Oh, yes. I know that I'd love to continue working around here."

Stefanos nodded vigorously. "Good! That means I will be able to see the little one!"

Hallie laughed.

Later that evening Kim and Hallie talked while lying in bed.

"I asked Lane about her rendezvous with Theon last night. She said that he was the greatest lover. She said that they had sex three times that night!"

"Thank you, but that's more than I really want to know," answered Hallie, with a laugh.

"Changing the subject, Tyler will be here next week; have you thought about how you'll tell him?"

"Yes."

"Will you tell him that you're carrying his child?"

"Yes."

"Are you worried that knowing that you're pregnant might effect his decision?"

"It's a risk, but I think he deserves to hear the truth. I'll tell him that I'm in love with you and that I don't hold him responsible in any way for what happened."

"Maybe she'll be willing to be the godmother?"

"That's a cool idea!" exclaimed Hallie. "I'd like that."

"Will you tell him that you used to be a male?"

"Yes. I think he needs to know the power of the dildo."

"Well, there's a full moon next week. I'm just worried about Tyler after we transform him. Are you sure his personal history will be rewritten? If it isn't, then life will get complicated for all of us."

"Yes. Only those directly involved in the ceremony will know the person's real past."

"Explain to me again why that didn't happen to you?"

"My change was forced on me. It was involuntary. My essence was male, unlike Tyler's."

"How do you see yourself today?"

"Female…mostly. I don't know if I've changed or if I wasn't as male as I thought I was. They say we have parts of both genders in us, maybe that's why I've adapted so easily. I also know that I've had some good help!"

"Damn right!" Kim then kissed Hallie.

Hallie giggled.

"When you were lost in that fog tonight, were you thinking about us working here?"

Hallie nodded.

"And raising our daughter here?"

Hallie nodded again.

"You don't mind me calling her our daughter?"

"Heavens, no! I'm thrilled, ecstatic, overjoyed!"

Kim smiled. "I think it will be cool to be a dual mom!"

Hallie kissed Kim. "I agree."

"And I don't have to be the one who gets the new wardrobe!"

Hallie grabbed her pillow and smacked Kim across the head; she quickly retaliated. The pillow fight lasted for nearly five minutes; the lovemaking lasted well into the night.

Chapter Forty-Six

Over the next few days, the work on the site continued. The tub was slowly excavated. Stefanos carefully chipped and drilled the hardened sediment out of the tub.

Out by the temple, Alex, Lane, and Kim continued to dig. While they didn't find many more parts of the fresco, they were slowly uncovering the stone floor. Alex was able to get an approximate size of the altar by the indentations in the floor.

Inside the museum, Carla and Hallie began to slowly piece together the fragments of the words. It was very slow work, as they had to be positive about the restoration. Hallie broke out laughing because Carla had mistakenly pieced together some pieces of Linear H and had produced a very vile obscenity.

Hallie couldn't stop laughing. "Somehow I doubt the Minoans would have that word combination on a temple wall!"

By the end of the week they had completed the first line in two of the languages. The Linear H version was still missing a few fragments.

"What does it say?" asked Carla.

"Enter this sacred building of your own free will and accept…" translated Hallie.

"That's it?"

"So far," replied Hallie.

"Is it a direct translation between Linear A and B?"

"Sort of," replied Hallie. She then spent an hour showing Carla how to translate the two Minoan languages.

"What do we have of Linear H?"

"It says 'Enter this,' a gap, and then, 'your own free will'," stated Hallie. "So we do have a good portion of it."

"Not quite enough to show the existence of a third language yet," stated Carla.

Hallie stared at the large number of fragments on the table. "No, but I know we'll get it."

"The Churchill should be in port today or tomorrow," stated Carla as they packed up for the day.

"I know."

"When do you plan on talking to Tyler?"

"As soon as I get a chance. I'd like to give him as much time to think about it as possible."

"Well, I'm willing to help you, should he want to be transformed. In fact, I have all the ingredients for the lubricant. I bought some nice pomegranates in the market yesterday."

"Good. How long will it take you to cook up a batch?"

"It doesn't seem to spoil, so I'll make some tomorrow."

"Thank you."

"You still have one thing to do. You need to tell Alex," stated Carla.

Hallie nodded. "You're right. I should have done that sooner."

"I took the liberty of asking him to stick around."

An hour later Hallie was sitting across from Alex in the museum. Kim and Carla were sitting next to her. She told him about Tyler and how she knew he was transgendered.

"Now, you want to use the dildo to, using your words, help Tyler become whole?" asked Alex.

Hallie nodded.

"And you two agree with her?"

"After what happened in Santorini, I have to concur," answered Carla.

"We'll only do it if he wants to do it. This isn't going to be a repeat of what Lane did to me," explained Hallie.

"And you're sure that his life history will change to meet the new feminized version of Tyler?" asked Alex.

Hallie nodded.

"It goes against my better judgment. I don't like the idea of us playing with powers we don't understand. I'll have to think about it."

"That's fair."

"I trust you, Hallie. It's just that I want to be positive that we're doing the right thing."

"Thank you," replied Hallie.

"I'll give you my answer in the morning," continued Alex.

"Either way, I'll still love you!" replied Hallie.

"That means a lot to me." He stood up and gave Hallie a gentle hug.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Friday morning Hallie was up earlier than normal. She sat out on the patio drinking a cup of coffee, petting Artemis, waiting for Alex to get up. She wasn't sure of what his response would be, but she knew that if he said no, then she wouldn't go against him.

A short time later, Alex walked up the path from his cottage and smiled at her. "I suspected that you'd be waiting for me."

"Would you like some coffee?" asked Hallie, pointing to the carafe.

Alex nodded and sat down next to Hallie, as she poured him a cup.

"There, just as you like it, black with one sugar."

"Thank you." He sat down next to her. "I still remember that evening when we arrived back at the island and found you transformed. At times, I still don't believe that it happened. Then all the wonderful events and discoveries of this summer, and those also force me to reassess my beliefs."

Hallie sat there listening.

"To be honest, when I went to bed last night I was against you using the dildo on Tyler, regardless of his willingness to participate in the transformation ceremony. Then last night I was taken on one of those dream journeys that you've told me about."

"Really? Where did they take you?" asked an excited Hallie.

"I was taken to the temple and watched as a young man was transformed into a beautiful woman. As I watched the ceremony, my mind was filled with knowledge of the cult. Granted, some of the information was the same as what you've told me, but there were new details. The fact that I woke up with dust from the site on my feet convinced me to allow you to perform the ceremony."

"Thank you," replied Hallie.

"I should be the one thanking you. I got to see the completed temple. Your guardians gave me a peek into a society that died out thousands of years ago."

"Was it as exciting as when you saw the Spartans?" asked Hallie.

Alex laughed. "That was also pretty special."

Hallie got up to hug Alex, disturbing Artemis' nap.

"I guess I'm destined to use the dildo to help others who are in gender conflict. I got a little idea of what that was like when I was first transformed. Thankfully, I've accepted who and what I am. Which is a good thing, since I'm a almost a month pregnant."

"It must be really hard on Tyler, especially being in the service," stated Alex.

Hallie nodded. "From what I sensed, he's been in conflict his whole life."

"Do you think he'll believe you?" asked Alex, refilling his coffee cup.

"We do have the dream connection. I'll try to use that."

Carla walked up the path and joined them. "Well?"

Hallie gave the thumbs up sign.

"Good. Were you up the whole night thinking about it? I rolled over and you weren't there," remarked Carla.

Hallie had to hold in her laugh.

"In a manner of speaking, I was up last night. The Guardians took me back to see the temple, among other things," answered Alex.

"You saw the temple? I'm jealous!" replied Carla.

"Well, you got see Thera."

"You know, this sort of thing could open up a whole new form of vacation. Be whisked from the comfort of your bed to the ancient civilization of your choice," quipped Hallie.

"I doubt the Guardians will go for something like that," interjected Carla.

During breakfast, Theon arrived bringing good news.

"The US ship was pulling into the bay as I left town."

"That's great news," replied Stefanos. "I'm looking forward to seeing my friend Nick."

"I hope they'll be in port long enough for the barbecue we promised them," stated Lane, as she moved to sit down next to Theon. He immediately put his arm around her.

Hallie nodded. "I think they'll be here long enough for that, among other things."

Chapter Forty-Eight

Work continued on the site as normal. Tyler had Stefanos' phone number and Hallie expected he would call sometime that day. Surprisingly, Hallie's mind stayed on her work and she made some progress on the messages.

Mid-morning Stefanos called her out to look at the tub. Just extending slightly from the sediment was a clay pipe. It appeared to be intact, although it was also filled with sediment.

"I'm using a modified dentist's drill to remove the sediment around the pipe. I suspect that it's intact all the way to the stone," stated Stefanos.

"That's great. What's really fantastic is that it's just another confirmation of my dream journey," stated Hallie.

"When you next talk to your Guardians, remind them that this old man would like a look at the Minoan culture! I'm sorry; I overheard you and Alex talking this morning. I just want to let you know that I fully support you. I think it's wonderful that they chose you to help others."

Hallie stood there silently for a second. She felt her eyes watering up with tears. "Thank you!" she exclaimed as she hugged Stefanos.

The two workers, who didn't speak any English, were slightly baffled by Hallie's reaction. But then again, most things that Americans and other foreigners did confused them.

"She can't be so happy just because we found a water pipe?" the first worker asked the second.

The second worker shrugged his shoulders. "It's all American to me!"

Hallie heard their comments and had to fight to keep in her laughter.

"Well, I'd better get back to the puzzle." She turned around and stared up into the hills that rose above the temple site. "Stefanos, can you get aerial photographs of this area?"

"Sure. Why?"

She continued to stare up into the hills. "Just a theory. I want to look for possible sites for the early temple."

"I'll get you the photos and a topographical map to go with it. No one has ever really done an extensive survey of these hills. There are too many unexplored sites at ground level that are easier to get to."

"I have a feeling that the alpha site is close. I can't image that they just picked this valley out at random."

"You're probably right, but let's focus on the tasks at hand," replied Stefanos, with a smile.

Hallie laughed. "Sorry, but this place has worked its way into my soul. I want to know all its secrets."

Stefanos laughed. "I think you just graduated. You're officially an archeologist!"

Hallie laughed again and walked back to the museum.

"I think I just completed another full line, in Linear B," stated Carla.

Hallie nodded. "May your prayers for fertility be granted by the goddesses."

"That's what I thought it read. I didn't want to put together another obscenity."

Hallie laughed. "Wait a minute, I saw those words in Linear H!" Hallie immediately began to sort through the Linear H fragments. In an hour they had assembled the sentence in the language of the cult.

The phrases appeared to be the ending of the prayer.

"Well, we have the beginning and the end. All we need is the middle and we're done!" Hallie began to laugh.

"Archeology can be so simple at times," added Carla, who also began to laugh.

Using the completed phrase, Hallie and Carla slowly assembled the Linear A version. It was the first complete part that they had in all three languages. Not enough to go public with, but it was a start.

After lunch, they got a call from the Churchill. It was Scott and he was calling to set a date for the barbecue. They decided to hold it Sunday, in order to give Carla time to prepare. Stefanos also gave Scott Lydia's number so he could arrange the crew party.

"Oh, one more thing. Is Tyler there?" asked Stefanos. He then turned to Hallie. "He's passing the phone to him right now."

Hallie took the cell phone from Stefanos. "Tyler?"

"Hallie, how're you doing?" he asked cheerfully.

"Good. Hey, are you off today?" she asked.

"Yes. I just need to finish up a few things here on the ship."

"Good. I need to talk to you."

There was a long pause. "Um, okay."

"Tyler, don't worry, nothing's wrong," reassured Hallie.

Chapter Forty-Nine

A couple hours later, Tyler was sitting next to Hallie on the rocks by Stefanos' beach.

All her weeks of practicing what to say to Tyler went right out the window, now that she was sitting next to him.

"Tyler, you know how we both thought we knew each other when we first met?"

Tyler nodded.

"I had dreams about you for months before we ever met. I sensed in those dreams that I was meant to help you."

Tyler looked confused. "Help me? What do you mean?"

Hallie sensed that he was feeling defensive and took steps to calm him. She took his hands into hers. "When we made love, I could sense that you're in conflict."

Tyler's eyes opened wide. "What…do you mean?"

Hallie took a deep breath. "I don't know the best way to tell you. I've thought about it nearly every day since that night. I want you to promise to listen to what I'm about to tell you. Promise me that you'll listen to everything before you make up your mind. Please, promise me."

Tyler looked at Hallie. He sensed that she was sincere and honestly wanted to help him. He nodded. Besides, she can't know the real conflict that I'm going through, he thought.

"Say it, please," demanded Hallie.

"Okay, I promise."

In the next hour, Tyler's world was turned upside down. His most guarded secret was disclosed, he learned that the beautiful woman next to him claimed to have been magically transformed, he learned that she was carrying his child, and he learned that she was offering him a chance to be transformed into the woman he had always felt he should have been.

"I have proof. There is a videotape showing my transformation. Kim, Carla, and the others will confirm my story."

"This is a lot to absorb," stated Tyler.

"I know that. But I want you to know a few things. First, I don't hold you responsible for the baby. In fact, I want to thank you for the gift. Kim and I are looking forward to raising her."

Tyler nodded.

"You are transgendered, aren't you?" asked Hallie softly.

Tyler began to get choked up. His emotions began to swell and he struggled to hold in his feelings. He couldn't even speak.

"It's okay, let out your feelings," comforted Hallie.

Tyler broke down and began to cry. He wrapped his arms around Hallie and began to sob. Hallie just held on and comforted him, as he let out years of stress.

"It's okay, I'm here for you," she said softly, as she stroked the back of his head. She had a flashback to Carla doing the same thing for her right after her transformation. What goes around comes around, she thought.

After a while Tyler composed himself. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to tell someone. I've had these feelings my whole life and have never acted on them. I suppressed them and fought them, hoping they'd go away." He took off his glasses and started to clean them.

"They won't go away, because they are your true essence," stated Hallie.

"I know that now. Will the process really change me completely?" asked Tyler.

"It will change your physical body, you'll still be you. Does that make sense?" asked Hallie.

Tyler nodded.

"You'll find that some things will change. You won't have to suppress your feelings and emotions, like you do now," continued Hallie.

"What will happen to my family, my career, what will my friends think?" asked Tyler.

"At the conclusion of the ceremony, your life history will change. Only those present at the ceremony will even know Tyler existed. You'll continue your life as the female you. New name, new gender, but you will be you."

Tyler nodded. "Did that happen with you?"

"No. I wasn't a willing participant. I've legally changed my name and identity."

"That doesn't seem fair. You'd think that the Guardians would grant you that."

"Thanks. So I take it you believe me?"

Tyler nodded.

"Now for the big question. Do you want me to transform you? You don't have to make up your mind right now," asked Hallie.

"Yes! I want to do it!"

"Don't you want to think about it?" asked Hallie.

"Hell, no! Hallie, you said that you could sense my pain, but you have no idea what it's like dealing with it day in, day out. I've prayed for such an opportunity!"

"This is a big decision," reiterated Hallie.

"Hallie, it's all so clear now. I've had dreams of being transformed into a woman. In those dreams it was always the same person helping me. I now know why you seemed so familiar! It was you in my dreams! I just had a dream about being changed last night. I don't remember everything, but you were just wearing a long skirt."

Hallie nodded. She wondered if this was all part of the process. She hadn't expected Tyler to be so eager to participate in the ceremony.

"When can we start?" he asked anxiously.

Hallie smiled. "Tonight?"

"Really?"

"Yes, besides the moon is full and that is part of the ceremony."

"What time do you need to be back on the Churchill?"

"We can stay out overnight if we call back to the ship."

"Good. Call the ship and tell them you're staying here tonight."

Tyler nodded. "Thank you!"

Hallie smiled back and they hugged again.

"Wait, what about the baby?"

"Kim and I have one request. We'd like you to be our daughter's godmother."

Tyler smiled. "I'd like that. So, I'll be able to get pregnant too?"

Hallie nodded. "Yes, you get the whole package, good and bad."

Tyler nodded. "I just want to be whole."

Chapter Fifty

Hallie walked Tyler back up to the main house. Kim and Carla were waiting for them on the patio.

"Well?" asked Kim.

"It's a go," replied Hallie.

Kim got up and hugged Tyler. "I'm very happy for you."

"Thanks," replied Tyler, who was caught off guard by Kim's enthusiastic hug.

"Sorry, but Hallie and I have been worried about how you'd react."

"Are you positive you want to go through with this ceremony?" asked Carla.

Tyler nodded vigorously. "I've dreamed about being transformed many times, but I never thought it would actually happen. This may be a dream, and if so I want my happy ending!"

Carla laughed. "This isn't a dream, my dear. But sometimes real life has happy endings too."

"Tyler, please sit down, I need to tell you what will happen," stated Hallie. For the next twenty minutes she discussed the ceremony with Tyler.

Tyler listened intently, hanging on every word.

"So, you can see that it's vital that you do this willingly," explained Hallie.

"I'm doing this completely of my free will," answered Tyler.

"Okay. We'll hold the ceremony at the site at the temple this evening. Now remember, only the people at the ceremony will know your past. Is there anyone you want there?"

Tyler thought about it. As much as he liked his close friends on the ship, he doubted they would believe him. Besides, if this works as Hallie said it would, he thought, then they'll still be my friends. "No."

"Do you mind if we bring two more people?" asked Hallie.

"Who?" asked Tyler.

"My husband, Alex, and Stefanos. Both are archeologists, and both can be trusted," interjected Carla.

Tyler shrugged his shoulders. "Sure, I trust you."

Hallie nodded. "Okay, the ceremony will be held tonight, once the moon rises. I suggest that you take a nap."

"I want to call my family back in the states first, if that is okay?" asked Tyler.

"Sure," replied Hallie.

Tyler called his family and talked to them for a few minutes.

"I just wanted to talk them one more time, just in case something goes wrong," stated Tyler as he hung up the phone.

"I understand, but put your mind at ease, everything will be okay," comforted Hallie. "Kim will show you to your room. I'll see you later this evening."

Kim led him to the spare bedroom in their cottage. "We'll wake you up in time for your bath."

"Bath?" asked Tyler.

Kim nodded. "It's all part of the ceremony."

"I'm too keyed up to sleep," replied Tyler.

"Try anyway."

Tyler sat down on the bed and started to undress. He wondered if he was doing the right thing. Deep down he knew that this was a golden opportunity to set his life straight. He was so tired of pretending to be something he wasn't. He lay back on the bed and thought about his life and how he was in constant conflict with his feelings. Gradually he relaxed and soon fell into a deep restful sleep.

Chapter Fifty-One

"Tyler, wake up. It's time," said Kim, as she gently shook Tyler to wake him.

He sat up and rubbed his eyes. He reached for his glasses and put them on. Seeing Kim smiling at him, he knew it wasn't a dream.

"What happens now?"

"You take a ceremonial bath and drink some wine," replied Kim, with a smile.

Tyler smiled back. "Sounds painless."

Kim led Tyler to the main house. There was a large bath, already filled with steamy hot water.

"Where's everyone else?"

"Stefanos is waiting here. He'll drive us to the site. Hallie, Carla, and Alex are at the site. Lane and Theon are in town, as is Lydia. The only other one here is Artemis."

"Artemis? Who is he?" asked Tyler.

"She is a cat! Artemis, named after a Greek goddess," replied Kim.

Tyler nodded.

"Well, you'd better get undressed and into the bath. I'm here to serve you wine."

Tyler hesitated about getting undressed in front of Kim.

Sensing his discomfort. "Tyler, I've seen naked men before and I'm a lesbian, relax." She then smiled at him.

Tyler nodded and undressed. He slowly slipped into the bath. He had to admit that it felt very good. Kim handed him a large glass of strong Santorini wine.

"Now, just relax. You'll soon be the person you were destined to be," stated Kim, who began to fold up his clothes. She then put them into a gym bag.

"Will my clothes change too?" asked Tyler.

"As far as we know."

Tyler took a sip of the wine. It felt good going down. "Does it hurt?"

"Hallie said it didn't. I believe her," replied Kim.

Several glasses of wine later, Tyler was sufficiently relaxed. Kim helped him out of the tub and wrapped him in a large terry bathrobe. She also gave him a pair of flip-flops to wear.

The drive to the dig site was in total silence. They arrived at the site to see that a ring of torches illuminated it. A makeshift altar had been constructed using the picnic table. Kim led Tyler to a bench that was to the left of the altar. "Stay here, we'll be back for you in a few minutes."

Kim walked over to the museum to change.

"How is he?" asked Hallie.

"A bit nervous, but who wouldn't be," replied Kim. "Hallie, you look stunning!"

Hallie was dressed as a Minoan priestess. Her hair was styled in large curls around the headdress that she had bought the previous year. Of course, she was bare breasted and was wearing a high waisted ornate skirt.

Hallie nodded and pointed to the corner of the room. "Your skirt and headdress are over there."

"Where's Carla?" asked Kim.

"I'm right here," stated Carla, who was sitting down next to the fresco table. She was dressed similarly to Hallie, except she wasn't bare breasted. "I'm a little too old and modest for that look. I think the Guardians will understand."

Hallie and Carla helped Kim get ready.

"He seems anxious to get started. I didn't sense any second thoughts," stated Kim. "You know, I've been dying to dress like this ever since you dressed up for me last year."

Hallie giggled nervously. "Thanks, I needed a laugh."

"You're doing the right thing," comforted Kim.

Hallie nodded. "Well, you look as ready as I can make you. Let's get started."

"Are you going to have sex with Tyler?" asked Kim.

"Not necessary. I'm already pregnant."

"Good point!" replied Kim.

"Do we have everything?" asked Hallie.

Carla held up the vase that held the lubricant and the dildo. Kim picked up the bottle of wine and the cup. Hallie nodded and led them out to the altar.

As they approached Tyler, he stood up in front of them.

"Tyler, once again I ask you, do you willingly agree to participate in this ceremony?" asked Hallie.

"I do," replied Tyler.

"Then drink, and prepare yourself for a new life," stated Hallie. Kim handed her a full cup of wine, which she passed to Tyler.

He took the cup and began to drink. A slight smile grew on his face. Hallie smiled thinking about how she felt during her dream journey transformation.

After finishing the cup of wine, Tyler appeared to be a little wobbly. Kim and Carla led him to the altar. They took off his robe and helped him lie down on the altar. Carla gently removed his glasses and set them aside. Hallie stood by as Kim and Carla prepared Tyler for the dildo. They massaged the lubricant in between his legs.

Hallie knew it was time and took the dildo out of the vase and pressed it gently against Tyler's anus. She wasn't sure how much force she's have to use, so she started out gently. To her surprise it slid in with little resistance. Tyler let out a light gasp, but didn't appear to be in pain. Hallie began to slide the object deeper into Tyler. She was about to wonder if the Guardians would show up, when the air became suddenly very still. It was the same feeling she'd had the previous times the Guardians had appeared.

From the top of the hill behind the temple the three cobalt blue glowing entities floated down to the altar. At first they were just formless masses, but they slowly began to resolve into the familiar forms of the three Guardians. They surrounded the altar and moved closer to Tyler.

The lead Guardian stopped directly in front of Hallie. A soothing smile slowly broke out on the face of the Guardian. "You have done well, little one."

Hallie had hoped to see the transformation process, but she would be disappointed. The three Guardians joined hands above Tyler and a bright blue light formed. In a flash it spread out from their hands and covered Tyler. Hallie looked down and saw that Tyler was totally transformed. Lying before them was a very pretty young woman, who in many ways looked as if she could be Tyler's twin sister.

She was the same height as Tyler, with the same colored hair. It was now styled in a short cut. Tyler was still thin, with B-cup breasts. Overall, she was an attractive, athletic young woman.

The Guardians still had one thing to do and together they reached down and touched Tyler. A circular wave of energy swept out from Tyler. Hallie knew that Tyler's history and past were being rewritten.

"Blessed be, Mother of Minoa!" chorused the three Guardians.

The lead Guardian turned to Hallie. "We will never be far from you, little one."

In a flash they were gone. Hallie looked over at Carla and Kim. "Was that amazing or what?"

They just nodded in unison.

Hallie didn't even remember taking the dildo out of Tyler, but she must have since she was holding it in her right hand. She looked down at Tyler, who appeared to be still asleep. She placed the dildo in the vase and began to gently shake the young woman. "Tracy, wake up." She suddenly realized that she was calling Tyler, Tracy. Maybe the history change spell affected her too.

Tracy opened her eyes. "Did it work?" She hesitated as she heard her new voice. "Was that me?"

Hallie nodded and smiled. "You also answered to you new name, Tracy."

Carla handed Tracy her glasses. The frames were now feminine.

Tracy slowly sat up and looked down at her feminized body. "Oh, my God! I'm really a woman!"

"That's right," replied Hallie.

"This is fantastic! I can't even begin to thank all of you!" exclaimed Tracy.

"Come dear, we need to get you cleaned up and dressed," stated Carla. "We also have a mirror, so you can see how pretty you are now!"

"We'll support you, Tracy," offered Kim.

"Tracy, I like that," beamed the young woman.

Hallie, Kim, and Carla assisted Tracy back into the museum and helped her wash up. Tracy stared at her new face in the mirror. She reached up and touched her face, as if to make sure it was really hers.

"If you can put the mirror down for a second, I think you'd better get dressed."

Tracy laughed and put the mirror down. Kim opened up the gym bag and smiled. "Look!" She held out a denim skirt, panties, bra, and pink top.

"What about my wallet?" asked Tracy anxiously.

Kim reached into the bag and pulled out a small purse and handed it to Tracy.

"So far, so good," stated Tracy. She pulled out her green military ID and saw that she was still a LTJG in the USN. It read Tracy Elaine Clarke. "My social security number is even the same."

"Everything else okay?" asked Hallie.

Tracy went through everything. "It's all changed. Look, here is a photo of my family and me. They're the same, but I'm now Tracy!"

Hallie felt a twinge of jealousy as Tracy confirmed her new identity. Why couldn't you do that for me, she thought.

"Well, you must be exhausted. Let's go back to the house," suggested Carla.

Tracy nodded. A sense of fatigue was sweeping through her body. "Hallie, it was just as you described. You and the others appeared frozen in time as they changed me."

"I'm very happy for you," stated Hallie. Then after thinking about it, she leaned over to Tracy and whispered into her ear. "Thank you for the seed, from which a new priestess will grow."

Tracy nodded and then hugged Hallie.

Chapter Fifty-Two

"Is Tracy asleep?" asked Alex.

Hallie nodded as she rejoined the others on the patio. It was a little after midnight, Hallie, like the others was too keyed up to sleep.

"You want some wine?" asked Stefanos, holding out a bottle and a glass.

"A little," she replied, taking the glass of wine from him.

"I still cannot believe what I saw," stated Carla.

"Same here," added Kim.

"Still, I get the feeling we did the right thing. I don't know how to describe it, but I'm filled with a sense of …joy," continued Carla.

Hallie took a sip of the wine and sat next to Kim, who put her arm around her.

"I feel the same way," agreed Kim.

Stefanos nodded in agreement. "Thank you for the honor of observing the ceremony."

"Was that Minoan that the Guardians spoke to you?" asked Alex.

Hallie nodded. She hadn't even noticed.

"It's a very elegant sounding language," stated Alex.

"It was like nothing that I've ever heard," added Stefanos.

"You okay, Hallie? You seem a little down," asked Kim.

Hallie shrugged her shoulders. "It's nothing."

"No, please tell us."

"I guess I feel a little slighted. Tracy gets her new gender and a matching identity. I'm forced to live with a fake identification. I mean, I can live out my life this way, but what about our daughter?"

Kim nodded. "I wish I knew what to say."

"In the cult, those who were transformed went on with their lives, as women. The priestesses were made up of women and selected males for transformation. However those males retained their male history. Everyone knew that they had once been male. I guess it added to the status in the cult, but in the here and now, it's damn inconvenient."

"How do you know that?" asked Alex.

"Remember how I told you that my mind was filled with information about the cult and the Minoans after my transformation? Well, I still can't access it all, but when a specific question comes up, I suddenly seem to know the answer. Does that make sense?" asked Hallie.

Alex smiled. "As much as anything concerning your change."

"I mean, it wouldn't be a big deal in Minoa, but I live in the modern world. What happens if I'm exposed? Not only is my life turned upside down, but so are all of yours!"

"They won't let that happen," comforted Kim.

"I don't know if they comprehend the modern world. They're so much more advanced than us," continued Hallie. She finished her wine and passed the glass to Stefanos.

"You sure?" he asked before filling her glass.

Hallie hesitated. "You're right. One glass is my limit for now."

"Everything will work out," comforted Carla.

As if on cue, Artemis appeared and jumped into Hallie's lap.

"A sign from the goddesses?" asked Kim.

"Nope, just an attention starved cat," quipped Hallie, who began to stroke the cat.

Artemis purred her agreement to the others.

"Is that the only thing bothering you?" asked Carla.

Hallie shook her head.

"Do you want to talk about it?" asked Carla.

"I'm a little overwhelmed by the ceremony. I just assisted some mystical beings in the transformation of a male into a female. It's a little intimidating."

"Just a little?" quipped Kim.

Hallie smiled.

"Hallie, we're in this with you," stated Carla.

Hallie looked around and saw the others nodding in agreement. "Thank you."

"What happened tonight was something wonderful. We did the right thing," stated Stefanos.

Alex looked at his watch. "It's getting late, I suggest we go to bed."

Hallie stood up, much to the annoyance of Artemis, who jumped to the ground.

"Good night, everyone," stated Hallie.

After goodnights and hugs, Hallie and Kim walked down the path to their cottage.

"It'll work out, my love," whispered Kim.

  

  

  

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