Mumm-ra's Pyramid, Rhineland, Light World, Hyrule, X-iverse.  Stardate 1 066 958.90; June 15, 3012.

Mumm-ra appeared in the Pyramid in Ganon's form.  He transformed to his decaying mummy form.  "Agahnim is off to study what sort of trouble he can create in the Kingdom of Hyrule," he told his guests, Luna and Liquidator.  "A bit later this morning, Siegfried, Johanna, and Johannes should arrive at the Gibichung palace."

            "Good," Luna said.  "That means my plan should render Ludwig unbelievable power very soon."

            "Yes," said Liquidator.  "However, Mumm-ra, your temper with the older Wilytwins cost us a victory."

            "I'm aware of that, Liquidator," Mumm-ra said.  "However, I shall more than make up for it when I deliver the Ring to Ludwig on the seventeenth of this month."

            "I hope so, Mumm-ra," said Luna.  "We don't need those new Thunder Brats to return it to Woglinde, Wellgunde, and Flosshilde, those whining Rhinemaidens."

            "They shall not, my dear Luna!  Their inexperience shall be their undoing."  He spread his arms over the cauldron, and it showed that Siegfried, Johanna, and Johannes were very near the Gibichung palace.  "Ha, ha, ha!  Excellent.  They'll arrive right on schedule, which means Ludwig will have infinite power right on schedule!"  All the villains laughed quite madly.

            * * *

            Gibichung Palace, Rhineland.

            It was mid-morning in the Rhineland.  As was normal in the warm weather, the doors to the Gibichung Hall were wide open.  The palace was just off the Rhine River, making shipments very easy and numerous.  Gunther and his sister, Gutrune, were sitting in the hall, waiting for Hagen, their half-brother, to come in.  He did at this point.  "Greetings, Gunther and Gutrune," Hagen said.  "Why did you wish to see me?"

            "Tell me, my hero," Gunther asked, "does Gunther maintain Gibich's glory?"

            "Your legitimate title fills me with envy.  She who bore us both as brothers, Dame Grimhilde, told me to observe it."

            "I envy you; don't envy me!  Though I inherited the first-born's right, wisdom went to you alone.  Half-brother's dissension was never taken care of better.  I only praise your wisdom in querying my authority."

            "Then I must reprimand my wits, for your standing is still slight.  I know of good things that you have not yet won."

            "Then do not conceal them, or I too will reprimand you!"

            "I see Gibich's children in the summer of their ripe strength. . . you, Gunther, with no wife, and you, Gutrune, with no husband."

            "Whom, then, do you advise us to wed, to profit our position?"

            "I know of the finest woman in the world.  She dwells high on a rock, and a fire burns all around her home.  Only he who breaks through the fire can be Brünnhilde's suitor."

            "Could my courage face this?"

            "It is destined only for one still stronger."

            "Who is that most valiant man?"

            "It is Siegfried, the Volsung's offspring, who is the strongest of heroes.  Siegmund and Sieglinde, a pair of twins overcome by love, engendered this noblest of sons.  He grew up strong in the forest, and I would wish him to be Gutrune's husband."

            "What doughty deed did he do to be deemed the most splendid of heroes?"

            "The gigantic dragon Fafner guarded the Nibelung hoard at Neidhöhle.  Siegfried closed its huge jaws and slew it with his conquering sword.  This wondrous feat won him a hero's fame."  As one can see, word travelled quite swiftly in this world!

            "I have heard about the Nibelung hoard.  Does it not contain most covetable wealth?"

            "He who truly knew how to use it would indeed be master of the world."

            "And Siegfried won it in combat?"

            "Yes.  The Nibelungen are his slaves."

            "And only he can win Brünnhilde?"

            "The fire will allow none other to win her."

            "Why do you stir up my doubts and discord?  Why do you rouse my desire for what I cannot attain?"

            "If Siegfried brought home the bride to you, could Brünnhilde not be yours?"

            "Who could persuade this happy man to win the bride for me?"

            "Your request would soon persuade him if Gutrune had previously captured his heart."

            "You mocking, hateful Hagen!" snapped Gutrune.  "How could I capture Siegfried?  If he is the world's mightiest hero, the loveliest women on earth have long since rejoiced him."

            "He is yet young, and the only other woman he has seen is his adoptive sister, Wily-johanna.  Also, remember the potion in the chest.  Trust me, who obtained it.  It will bind the hero whom you long for to you in love.  Were Siegfried to enter now and drink of that spiced draught, he would completely forget any women that he had loved romantically before you or that such women had ever come near him.  Now say, what do you think of my scheme?"

            Gunther said, "Praised be Grimhilde, who gave us such a brother!"

            "I wish I could see Siegfried!" exclaimed Gutrune.

            "How could we seek him out?"

            "No need!" Hagen said.  "His quests will bring him here soon enough.  This hall is his destination."

            "I will gladly welcome him when he arrives."  They heard a horn sound from some distance.  "A horn sounds from the Rhine."  The three all went out to the dock.

            Hagen looked down the river.  "A warrior and a horse in a boat!  It is he who so gaily blows his horn!  With an easy stroke, as if with idle hands, he drives the boat easily hither.  Such robust strength in the swing of the oar proclaims this must be the man who slew the dragon.  It is Siegfried, certainly no other!  With him, I see the Wilytwins, Wily-johanna and Wily-johannes, his companions."

            Gutrune and Gunther were excited.  "I shall prepare the draught!" Gutrune said.  She ran back into the hall.

            Gunther asked, "Is he speeding past?"

            Hagen called, "Hoiho!  Where are you going, fine hero?"

            Siegfried's voice responded, "To Gibich's stalwart son."

            "I invite you to his hall.  This way!  Lay to!"  Siegfried landed the boat at the dock.  He and the Wilytwins disembarked when Hagen had secured it to the bank by the chain.  "Hail, Siegfried, dear hero!"

            "Which is Gibich's son?" Siegfried asked.

            Gunther responded, "I, Gunther, am the one you seek."

            "I have heard of your fame from along the Rhine, and this was my destination before I even began my journey."  He drew Nothung.  "Now, fight with me, or be my friend!"

            "Let fighting be!  You are welcome here!"

            Siegfried re-sheathed Nothung, then led Grane off the boat.  "Where can I stable my horse?"

            Hagen said, "I will find him somewhere to rest."

            Handing the reins to Hagen, Siegfried said, "You called me Siegfried.  Have you seen me before?"

            "I knew you by your strength alone.  No other human bears your strength.  Also, word of you has spread far up the Rhine already."

            "Tend Grane well for me.  You never held the bridle of a horse of nobler breed."  Hagen led Grane to the stable.  "Gunther, these are my companions, Johanna and Johannes.  None has borne better witness to my deeds than they have."

            "Be glad, O hero, as you greet my father's hall," Gunther said, leading Siegfried into the hall.  "Wherever you tread, whatever you see, now treat as your own.  Yours is my inheritance, my land and people.  May my body bear witness to my oath!  Myself, too, I offer as your man."  In the honour-centric society of the Rhineland, such offerings indicated overtures of friendship between heroes.  Hagen returned from the stables and into the hall.

            "I can offer neither land nor people, nor father's house and palace.  I inherited only my own body, and that will waste away as I live.  All I have is a sword, which I forged myself.  May the sword be witness to my oath!  I offer it with myself in alliance."

            "But rumour names you as lord of the Nibelung hoard," said Hagen.  "Is it not true?"

            "I almost forgot the treasure, so poorly do I prize it.  I left it to lie in a cavern where a dragon once guarded it."

            "And you took nothing from it?"

            He held up the Tarnhelm.  "This chainmail, though I do not know its purpose."

            "I know that it is the Tarnhelm, the most skilful handiwork of the Nibelungen.  When it is on your head, it enables you to assume any shape.  Also, if you wish to go to a distant place, it takes you there in an instant.  Did you take nothing else from the hoard?"

            "A Ring."

            "Do you keep it safe?"

            "A wondrous woman keeps it."

            Brünnhilde! thought Hagen.

            Gunther said, "You don't need to give me anything, Siegfried.  I'd be giving a mere trifle in exchange if for your helmet you took all I had.  I'll gladly serve you without reward."  Hagen had gone to Gutrune's door and now opened it.  Gutrune came out with a full drink-horn in her hands.

            "Welcome, O guest, to the house of Gibich," said Gutrune.  "His daughter offers you this drink."

            When she handed him the horn, Siegfried took it gently.  "Were I to forget all you gave me," he said, "one lesson I will never lose!  Brünnhilde, to you I offer this first drink to faithful love!"  He rose the horn to his lips and emptied it in a long draught.  As he drank, the magical potion began working immediately.  The taste itself caused his memory to forget the woman he loved romantically, Brünnhilde.  He handed the horn back to Gutrune who, embarrassed and confused, lowered her eyes before him.  Siegfried fixed his gaze on her with suddenly inflamed passion.  "You have seared my sight with your glance.  Why do you lower your eyes before me?"  Blushing, Gutrune raised her eyes to his.  "Ah, fairest maid!  Close your eyes.  Their rays burn my heart!  In streams of fire, I feel them set my blood ablaze!  Gunther, what is your sister's name?"

            "Gutrune," answered Gunther.

            "Are they good runes that I read in her eyes?  I offered myself as your brother's man, but proudly he refused me.  Would you treat me with like disdain if I offered myself to you in bond?"  Involuntarily, Gutrune met Hagen's gaze.  She modestly bowed her head, and with a gesture of feeling herself unworthy, she left the hall with faltering steps.  "Gunther, have you a wife?"

            "I am not married yet and shall not easily win the wife to content me," Gunther said.  "I have set my mind on one whom no means will ever make mine."

            "What could be denied you, with me at your side?"

            "She dwells high upon a rock."

            Siegfried repeated, " 'She dwells high upon a rock.' "

            "A fire surrounds her home."

            " 'A fire surrounds her home.' "

            "Only he who breaks through the fire. . ."

            " 'Only he who breaks through the fire. . .' "

            ". . .can be Brünnhilde's suitor."  Siegfried's bearing at the mention of Brünnhilde's name indicated that all recollection of her had left him.  "I cannot climb that crag.  For me, the fire will never abate!"

            "But I fear no fire, and I will win the woman for you, for I am your man, and my mettle is for you, if I may have Gutrune for my wife."

            "I gladly grant you Gutrune."

            "Then I will bring you Brünnhilde."

            "How will you delude her?"

            "By the Tarnhelm's magic, I will change my shape to yours."

            "Then let us swear an oath!"

            "Let the oath be of blood-brotherhood!"

            Hagen filled a drinking-horn with new wine; he held it out to Siegfried and Gunther, who pricked their arms with their swords and held them for a short while over the mouth of the drinking-horn.  Siegfried and Gunther each laid two fingers on the horn, which Hagen held between them during the swearing of the oath.

            Siegfried said, "I have dropped flourishing life's refreshing blood into the cup."

            "May bravely blended brotherly love bloom from our blood in the cup," Gunther said.

            Both said, "I pledge faith to my friend.  Glad and free may blood-brotherhood today blossom from our bond!"

            Gunther said, "If a brother breaks his bond,. . ."

            Siegfried said, ". . .if a friend betrays his trust,. . ."

            Both said, ". . .what we have solemnly drunk in drops today shall flow in torrents in full vengeance to a friend!"

            "Thus I take the oath," said Gunther.

            "Thus I pledge my faith," Siegfried said.  He drank from the drink, then Gunther.  Once the two had drunk, Hagen took his own sword and broke the horn in two.  "Why did you not join in the oath?" Siegfried asked Hagen.

            "My blood would taint your drink," said Hagen.  "It does not flow purely and nobly like yours.  Stiff and cold, it is sluggish within me.  It will not redden my cheeks.  Therefore, I abstain from hot-blooded bonds."

            "Let the unhappy man be," said Gunther.

            "And why did you not join us, Johannes?" Siegfried asked.

            "I cannot interfere with your activities on such a high level," Johannes told him.  "If I could, though, I would have happily joined you two."

            "Then, Gunther, let's quickly be on our way!  There lies my boat.  It will soon take us to the rock.  One night you must wait by the bank in the boat, then you can take home your wife."

            "Will you not rest first?" Gunther asked.

            "I am already impatient to be back!"  Gunther, Hagen, and Siegfried left the hall for the dock.

            "Johannes, go with them," said Johanna.  "Also, find a way to ask Mom if we have to put up with this!"

            "Sure, Johanna," Johannes said.  He ran out to the others.  "I'm coming, also!"

            "Come, then, Johannes!" said Siegfried.  "We welcome your company."

            "Hagen, you keep guard over the palace!" Gunther commanded.  Siegfried, Johannes, and he went to the dock.  Gutrune appeared at the door of her room just as Siegfried pushed off the boat into the middle of the river.

            "Where are they off to in such haste?" Gutrune asked.

            "Sailing off to woo Brünnhilde," answered Hagen.

            "Siegfried?"

            "See how urgently he seeks to win you as his wife!"

            "Siegfried. . . mine!"  She went back to her room in great agitation.

            Hagen looked at Johanna, who looked back.  "I have heard little of you and your brother," Hagen told her, "but I have heard enough.  Are you here to interfere?"

            "I am only here to stop my mother's enemies from stealing Alberich's Ring," Johanna said.  "As my brother said, we are not here to interfere.  Of course, if I were permitted to, I'd hack off your head immediately.  I am a member of a species much stronger than you."

            "Then let your wisdom rule you rather than your strength."

            "I knew your uncle.  Mime was an evil dwarf, but you are much more evil."

            "My father, Alberich, was far wiser than Mime.  He would never have relied on a boy to give him the most powerful ring in the world."

            "You will be dragged to the bottom of the river before you can get the Ring, you ugly half-dwarf, and I'm not going to stop it."  She stormed off.

            Hagen sat in front of the hall, his spear in his hand.  "Here I sit on watch, guarding the house, defending the hall from foes.  The wind wafts Gibich's son on his way to woo a wife.  His helmsman is a bold hero who will defy danger for him.  He brings his own bride back on the Rhine, but he brings me the Ring!  You sons of freedom, cheerful companions, gaily sail away!  Though you deem him base, you will yet serve the Nibelung's son."

            Nearby, Thomas and Kelly were watching the events unfolding.  "Oh, great," said Kelly.  "Johanna's tipped her hand to Hagen!"

            "Don't worry," Thomas said.  "He'll dismiss her word until it's too late for the natural flow of events.  Alberich, after all, dismissed Ludwig's word."

            "Where is he, anyway?"

            "Probably heading this way for his conference with his son."

            "Should we go after Johannes?"

            "I don't think it's necessary," Thomas replied.  "What we need to do is keep an eye on Johanna.  She's a little time bomb if ever I read a file about one, and I think she wants to go off.  I want to make sure she doesn't."

            "All right."

            * * *

            Mumm-ra's Pyramid, Rhineland.

            Siegfried, Gunther, and Johannes headed south past Mumm-ra's Pyramid.  "What is this oppressive place, Gunther?" asked Siegfried.

            "I haven't heard much about it," Gunther said.  "I have only heard that it is here."

            "One day, I should conquer it, but now I am helping my blood-brother win his wife."

            Johannes sighed to himself.  If only you poor guys knew, he thought to himself.

            Within the pyramid, three villains watched with the cauldron.  "Ha, ha, ha!" laughed Mumm-ra.  "If only you poor guys knew!  Ha, ha!  Siegfried will be burned to a crisp on a funeral pyre before he enters this place."

            "The Ring is with Brünnhilde," Liquidator said.  "Guaranteed, without fail, Siegfried will take it, and Hagen will try to take it after he has killed the hero and Gunther.  But Brünnhilde will take the Ring and, after a long diatribe, give it back to the Rhinemaidens."

            "And that," said Mumm-ra, "is where Ganon comes in.  In his piggish form, I shall nab the Ring from the Rhinemaidens and surprise the hell out of the junior Wilytwins!  Heh!  This will be quite easy, and Ludwig will be quite victorious!"

            "Wonderful," said Luna.  "Hopefully, we'll all get some grateful recognition for this plot, Mumm-ra."

            "That would be nice, but if not, at least our leader will have conquered three universes, and that is more important."

            * * *

            Northern Face of Death Mountain, Rhineland.

            The heroes arrived at the mountain near sundown.  "We've travelled half the day," said Gunther.

            "I knew where to come," Siegfried said.  "Now, I shall woo you your bride."  He put on the Tarnhelm.  "Tarnhelm, give me Gunther's form."  He transformed swiftly into a perfect replica of Gunther.

            "Looks perfect," Johannes said.

            "Good.  Now, I shall do it."  Siegfried went up the mountain.

            "Gunther, it's been a few days since I spoke with my family," said Johannes.  "I'm going to do that now, since we're relatively close."

            "Certainly," said Gunther.  Johannes went off.  When he was certain he was out of Gunther's range of vision, he burst into a very swift run, faster than anyone had ever run before.  He had a bad feeling about his mother's response to this, but he just had to ask.  He felt he would be no Thunder Cat if he did not obey his instincts at least partially.

            Soon, due to his fast speed, Johannes reached his mother's cave.  Just before he could put his hand on the door, Wilykit opened it from within.  "Mom!" he exclaimed.

            "Come in, Johannes," said Wilykit.  She led him into the living room.  "Sit down, kid."

            Johannes sat on the couch.  "Oh, boy, I love this," he said.  Wilykit sat down next to him and looked in his eyes with a penetrating gaze.  "Mom, what's happening?  Why are we letting Hagen do this to Siegfried?"

            "You know why, son.  We're not to interfere with the events.  We are observers until our enemies show up."

            "I feel like Hagen is an enemy."

            "Maybe, but he will be taken care of.  Treat all the interactions between now and when Brünnhilde tosses the Ring to the Rhinemaidens as the past.  It may seem hard, but the events are established."

            Johannes wanted to tear his eyes away, but he could not.  It was as if his mother's gaze were a vice keeping his head and his eyes aimed in the same direction.  "But he's my friend, Mom.  How can I do this?  How can I stand by while Hagen destroys him?  How will I stand by when Hagen murders him?  And how will Johanna do the same?"

            "It's good that you don't want Siegfried to be destroyed or killed.  It simply must happen, Johannes.  Nothing can change it."

            "You can!" he shouted in misery.  "You can change anything!  You're my mother, the Lord of the Thunder Cats!"  He began crying.

            Gently, Wilykit hugged him.  "No one can change everything, son," she told him softly.  "I don't want to let several people be killed, but I have no choice."

            "But your powers," he managed through his sobbing.  "You can use your powers, Mom."

            "This is something I cannot change, Johannes.  Yes, I certainly am able to use my Q-cubed powers to alter things, but I also have moral considerations.  If I act without obeying my morals, I am no better than the villains from whom we are trying to protect creation."

            Johannes stopped crying and looked in her eyes.  "And you can't save Siegfried without disobeying your morals?"

            "Neither can you or Johanna.  You two need to let events occur as they're supposed to."

            "-Sigh.-  Okay, but I don't like this."

            "I'm glad you don't, Johannes.  You should not like having to do this.  That would also be morally wrong.  This is supposed to be difficult.  But I'm glad you came to let me support you."

            "All right.  Thank you, Mom.  I guess I'd best get back. . . in time to see Siegfried conquer Brünnhilde."

            "Tell your sister, Johannes.  Make sure she understands this.  She's really got a hot temper."

            "Sure, Mom."

            "I guess I should tell you this.  Thomas and Kelly have been following you two."

            "Huh?"

            "Yes, and they have Magic Capes, so people can't see them, except they see each other."

            "Hey!  That was them that evening!"

            "Yes.  They couldn't drop their cover, Johannes."

            "Drat it!  And Johanna thought I was seeing things."  He shook his head.  "I feel angry."

            "Control your feelings, son," said Wilykit, gently rubbing his shoulders.  "Gee, you're tense."

            "Oh, that feels good," he said.  "It's really soothing."

            "You ought to do this to Johanna so she'll cool off."

            "Oh, I will, Mom.  Rrow!  Oops!"

            "Heh, heh!  Forget it.  All Thunderians do that.  We have feline elements in our genetic structure, and we sometimes really act like cats."

            "Well, this shoulder-rub sure feels good."  He looked at her when she finished.  "Mom, I'll sure be happier when this mess is over."

            "So will I," Wilykit said.  "Well, see you later, kid."  They hugged each other.

            "See you later, Mom.  Thank you for straightening me out.  I love you."  He got up and went to the door.  Once there, he waved good-bye, and Wilykit waved good-bye back.  He left and ran back through the woods back to the mountain.

            He sprinted up the mountain and saw Siegfried, in Gunther's form, wrest the Ring from Brünnhilde.  "Now you are mine, Brünnhilde," said Siegfried in Gunther's voice.  "You are Gunther's bride.  Now, grant me your cave."

            "How could you defend yourself, poor woman?" she asked herself.  With an imperious gesture, Siegfried drove her forward.  Trembling and with uneasy steps, she entered the cave.

            Siegfried drew Nothung.  In his natural voice, he quietly said, "Now, Nothung, be witness that my wooing was chaste.  Keeping faith with my brother, separate me from his bride!"  He followed Brünnhilde into the cave.

            Johannes approached the opening and saw Siegfried lay Nothung between himself and Brünnhilde.  "Great," the young Thunderian whispered to himself.  He sat by the entrance and kept watch.  Luckily, Thunderians could stay awake three times as long as humans.

            * * *

            Gibichung Hall, Rhineland.  Stardate 1 066 961.64; June 16, 3012.

            Hagen sat watch for a very long time.  Not long before dawn, he was almost falling asleep.  His spear was cradled on his right arm, his shield at his side.  He was leaning against a pillar of the hall.  Nearby, Johanna was watching him to see what would happen, and she was wide-awake.

            Out of the forest came Alberich, who quietly approached his son.  He crouched in front of Hagen and rested his arms on his son's knees.  "Are you sleeping, Hagen, my son?" he quietly asked when the moon came out suddenly and cast a harsh light on Hagen and his immediate surroundings.  "Do you sleep and not hear me, whom rest and sleep betrayed?"

            "I hear you, evil dwarf," Hagen said.  "What do you have to tell me?"

            "Remember the might that you command, if you share the mettle of the mother who bore you!"

            "Though my mother gave me valour, I have no mind to thank her for falling victim to your guile.  Prematurely old, pale, and wan, I hate the happy and am never glad."

            "Hagen, my son, hate the happy!  In so doing, love me, joylessly and weighed down in woe, as you should.  You are strong, subtle, and wise.  Those with whom we struggle in nocturnal strife shall be stricken by our envy.  He who once wrested the Ring from me, Wotan, the rabid robber, was overthrown by one of his own offspring.  He has lost his authority and power to the Volsung, and with all the gods gathered around him, in anguish he awaits his end.  I fear him no more.  He must fall with them all!  Are you asleep, Hagen, my son?"

            "Who inherits the might of the immortals?"

            "I do, and you too!  We inherit the world, if I am not deceived in trusting you and if you share my rage and hatred.  Wotan's spear was split by the Volsung who slew Fafner in combat and innocently gained the Ring.  He obtained entire authority.  Valhalla and Nibelheim now bow to him.  Even my curse is blunted on that fearless hero, for he doesn't know the Ring's value and makes no use of its unique power."  Contemptuously, he continued, "Laughing in the heat of love, he is burning away his life."  Resolutely, he continued, "To destroy him is our one end now!  Are you asleep, Hagen, my son?"

            "He already serves me to his destruction."

            "The golden Ring!  That is what we must obtain!  A wise woman lives for the Volsung's love.  If ever she advised him to return the Ring to the Rhinemaidens, who once duped me in the watery depths, then my gold would be lost, and I could never come up with a ruse to retrieve it.  So, without delay, aim for the Ring!  I made you dauntless so that you would keep me safe from heroes.  Indeed, I wasn't strong enough to oppose the dragon, which was destined for the Volsung alone, but to inexorable hate I bred Hagen, who now shall avenge me and obtain the Ring in defiance of the Volsung and Wotan!  Do you swear it, Hagen, my son?"

            "I shall have the Ring.  Rest patiently."

            "Do you swear it, Hagen, my hero?"

            "I have sworn it to myself.  Calm your concern."

            Alberich began walking away.  "Be true, Hagen, my son!  Belovèd hero!  Keep faith!  Keep faith!"  He had now entered the forest.  From afar, he repeated, "Faith!"

            Johanna was very near to exploding.  "Why, those ugly Nibelungen," she said silently to herself angrily.  "I feel like socking Hagen out right now!"  She began to walk out from her hiding place to Hagen; suddenly, someone picked her up strongly by the forearms and took her into the woods!  "Hey?" she asked softly, her curiosity taking control.  "What's happening?"  At some point about half a kilometre from the palace, she was set down on the ground most gently.  Then, in front of her, Thomas and Kelly became visible!  She blushed.  "Oh, hi, guys."

            Thomas said, "Wily-johanna, you shall have to learn not to lose your temper at villains, especially when you are spying on them."

            "Well, I just. . . -sigh.-  You're right.  I lost it.  But if you heard what Hagen and Alberich were plotting, you couldn't blame me!"

            "No, we can't blame you for being terribly upset about this situation," Kelly said.  "However, you must let it happen."

            "But they want to kill Siegfried," insisted Johanna.

            "I know you don't like that," said Thomas.  "Actually, it's good that you don't.  However, we are all here as observers.  It will stay that way until Brünnhilde throws the Ring back to the Rhinemaidens.  Only when Ludwig or his accomplices appear can we do something.  Our purpose here is to ensure the continuity of events.  That means that if you harm Hagen, our mission automatically fails."

            "Fails?" Johanna asked softly, an innocent look on her face.

            "Yes," said Kelly.  "What you said to him earlier won't change things, so that is all right, but you mustn't tell Siegfried.  Your mother has already told this to your brother.  Also, you cannot tell Brünnhilde or anyone else about Hagen's plot.  Wait.  You may tell Brünnhilde after Siegfried has been killed and after the Rhinemaidens have already advised her to return the Ring to the Rhine, but no earlier."

            "I just don't want Siegfried to be hurt," Johanna said, now nearly crying.

            Thomas always allowed his compassion to manifest itself.  He gently hugged Johanna.  "That's good," he told her quietly, "but it would not be good if you corrupted the chain of events.  I know you love Siegfried like a brother, but it may make matters worse if you try to change things."

            "Oh, Thomas, I love you."  She kissed him on the left cheek.  "I notice, Thomas. . . your face is completely hairless, more so than shaving can account for."

            "I know.  When I was twelve, my father asked me whether I would ever want facial hair, and I said I wouldn't, so he took care of it.  There are devices we can use to keep that stuff from even being produced."

            Kelly smiled.  "At least some men have sense."

            "The preference against facial hair tends to run in the family.  Now that we know how to control weather, facial hair is rather pointless.  Well, Johanna, soon after dawn, Siegfried, with the Tarnhelm, will transport himself here and tell Hagen that Brünnhilde and Gunther are coming.  Hagen will then rouse all the vassals and tell them to kill animals to sacrifice to the gods Donner, Froh, and Fricka.  Later, when Gunther and Brünnhilde arrive, they'll be greeted very joyfully by the vassals.  Brünnhilde will be shocked that Siegfried has taken Gutrune as his bride and that he doesn't recognise her."

            "Then, she'll note that he has the Ring," Kelly said.  "She will be very upset.  Gunther was supposed to have taken that from her as a wedding ring, but it is apparently Siegfried who wrested the Ring from her.  They orally butt heads for a while, and Siegfried will swear an oath on Hagen's spear that he is telling the truth, that he has never known her nor cheated on her.  Then, Brünnhilde will swear an oath on that spear that she is correct.  Siegfried swears that Brünnhilde must be crazy or ill.  With one arm around Gutrune, he will announce the wedding festivities and lead everyone into Gunther's hall for a good time.  Meanwhile, Hagen convinces Gunther and Brünnhilde to let him find a way to kill Siegfried.  Brünnhilde's so angry and confused that she cannot think straight, so she agrees.  Gunther is very reluctant but agrees out of deference to Hagen's purported wisdom.  Hagen will decide that Siegfried is to be killed on the hunt tomorrow evening."

            "Johannes will probably go," said Johanna.

            "If he catches something, it won't be of enough consequence to disturb the chain of events," Thomas said.  "Well, it's about time for you to get back, kid."

            "Okay, Thomas.  Thanks so much.  Hey!  The evening of the twelfth. . . were you two around?"

            "Please tell Johannes we're sorry," said Kelly.  "I know we must have really annoyed him."

            "-Sigh.-  I guess I was too dismissive."

            "Thomas had given me a plate of food.  Johannes probably heard the fork against the plate."

            "When he heard us," said Thomas, "I instructed that we don these."  He showed her the Magic Cape.  "It doesn't look like much, but watch."  He put on the cape, and he disappeared from sight.  "Poof."

            "It makes you invisible," said Johanna, interested.  "Oh, I can make out a very faint outline.  But I guess that's because I was seeing you standing right there"

            "You'd be able to see me if you were trained to use your infrared vision."  He reappeared, the cape in his left hand.

            "All right."  She put her hands on his shoulders, then her right hand on the back of his neck.  "Thomas, I love you."

            "I love you, too," he replied.  "I certainly wish we could do this, but we don't have enough time."  He gently removed her hands from himself and returned them to her side.

            "-Sigh.-  You're right.  See you later, Thomas and Kelly."  She turned around 180 degrees.  "This is the way back, correct?"

            "Yes, Johanna," said Thomas.  "See you later."

            "I promise, I won't interfere with the progression of events."

            "We know," Kelly said.  "We just had to help."

            "Thank you.  Well, I'll get going.  'Bye."

            "Good-bye, Johanna."  Johanna walked towards the Gibichung palace.

            Once Johanna was off, Thomas sighed.  "Kelly, I feel sad about her."

            "Why don't you release it?" asked Kelly.  "I'm here for you, brother."

            "Why would you want me to cry in your arms, Kelly?"

            "For the same reason you let me cry in yours!  I want to comfort you, Thomas."

            "I don't need it."

            "Yes, you do.  Keeping these feelings unexpressed may seriously harm you."

            "Come on, Kelly.  Do you think I want to do that?  If I allow sadness to overcome me, what do you think anger will be able to do?"

            "Anger isn't as powerful, at least not for me."  She hugged him strongly and rubbed his back.  "Come on, brother," she continued softly.  "Let it out."

            Thomas sighed.  "Too late," he said.  "It's gone.  Thank you for trying, though."  He returned the hug.  "I'm sorry for my arrogance."

            "Don't worry.  I love you, brother."

            "And I love you, sister."  They kissed each other on the left cheeks simultaneously.

            "Shall we watch the others?"

            "Yes, Kelly."  They put on their Magic Capes and went over towards the palace.

            * * *

            Soon after dawn, Siegfried and Johannes appeared near the palace and went over to Hagen.  "Hoi-ho, Hagen, weary man!" Siegfried exclaimed.  "Do you see us coming?"  He removed the Tarnhelm from his head and tucked it under his belt as he moved toward Hagen.

            "Hey, Siegfried, swift hero!" Hagen replied.  "From where have you and Johannes stormed in?"

            "From Brünnhilde's rock!  There I drew the breath with which I called to you, so quick was my journey!  The pair are following us more slowly.  They are coming by boat."

            "Then you procured Brünnhilde?"

            "Is Gutrune awake?"

            "Hoi-ho, Gutrune!  Come out.  Siegfried is here!  Why do you linger within?"

            "I'll tell you both how I mastered Brünnhilde."  Gutrune came from the hall towards him.  "Bid me welcome, Gibich's child!  I bring you good news."

            "May Freia welcome you in the name of all women!" Gutrune exclaimed.

            "Be indulgent and kind to me now in my happiness, for today I have won you for my wife."

            "Then, is Brünnhilde following my brother?"

            "She was easily wooed for him."

            "Did the fire not scorch him?"

            "It would not have harmed him, either, but I walked through it for him, because I wished to win you."

            "And did it spare you?"

            "I enjoyed the soaring flames."

            "Did Brünnhilde take you for Gunther?"

            "I resembled him perfectly, according to Johannes.  The Tarnhelm accomplished that, as Hagen rightly told me."

            "I gave you good counsel," Hagen said.

            "So, you overcame the intrepid woman?" Gutrune asked.

            Siegfried said, "She surrendered to Gunther's strength and was married to Gunther.  My spirit remained here with you."

            "Yet Brünnhilde slept by your side?"

            Siegfried indicated his sword.  "Between east and west lies the north.  So near and so far was Brünnhilde to me."

            "How did Gunther take her over from you?"

            "Through the fire's dying flames she followed in the morning mist from the rock to the valley.  Near the shore, Gunther in a trice changed places with me.  Johannes was waiting for me, and through the Tarnhelm's power, I wished him and myself swiftly here.  A strong wind now wafts the lovers up the Rhine, so now get ready to receive them!"

            "Siegfried!  Mightiest of men!" Gutrune said with wonder.  "I am filled with awe of you!"

            "I see a sail far in the distance," Hagen said.  "It's very faint."

            "Then thank your messenger," said Siegfried.

            "Let us give her a gracious welcome so that she will gladly stay here," Gutrune said.  "Hagen, please call the vassals to the Gibich hall for the wedding!  I shall call the women to foregather at the feast.  They will willingly join me in my joy.  Do you wish to rest, fearsome hero?"

            "Helping you will be my rest."

            Siegfried and Gutrune entered the hall.  "Johannes, your sister said you and she knew about my plot," Hagen said quietly.

            "I have no comment," replied Johannes.

            Johanna came up to him.  "I see you're back, bro," she said.

            "Yes.  Siegfried has done it.  He brought me back with him."

            "My father's ring is on the Volsung's finger," Hagen said.  "When I take it, Alberich and Hagen shall own the world!"

            "You will not get the Ring, Hagen," Johanna said.

            "Who will stop me?  You?"

            "I fear we must refrain from doing that, since we are outsiders.  Of course, we won't tell you how your plot is foiled."

            "It will not be foiled.  I shall get the Nibelung's Ring, and the Nibelung and his son shall control the world."

            "Don't say I didn't warn you.  Come on, Johannes."  She and her brother left the immediate area of Hagen.

            "Nothing will stop my plan," Hagen told himself.  He called, "Hoi-ho!  Hoi-ho!  Ho-ho!  You Gibich vassals, rouse yourselves!  Woe!  Woe!  To arms!  To arms!  All take up your weapons, good weapons!  Strong weapons, sharpened for battle!  There is danger!  Danger!  Woe!  Woe!  Hoi-ho!  Hoi-ho!  Ho-ho!"  He blew his horn.

            The vassals gathered in the area.  "Why does the horn blast?" they demanded in chorus.  "Why are we called to arms?  We come with our weapons, we come armed!  Hagen!  Hagen!  Hoi-ho!  Hoi-ho!  What is the danger?  What foe is near?  Who wages war on us?  Is Gunther in need?  We come armed with sharp weapons.  Hoi-ho!  Ho!  Hagen!"

            Once they had all gathered, Hagen commanded, "Arm yourselves well and do not rest!  You must greet Gunther, who has taken a wife."

            "Does danger threaten him?" asked the vassals.  "Is an enemy after him?"

            "He is bringing home a formidable wife."

            "Are her family's hostile forces in pursuit?"

            "He travels alone.  No one follows him."

            "Then did he withstand the danger?  Did he win the battle?  Tell us!"

            "The dragon-killer overcame the danger.  The hero Siegfried kept him safe."

            "Why does he need his army now to help him?  How can his army now help him?"

            "You must slaughter sturdy steers.  Let Wotan's altar flow with their blood!"

            "Hagen, what do you bid us do?  What must we do?  What do you bid us do?"

            "You must kill a boar for Froh and sacrifice a full-grown goat to Donner.  Then, though, you must slaughter sheep for Fricka so that she may bless the marriage!"

            "Once the animals are killed, what do we do then?"

            "Take your drinking-horns and let your dear wives gaily fill them with mead and wine!"

            "With our drinking-horns in our hands, what do we do next?"

            "Drink deep until drunkenness overcomes you!  All in honour of the gods, that they may bless the marriage!"

            Everyone laughed joyfully.  "Good fortune and prosperity now smile on the Rhine if grim Hagen can be so merry!  The hawthorn pricks no more.  He has been appointed bridal herald!"  They all laughed happily again.

            Appearing to be happy himself, Hagen said, "Now, let go of the laughter, valiant vassals.  Welcome Gunther's bride.  Brünnhilde approaches with him.  Be smiling to your lady and serve her loyally.  If she is ever wronged, be swift to avenge her!"

            Very close to the fringe of the forest to the south, Johannes and Johanna observed.  "I wish we didn't have to let that twerp do this," said Johanna.

            "Mother says we have to," Johannes said.  "She also convinced me.  Much as I hate it, I agree completely with her."

            "Well, if you and she agree on this, so do I.  But look at what Hagen is doing!  I saw him talking with Alberich.  They hate anyone who's happy.  I'd just like to smack him into the river and save the Rhinemaidens the trouble."

            Johannes began to rub her back as Wilykit had rubbed his.  "Oh, my, you're certainly tense."

            "Ooh, where'd you learn this?  It feels great!"

            "Mother just taught me.  I'm glad she told me to do it to you; golly!  You've got knots as big as boulders!"

            "This is wonderful.  I feel less stressed already.  -Sigh.-"

            "When Mom did it for me, I made a. . ."

            "Rrow!" Johanna exclaimed softly.

            "That's exactly the sound I made.  It's natural for us."

            "Oh, I love this.  Mom tell you Thomas and Kelly are watching us?"

            "Yes.  I sure felt mad, but. . . -sigh.-"

            "They dragged me off when I felt like smashing Hagen and gave me a good talking-to.  They hid with Magic Capes.  They asked me to apologise to you for them."

            "That's all right.  At least, unlike my sibling, I do not permit my anger to overwhelm me."

            "Hey!  I don't do it intentionally."

            "No, but you need to learn not to let it overwhelm you at all."

            "You're right, bro.  Will you go hunting with the men tomorrow?"

            "Yes, I shall.  One of us has to make sure that our enemies don't butt their heads in."

            "Indeed."

            When Gunther and Brünnhilde arrived, the events occurred as Thomas and Kelly had warned Johanna, as Richard Wagner had written in Act 2, Scenes 4 and 5, of Götterdämmerung.

            Once the wedding procession for the double-wedding - Siegfried to Gutrune and Gunther to Brünnhilde - had proceeded into the hall, Johanna and Johannes joined the group.  Thomas and Kelly were still watching.  "Oh, this makes me so angry," Kelly said.  "If I could do something, I would.  Curse that bloody Hagen."

            "He'll be taken care of soon enough," said Thomas.  "I also wish we didn't have to let Hagen murder Siegfried.  What a waste."

            "We'd better make sure our enemies don't get the Ring tomorrow," Kelly said.

            "You're quite right, sister."

            * * *

            Wilykit, Wilykat, and Kevin's Cave, Rhineland.

            While Wilykit was doing some work on the computer terminal, Wilykat came in.  "Hi, 'Kit," he said.

            "Hello, Wilykat," said Wilykit.  "Is everything packed?"

            "All except our beds, that sofa, that table, and that terminal."

            "Good.  We're ready to get out of here."

            "Aren't we going to make this a base?"

            "Maybe.  It depends on what happens. . . and whether my kids and Kevin's can smack whoever's supposed to nab the Ring."

            Captain N's voice sounded from the computer terminal.  "Captain N to Wilykit and Wilykat.  Please respond."

            Wilykit hit the appropriate button, and Kevin's face appeared on the screen.  "Hello, Kevin," she said.  "What's up?"

            "Have things proceeded as they should?"

            "Well, I'm not absolutely certain, but. . ."

            Thomas's voice sounded from Wilykit and Wilykat's communicators.  "Thomas and Kelly to Wilykit and Wilykat.  Please come in."

            Wilykat tapped his communicator.  "Wilykat and Wilykit here," he said.  "What have you to report, guys?"

            "Well, that wedding is taking place," Thomas said.  "Kelly says she hates Hagen, and I feel the same way, as do Johanna and Johannes."

            "We're talking now to your father," said Wilykit.

            Kevin said, "Please, guys, make certain that Ludwig's assistant doesn't make off with the Ring."

            "We shall certainly attempt that, Father," replied Thomas.  "I carried away Johanna because she was about to get carried away this morning when Alberich was talking with Hagen.  I carried her into the forest some ways, and Kelly and I gave her a good talking-to."

            "Thanks, Thomas," Wilykit said.  "I'm glad you kept her from messing things up."

            "I can't abide that Hagen," said Kelly.  "I don't understand how he can be so mean."

            "His father brought him up that way," said Wilykat.  "It's Alberich being that way that I don't get.  I don't understand how anyone can suddenly hate happiness."

            "Well, let's hope you never do, at least not fully," Wilykit said.  "If it takes being like him to understand it, I'd rather remain ignorant."

            "He hates love because no one loved him," said Kevin.  "No one gave him joy, so there's no reason, at least in his mind, why anyone else should have joy."

            Wilykat said, "I, for one, disagree with that dwarf's views."

            "You're not the only one," said Wilykit.  "Thomas, tomorrow, I want you to follow the men out hunting.  Kelly, you stay at the hall, make sure Johanna does nothing rash."

            "Yes, Wilykit," Thomas said.

            "Certainly, Wilykit," said Kelly.

            "Thanks, guys," Wilykit said.  "I wish I could tell you to reveal Hagen's plot, but I can't even permit you to."

            "We shall not," promised Thomas.

            "No, we won't," Kelly promised.

            Wilykit said, "Very well.  At least I can count on you two.  Be ready to save the Ring from Ludwig's assistant.  See you tomorrow."

            "See you then, Wilykit and Wilykat," Thomas said.  "See you, Father."

            "See you tomorrow evening, guys," said Kevin.

            The communication between the Wilytwins and Kevin's children was cut.  "Anything spectacular happen since the twelfth?" Wilykat asked.

            "No.  The Brain-Team has kept to themselves since the Steeltwins arrested Malcolm Frink and since Quicksilver and I fished Tally-Hawk out of MotherBrain's subterranean lake."

            "Hm," said Wilykit.  "They're probably expecting their henchman to bring home the bacon, so to speak."

            "Wouldn't surprise me.  Well, are you ready to return?"

            "I believe so.  We've packed up everything here."

            "All right.  See you tomorrow, guys."

            "See you, Kev," said Wilykat.  Kevin flipped a switch, and the communication was cut.

            Wilykit sat back.  "I'll sure be glad when this is over."

            "Me, too," said Wilykat.  "I don't think this is really fair to Johanna and Johannes."

            "I know, 'Kat.  It's dreadfully unfair, but I can't let them change things.  I wish there were a logically better way that would not alter the proper course of events."

            "-Sigh.-  Yeah.  If Ludwig seems to be willing to let the events play out to the end as they're supposed to, we should be decent enough to do that, too."

            "Yes.  Well, shall we have dinner, Wilykat?"

            "Sure, 'Kit."