The Grimm Family Dynamics

Le Author’s Note: This isn’t a chapter. But the Grimms’ are a staple of the family anyway so I decided to give them their own little piece. Genesis and his family will forever be my favorite along with the Xavier’s.

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No One’s POV:

Genesis was a happy person. He always was, nothing deterred him. Except when the situation called for seriousness… and that time he was stuck in an alternate world he didn’t quite belong to. Genesis was also a strange person. He had a very strange life. Multiple strange lives. Some would get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of times Genesis has gone through a reincarnation phase, but not him. He took it all with a smile. Well, this Genesis did.

This Genesis was the lucky one. The one that survives everything. When he fused with his past/future self he gained some strange knowledge that he kept close to heart, helping him make decisions in this life. How to keep Sephora for one. Keeping his family safe and intact for the other; extended as well.

You see, as many times as Genesis was re-birthed there are only a select few of him that he has actually acquired the knowledge of. His 1st life, the one where he had a mother, father, and 4 other brothers, was where he always started. Funnily enough, his father was a vampire and his mother human. His four brothers were vampires, and he, the only human. Also funnily enough, he technically remembered none of them. Names anyway. Sometimes his parents faces floated up in dreams, along with long forgotten (but still living surprisingly) cousins.

A mother, loving but distant. A father… could one even call him that? Bah… memories. Genesis would prefer to not remember the actual beginning of his life. It wasn’t fun. So normal. Sure he had 3 surviving cousins, one, a werewolf, one, a weird kid who was a delinquent related to said werewolf, and the one in a secret part of France working as a type of lawyer you don’t want to run into. Never lost a case. He can’t remember which side of the family they belong to. But he does remember vividly, and fondly, his nephew. How could he forget? Chester was the one in the family who had a demon.

That demon, which Genesis so valiantly exorcised from him while he was imprisoned in a mental facility. Genesis wondered how he was doing lately. He was living with Sephora when Genesis came back to Strangetown and while Genesis put that weird place back on the map, they caught up but… it’s been a few years since then. Hazel is already a young woman getting ready to move out and get married to…

“No affection in my house.”

“Daaaaaad!”

“Hello Mr. Grimm.”

“How many times do I have to tell you to just call me Genesis, Alex?”

“Sorry… habit.”

He didn’t have anything against vampires. He had a thing against his father, and Alex slightly reminded him of his father. But he made Hazel over the moon happy and as Genesis was a father himself (who knew how to actually be one) he didn’t stand in the way of their happiness. Matter of fact, he was happy for them too. He secretly wished for grandchildren every single time he saw them together. That and the fact that Alex had actually asked him for his daughter’s hand… well you can’t hate the guy at all. Also, Hazel was the only avenue for him to have grandkids because gods know Liam wasn’t getting a girlfriend anytime soon.

Liam was too, a strange one. He wasn’t biologically born. He was… engineered. While Hazel was away at college, Sephora had a heavy want for another child. Although Genesis was satisfied with their daughter, he did wonder what having a son would be like. So off they went. Sephora picked basically every trait, though he grew into something uniquely him. Liam is, unfortunate for him, perpetually 19. Though engineered as a teenager, he did know of his father’s origins and everything about his newly acquired family. He viewed it as just a perk. He’s insanely adept in mechanical sciences, computers, and… video games. Something he is very proud of, secretly.

Genesis is simply worried because Liam is, well, exactly like him. Just socially awkward… and a dork.

“What are you doing?”

“Relaxing for once…”

“Fancy, when are you going to, you know, get a–”

“Father, can I ask you a question?”

“Of course Liam.”

“Can I just… be me?”

That question caught Genesis off guard. His son was being himself… wasn’t he?

“I mean, I would very much enjoy it if I could take time to find a… mate… on my own time and not be rushed into anything.”

“I’m not rushing you Liam, I’m just teasing you.”

“Oh… why?”

Another strange question. Genesis should be used to these by now but none of his other lives prepared him for it. Mostly people accepted what he did without question but his son, being the ever curious kid that he was, always questioned his motives. He enjoyed it, the change of pace. Kept him on his toes. After he got done explaining why he teases his son constantly for his social ineptitude, (it’s because he never had that problem growing up and doesn’t understand why someone could have that issue) he went downstairs to find his wife.

In the kitchen, preparing dinner. He stared at her back before slowly making his way toward her, tiptoeing.

“You know I know where you are Genesis.”

He let out a soft chuckle. He stood behind her for a moment before she let out a sigh, sensing he wasn’t going away anytime soon. He never does anyway. She turned towards him and he took her hand.

“What do you want now? I’m trying to cook.”

“What I always want.”

They do that, all the time. Every time, every time she was in his life. She would ask a question that didn’t warrant an actual answer since she knew the answer. Genesis’ answer was always a variant of ‘I want what I want’, which roughly translates to a simple ‘you’. It made her heart flutter, every time. When she was younger she worked in an alchemy shop and Genesis visited every single day. That was when they were in the first stages of their relationship. Her playing the unfazed girl, terrified of falling in love. Him the stubborn fool who wouldn’t quit. She worried everyday when he disappeared without a word. She didn’t know what to do, having been so used to him being just… there. She did have his nephew to keep her company but Chester was no Genesis. She mostly focused her worry onto him. She supposed it paid off, after a few years without him, having him pop up unannounced and out of the blue was like walking straight into heaven.  Just seeing his face again… Sephora made a promise to herself, to never leave him. What would be the point? He would keep coming back.

And in the end she got two kids out of this. Though, she wondered how cruel fate could be. She was a simple human, yes her lineage has nothing but witches every other generation, but she was mortal. And mortals succumbed to the rules of fate. She saw her husband stay the same physically throughout the years while she aged. Genesis had offered to do the ritual of his weird immortal self but she declined. It wasn’t natural. Although she didn’t mind that her kids, well, Liam, went through with it. Hazel said she wanted to age as Alex did which was, very slowly. Sephora just wanted to see the birth of her grandchildren that she knew she was getting if Hazel and Alex kept it up. She smiled inwardly and turned back around to continue cooking.

“Genesis, will you remarry when I go?”

“Do you have to talk about this?”

“It’s inevitable.”

“I know, I just… The answer is no.”

“Will you be alright?”

“Not for a long time.”

Genesis wondered what his kids would be doing by that time but ultimately resigned himself from the thought. He hated when Sephora talked about her mortality. It made him feel like… he was wrong for being… him. In some ways at least. Or at least wrong in pursuing her, and only her, throughout his lives. He couldn’t help that, no matter what he tried, all roads led back to her. He didn’t mind, but he did wonder if she did.

He wandered away from Sephora after bombarding her with kisses and her brandishing the knife she was holding at him. He recounted his lives as he wandered.

A normal guy in one who had a best friend with hair that resembled a bee’s coloring.

A prince in another who died prematurely.

A time-traveling, world-hopping trillionaire, part time demon killer in some other.

Genesis had a slight curiosity in the other lives he led but those were the main three. He supposed in some ways, those lives are one. But maybe not. In this life, he has a family. And an extended family. Henry was his second best friend but that didn’t matter. Henry was like his brother, a brother he always wanted. Henry always had his back and Genesis did the same. Plus their kids got along great.

Genesis couldn’t ask for anymore. And it made him happy.

Very Happy.

Gen 3 Chap 22 – The School For Shenanigans and Hijinks

Le Author’s Note: Hi! Welcome back to The Legacy Of The Xavier’s. Last time we had a glimpse into our child hero’s for the remainder of Ezra’s generation. Yeah that’s right, Ezra’s taking the back seat for a while until the kids grow up a little but it’s still his gen. I’ll just be focusing on Ezreal and Irelia more. Anyway, let’s dive in!

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Ezra’s POV:

“You bought a school? Why?”

“Ezra, I already told you. Hazel’s a witch, Irelia, and Ezreal too. Plus many more children have supernatural blood in them and they need to learn how to–” “No, Sephora, I get that part. I don’t get why you want to do it… you aren’t… you know.”

“A witch myself? Pfft. I know, I’ve known my entire life. My mother was one, her mother was not. Hazel is so obviously it skips every other generation. Sucky, but I live with it. I’m investing in actual witches who know what they’re doing and who can pass along that knowledge to our new generation. I’ll be teaching the alchemy part since I know that like the back of my hand.” Sephora explains. I glance at Genesis and he gives me his signature grin and shrug. Well he obviously has no say in this.

“Ok but–”

“Ezra, do you think we won’t teach them all the necessary responsibilities and focal points of growing up like the normal schools do? Trust me, we’ll do it ten times better.” “It’s not that Sephora, there’s only a handful of kids who have that supernatural blood. Seven if I’m counting our three. Will your school even get funding to teach just seven kids?”

“Already taken care of. I made sure of that.” Genesis chimes in. Of course he did. He basically has infinite money. How? I quit asking that question long ago when the only answer he would give me was a long-winded explanation of the joys of World-Hopping and Time Travel. I put my arms on my shoulders and sighed. I saw no real issue with her opening up her own school. As a matter of fact, I thought it would help the kids immensely. I just worry. Constantly now. What if they get shut down? What if it doesn’t help the kids in the long run? What if–

“Stop worrying, sit in on one of the classes Ezra. You’ll see.” Genesis says and just like that, it was settled. I was going to pull Ezreal and Irelia out of the Twinbrook normal school system and give them a chance to utilize what their mother passed down. I just hope it doesn’t come back to bite me in the ass.

***

 

It has been a few weeks since the beginning of the kids new school life. I haven’t heard any complaining or any of the usual things I would normally hear with the Twinbrook Community School. No bullying, rumors, or hidden crying after school. As a matter of fact, I’d say Ezreal and Irelia are doing ten times better… that’s good, right?

“… and that, children, is one way that a witch, or warlock, can channel their magic abilities.”

“But miss–” The bell rings.

“Unfortunately that’s all for today. Sorry Herbert but your question will have to wait. Don’t forget to find an object you can channel to!” her voice rang out as kids piled out of the classroom. All except three.

“Miss Melanie? Why did we have to stay after today?” Hazel asks and Ezreal agrees. “Yeah, I’m missing prime candy eating time by still being here.”

“You’ll see, follow me.” she says and walks to the next room over.

You could almost hear the collective groan between them when Melanie stood next to a table with 3 objects on it. 3, seemingly random objects.

“I hope you all know what you’re going to be doing. If not, I’ll gladly explain.”

“Um, an explanation would more than likely be greatly appreciated, m’am.” Irelia says softly.

“Alright! You’re going to figure out what your powers are. And we’re going to do that by seeing which of these things attracts you. Irelia, you’re up first.” Melanie states.

“I um… I’m not sure if I understand what I need to be doing.” Irelia says after taking a small step forward.

“I think you just need to feel what you are most drawn to. Like me, I’m drawn to–”

“Hush Hazel. That was a good explanation but she must concentrate now.” “This is stupid.” Ezreal mumbles and Melanie casts him a sharp glance. “This will help you in the long run. Both of you, pick something too.”

“Irelia, the pitcher and butterfly. Signifying a free flowing element that also has restraints.”

“Ezreal, the dog and the bird. Signifying an element of high energy, free, taking no commands; unless someone knows how to harness the power.”

“And Hazel.”

“I just… want to set this on fire. It’s too fluffy.”

“Exactly. Your element is, honestly, a little bit complicated. A unicorn signify’s magical mystery. One has never been seen and they are normally said to be hidden in the darkness. Darkness and your odd want of burning it. Your power is called Pyro-Umbrakinesis, Hazel.” Melanie says and turns to the other two. “Irelia, your’s is water; Hydrokinesis. Ezreal, Aero-Electrokinesis; air, and lightning.”

“Wait, if my power is darkness and fire, couldn’t you find a burning crow or something? And how do I even control that?” Hazel pipes up.

“Well… honestly, since I only know how to control my element of water, I can’t help you there. Except of course for the basic things you can do.”

“I don’t have any powers anyway. Romeo got all of that…” Irelia says halfheartedly. “And how the heck do I control electricity!?” Ezreal yells.

“Uh, I guess I’ll have to talk to your parents.”

***

“I’m sorry about your losses Ezra. Death is never easy nor a welcomed guest.” Melanie– whom I honestly didn’t know was my kids teacher– states while giving Kona a sad look. I did lose Phoenix a few months after Jasmine and that didn’t help my depression much at all. But now the girl, scratch that, woman I’ve had a slight crush on since before Jasmine was sitting in my living room telling me about my kid’s powers. They’re witches, I know that, but Irelia seems to think differently.

“Thanks, but Ezreal and Irelia…?” I try to steer the conversation away from that topic again. Genesis thankfully took the kids, along with Henry and Sephora, out to eat. Although that could make this a little bit more awkward. “Ah, sorry, old memories. Vivek has been a real downer lately, which is why I agreed to teach at Sephora’s school. Through that teaching I’ve found that your children, and Hazel too, have very high potential to be powerful witches.” “What about the others?” “I’ve sense some… others… but I mean, I don’t have a history with their parents. I have a history with you.” When she said that I felt myself blush despite the mantra I’ve been chanting in my head ever since she appeared on my doorstep. ‘DO NOT TOUCH, TAKEN TAKEN TAKEN’

“I just can’t fathom them using those abilities. I mean, Jasmine didn’t even–” My breath hitched. I haven’t even realized I’ve been pacing. Saying her name was still a painful experience. I suspect it would always be.

“Ezra, I must say, as children they will need an immense amount of discipline to control their magic.”

“Who’s going to teach them? Their mother can’t. I know Sephora can’t. There are no other witches in this town except for one and she despises my children so who–”

“I will. Stop crying. I’ll move in with you when Henry officially moves out.” “Are you fu–” “Language.” “INSANE!? You live in Under-Esterdale, ruling a kingdom. Have you forgot about that? Plus there’s no space for you to stay.” “Well, Vivek is taking care of the kingdom while I’m away. We’re looking for residents still so there’s not much to do. Where was Henry sleeping?”

“Doesn’t matter, you won’t stay here.” “Why not?” “I don’t want you to.” “But the kids need a mentor.” “I don’t care, you can’t live with me. I-it wouldn’t be right.” “Because you still have a major crush on me?” “I-I- wh- what?”

Melanie hops up and gets extremely close to my face.

“You. Still. Like. Me. It’s very obvious, the way you avoid my eyes and the way you try to look anywhere but at me. That’s ok though, I know how to control myself, you’re an adult, you should be able to too.” She says and something completely random occurred to me just then. “Why have you not aged?” “…what?” “You haven’t aged, neither has Genesis but I know why he doesn’t. You, not so much.”

“Under-Esterdale works differently with time. Also, I use a spell. Now about this move in situation.” “No. Y-you can’t. It would be… odd.” “Your crush is odd.” Just then the door opens and everyone piles in. The kids immediately go up to their room, not sparing a glance in this direction, Henry goes straight to the kitchen, and Genesis… well he stopped.

“Mel, you’re still here. And very close to Ezra. What have you two been talking about, hm?” He interjects and never in my life have I been so grateful for a distraction. I silently send a ‘thank you’ to him and release a breath I didn’t know I was holding. My thoughts wandered to the kids.

“So, fire, water, and electricity. Odd combination for us but we’ll make it work.” Hazel says trying to cheer up Irelia. Ever since she learned that her element was water, she has never been so confused before. How can a kid who’d never shown any potential of being any type of magical being be… a witch?

“What’s the point anyway? I never even knew I was a witch.” “Mom was a witch Juliet.” Ezreal says, typing away. He was trying to find even more information on his powers. His and his family.

“Just because mom was doesn’t mean we get her powers too. She wasn’t even experienced, she was murdered by a psycho! If she was even remotely–” Irelia shot up only to be cut off by her brother.

“Don’t talk about her like that! We never even got a chance to know her so how can you even say that!?”

“Because I’m not a witch. I don’t feel anything flowing through me like Miss Melanie says. I just feel normal. A stupid, boring girl who never even knew her mom.” Irelia deflates again. They never really talked about their deceased mother. Just that dad was in love with her but never got the chance to actually show her before she…

“You’re a witch. You have to be because you’re my sister. Us Xavier’s stick together. We’re resilient and nothing can stop us. Right Hazel?”

“Well, I’m not one to judge, especially when you just repeat what our dads say. But I can agree. We stick together and help each other out. No matter what.” Hazels says poking Irelia in the knee. That made her giggle and seem slightly better. “Besides, we’ll have to now that we moved here. Way better than Strangetown and I don’t know anyone here.”

“Yeah, you know, Maybe this whole elemental thing would help us out in the future. Make money by doing stuff.” Ezreal says popping a piece of gum in his mouth. “So let’s make a pact, we’ll learn everything we can from the school of shenaigans and hijinks!” “I’m in! Irelia?” “I… Yeah, me too. Let’s do this.”

“And no Sanaa.” Hazel adds with a smirk. “Not fair, Sanaa is also our friend, kind of.” “She’s annoying. She doesn’t even go to the same school now. No annoying girls… excluding you two.” Ezreal says and just like that it was settled amongst the three of them.

Become the best they could be, no distractions.

Gen 3 Chap 20 – The Coldest Year

Le Author’s Note: DON’T HATE ME!! Super short chapter. Horrible Photoshop skills.

WARNING: Language, blood and gore. Maybe some feels, maybe not.

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Ezra’s POV:

Earlier That Year

Somehow, it turned cold without me knowing. Henry said it was cold all year but I didn’t notice it. How can summer be cold anyway? Whatever, it doesn’t matter. What mattered was that I found Jasmine but everyday that passed, her trail grew colder and colder.

I even made it daily routine to go to the consignment shop the elves were supposedly working at but day after day, I never saw them. They’ve been replaced by two other people, people who absolutely hated me asking questions. One of such was a lovely lady by the name of Sofia Carlton. It was normally she who would send me out of the shop.

“Come back again Ezra? I told ya, them elves up and left town ages ago. The shop was for sale when I acquired it.” That I knew, my father filled me in on those details when he seen the elves disappear into a portal. Without Jasmine, if I may add. My father and Genesis scoped the place out, checking behind every book shelf, in every corner, room, floorboard and wall panel. All for naught. My father’s orb couldn’t even find Shiro on the map and that’s what it boiled down to. Although Shiro’s orb was still in my father’s possession, he could still make himself disappear. Annoying to say the least.

“I’m not here about the elves this time Sofie. Have you seen a white figure running around here with my wife in tow?” I asked, deciding to change my approach, but I still got the same look.

“If I saw ya blue haired honey running around with another guy I would’ve called ya as soon as I set eyes on her. But no one fits that description that came through these doors. Trust me Ezra, you and ya folks bug me so much I know to contact you. I have all ya numbers so why don’t you just take your tired face home? Or at least stop loitering around here. Being related to magic sure don’t help you none in this, that’s for sure.” I didn’t reply to that and instead, chose to turn around a get out of there. I hated the smell of her sickly sweet perfume anyway. Always makes me want to gag.

I went across the street to the town center and sat on the fountain. It started raining as soon as I got there but I didn’t mind. Matter of fact, I welcomed the rain to wash away my sadness. Although this nightly was cold, that didn’t stop a few butterflies. Strange, all thing considered but I didn’t think too much on it. Heavier things weighed on my mind. I’ve been distracting myself from her disappearance but sometimes it still hits me like a brick. My father is constantly making sure I don’t fall back into depression (however slight that was when it happened.) and keeping the other half of the family involved with me too. I don’t need their sympathy but I do miss hearing their voices. Jay and Eihime’s kids are practically grown; Ei’s in high school practically done and Jay’s just starting high school.

Lilith is in Egypt doing God knows what. With who? Some dude named Akeem whom I immediately do not like. Who is he to take my little sister out of the country? Dad is worried, he said there’s something he isn’t ready to tell her. Of course he wouldn’t tell me. Liberty is still doing well for herself. She and Matthew broke up after he cheated on her, the bastard. I wish I had been there but I know Libby can take care of herself and probably gave him a new face.

I broke down after a while. It feels as though everyone in my family is getting on with their lives just fine and mine is falling apart. Maybe it’s because I’m the weak one. I mean, I couldn’t hold it together when I first found out she– No, not going back. I can’t, my children need me. I need them…

I mentally slap myself and start to head back home. No more sulking, no more being depressed. But I just needed a sign. Doesn’t even have to be huge, just… something to let me know she’s still ok. I didn’t plan on that sign coming in the middle of winter.

***

I received a random letter in the mail one winter’s Saturday. I got up and out of bed to get the mail and there was a folded piece of paper on top of it. I took it back up to my room and carefully read the contents. Of course it had to be Shiro, who else? Couldn’t have been those elves, Henry confirmed they were no where near here anymore, call it a hunch he felt that Jasmine was still in Twinbrook.

And hey, here comes the moment we all have been waiting for. How could any of us know? How did he even get her? Did he really have her? I didn’t care, I had to go. So I got dressed and raced out the house with Genesis and Henry confused. I didn’t know if they followed or not, I hopped in my car and sped like a demon and all that was going through my head was her name. Jasmine. I would get her back. Jasmine. I can hold her again. Jasmine. Kiss her, she can see our kids. Our family isn’t broken anymore… Jasmine.

***

I got to the graveyard. Shiro was there, just as he said, standing behind her and… touching her. I ran up to him, yelling. He looked at me and put up his hand. He made a tsk tsk sound and showed me what he held in his other hand; a knife. An ordinary kitchen knife. He grabbed Jasmine by her hair. She didn’t resist. It was like she was in some sort of trance. He brought her to her knees and yanked her head up so her throat was exposed. I yelled her name but got no response.

 “She can hear you but those elves did a number to her little brain. She’s basically a mindless slave right now.” Shiro says through his cynical, evil smile. I take a hesitant step forward. There was no way for me to close the distance between us in time, but I could always try.

“Let her go Shiro.” I demand and he just shakes his head. “Letting her go would be too easy Ezra. I’d rather slit her throat right here, right now.” He says as he bring the blade of the knife to her throat.

“Tell me, how did you find her?” I ask and he tilts his head to the side. “It was quite easy really, after I found out where the elves hid their little magic book, I found the spell, reversed it, and kidnapped her. Of course it took me all autumn to find the damn book.” He pressed the knife against Jasmine’s throat and she lets out a tiny squeal that broke my heart.

“Let her go Shiro… please.” I try once again and he just laughs.

“No. But now that that’s done, say goodbye to your little whore Ezzy.” Shiro says to me as something in his eyes flick.

“Don’t!!” I shout and make a dash for him. I was too late, he was lightning fast and in one swift motion he kissed her forehead before slitting her throat right in front of my eyes.

Blood sprayed and I tackled him, hard. I started punching and didn’t stop.

“Hahahahahahaha!” Punch, punch, punch. “Keep hitting me, it won’t bring her back.” How is he managing to talk through this?

“Let her go Ezra. She wasn’t good enough anyway.” He says with that sick grin still plastered on his face and he overpowered me, easily flipping me on my back and pinning my wrists down with what seemed like an invisible force.

How is he capable of doing this? He grabbed the knife, it didn’t fall far from when I tackled him. All the while, he never loses his grin. His high shrill voice rings out through my head.

“Did you really think you could save her?? You couldn’t if you tried! Those damn elves would’ve eaten her alive with their life sapping energy. Just like when she was first with them.

She was so fucking weak Ezra! I could bend her to do practically anything for me. But then Under-Esterdale changed her, the Queen changed her and I lost my hold on her!

I deserve to be with her but no! Genesis just had to find you first! YOU ALL RUINED FUCKING EVERYTHING I WORKED FOR AND I’LL KILL YOU FOR IT EZRA! I swear to all the gods I will fucking DESTROY YOU!”

He raised the knife and flipped it to fit to stab me. Right before he brought it down something stopped him.

Two shots rang out. Shiro’s eyes went from malice and fury to shock. The knife fell from his hand landing severely close to my face. He brought his hand to his side slowly, to his face equally slowly. Crimson red dripped from it.

“…wow.” Was all he said before he fell off of me on his side. I immediately pushed myself back from him and look up to see Genesis holding a gun.

“You ok Ezra?” I didn’t respond, I just turned to her. I needed to get to her. Please let her still be alive. I reach her, pick her body up, its ice cold. She doesn’t have a pulse. No, God no. Please! I hear screaming.

Genesis’s POV:

I knelt down besides that annoy pure white being when Ezra didn’t give me a response. I wanted to make sure he was dead. He wasn’t, not yet at least.

“I.. I always thought… the bloody queen would kill me. She… wanted… me dead. I thought, decapitation, ya know? He..hehehehe.” He breathes in ragged breaths and I don’t feel sympathy.

“Kinda… anticlimactic… don’t ya think?” His eye rolls up to meet mine. I simply stare at him, slowly losing his life. He started shivering. Still no sympathy.

“Ah, fuck… I… still… fucking hate you.. Genesis.” He says with his final breath and I stand. “I fucking hate you too Bunny Boy.” That was when Ezra screamed.

I see her body and I see her blood. I hear him screaming and I know I can do nothing to help. I drop my gun and fall down next to them, silently willing Ezra to get a hold of himself. After a moments hesitation I wrap my arms around him and pull him away from her. It’s cold, she’s cold. The snow is too pristine and I want to leave. I pick her up and motion for Ezra to get up and follow. At first he doesn’t respond but then he slowly makes his way to a standing position after a second motion from me. We began to walk, leaving Shiro, taking Jasmine. He stops me and takes her body from me. We walk in silence, him crying, and me trying not to but failing.

This is the coldest year I’ve ever had to deal with.

Gen 3 Chap 19 – Depression… Progression

Le Author’s Note: I don’t think I say this enough but thank you everyone who reads, likes, comments, and provides feedback on this legacy. I know I’m not an exceptional writer but I do like doing it. Thank you all!

Warning: Language.

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“Baby,

can you be a little bit stronger?

Baby, cause I need a little longer.

You’re an earthly comfort
Yet so divine, yet so divine.

I never see you anymore.”

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“Hiya Mister Ezra’s dad! Can the twins come out and play today?” Hazel’s cheery voice rang out and Henry had to shush her quickly.

“Hey, Henry. Hazel, be quieter. Inside voices dear.” Genesis says softly. He glances around quickly, noticing two figures superbly absent from this early morning scene.

“Actually Genesis, there’s something I need you to do for me.” Henry says slowly. Genesis can see the wear and tear of time on his best friend’s features now a days. Taking on the responsibility of raising Ezra’s kids was taking its toll.

“Yeah sure what?” Genesis asks and Henry’s eyes got a slight spark in them. “I need you to take the kids to the park today. I need help with Ezra, he’s wasting away so I called in some reinforcements.”

“Reinforcements? Hm, wonder who… but yeah I’ll take the kids. Hazel and I will take great care of them, won’t we babydoll?” “Yes sir papa!” Hazel agrees then covers her mouth giggling. “Sorry Mister Ezra’s dad.” “It’s ok Hazel, the twins are in the backyard actually.” Henry says and Genesis nods, leading Hazel out the backdoor, stepping over dog toys in the process. Henry notices this and shakes his head. He really needed Ezra to get off his ass and stop wallowing in self pity.

Henry had thought his younger brother would have no doubt tried to take his orb back (deactivated when Ezra spiraled into this… shell he’s in) and use it for his seemingly endless nefarious plots against him. But so far… nothing has happened on that front. He sees Genesis hop in his car with the kids and goes upstairs to try and get Ezra out of bed… once again.

“Get up.” Henry storms into Ezra’s room. The truth is, he’s tired. Mentally and physically.

“Do you knock anymore?” “I don’t give a damn about knocking or not. Get your ass up Ezra, now. I’m tired of you being holed up in this room like you’re some type of hermit. You need to get out, socialize, be with your kids. They’re growing up fast.”

“They remind me of her.” Ezra chokes out, stifling a sob before it could escape. He didn’t look at his father, he didn’t want to. Just like he didn’t want to know where his children were right now, although he heard some little girl downstairs earlier. It was early… too early to be up. He just wanted to sleep. Henry wasn’t having it.

“I will be damned if I sit around here doing your job of raising your kids. Up, now.” Ezra simply rolled on his side away from his father’s voice. Henry was losing it.

“You will get you ass out of this bed. You will see your children grow up. You will be a father. With or without Jasmine around.” A cringe, then retaliation. “I didn’t see you at all in my childhood, only in dreams. Why are you getting on me about this!? I told you I couldn’t do this alone!” “You aren’t doing ANYTHING!! Don’t bullshit me on not being there when you were growing up, that was the biggest damn mistake of my entire life and if I could go back I would’ve let that entire world burn to the ground! Just to see you and your sister grow up!” Henry yells. He shouldn’t have, he should’ve kept his composure but he didn’t. He suffered a subconjunctival hemorrhage, followed by hyphema. Henry covers his left eye with his hand and sighs deeply.

“Get dressed, go downstairs.” He says to his suddenly stubborn son. “I don’t really want to.” Was a reply back. “I wasn’t asking. Don’t make me hurt you Ezra.” Henry states and walk to the bathroom across the hall. He needs to check out his eye, blood is still in his line of sight and that’s not good.

---

Ezra’s POV:

I put on my clothes and headed downstairs, like my father ordered me to. I wasn’t feeling to good about our argument we just had. I knew I put in some low blows but to hear my father regret saving his homeworld for the sacrifice of my childhood made me feel even more shitty. I seen that bright crimson appear in his left eye too, that’s not a good sign.

Before I made it even a third of the way down I seen some incredibly familiar shoes and it dawned on me; my parents came here. I stopped at the base of the stairs and stood staring, unbelievably at the scene before me. My eyes watered and tears spilled.

“Mom…? Dad…?” I choked out. They each gave me a sympathetic smile but my mom spoke first. “We heard you were… sad.” “We also heard that little exchange.” My dad said frowning slightly.

I ran to hug them but my mom held on the longest.

“Why didn’t you call us Ezra? We’re always here for you.” “I don’t know…” I sad simply and that was the truth. I should’ve called them sooner. Henry came down the stairs soon after and my mom immediately turned on him.

“Henry! What happened to your eyes? They aren’t blue anymore, and why are you covering one of them? What’s with the ears too? You look older, I though you didn’t age.” My father chuckled slightly, his hand covering his eye was trembling, ever so slightly.

“If you really must know, I gave some of my life energy to Genesis when he did his future fusing. That sent my eye color back to their usual boring brown. Strange how that worked really. I uh… I need to get my eyes checked out soon but hey, I can tell you two all about me later. Ezra is the issue right now.” I looked down, wanting to avoid this confrontation as much as possible. It was like an intervention. Not like I was on drugs or anything, I just… can’t find my drive.

“Yes, Ezra is the issue. Tell us what happened, son. Your mother and I are extremely curious as to why you left us out of your life so much” “Anubis!” “No, he’s right mom, I’m sorry.” I say and lead them to the kitchen table where we all sat and talked about the current issue of… me.

“One more thing, you look like hell boy.” Anubis said and I nodded weakly. “I know dad.” We began our talk.

***

It was later in the day when Genesis came back with the twins. They looked like they had fun and when they saw me downstairs in God knows how long, they couldn’t hide their excitement. I called them over to meet their grandparents and looked to the floor. Every time I see them my eyes start watering. Could I really be a father?

“So, who are they daddy?” Irelia asked while her brother hung onto her. “We’re your grandparents sweetie. Lyra and Anubis.” “I thought grandpa Henry was our only grandparent.” Ezreal says nonchalantly casting a quick glance around to make sure Henry wasn’t in the near vicinity.

“They’re also your grandparents. Henry is my father and Lyra is my mom.” I try to explain, Irelia connected it first; “Ah so grandpa Anubis is your step daddy, daddy. I get it.” “I don’t but it’s cool. As long as I can get some candy.” My son says.

“By the way Juliet, do you think they have candy right now?” “Can’t say for sure Romeo but you can always ask. Grammy looks more inviting than grammpy.” They whispered amongst themselves. I smile in spite of myself. I heard about Ezreal’s little candy addiction (thanks to Genesis) from my father, who was currently keeping Genesis and Hazel occupied. I loved my kids, I really do, I just wish constantly that Jasmine was here to see this.

After my parents got to know my little duo a bit better, they left to their hotel. I still couldn’t believe they traveled all the way from Aurora Skies to here. Which reminds me, I’ll have to ask for pictures of Eihime’s and Jay’s kids. Well, updates on all the family really.

“Hey dad, can you read us a bedtime story? Pleeeeease?” Ezreal begged. I was about to decline when Genesis stepped in.

“Actually, I have a story that I promised to tell Ezra a while back, wanna hear it?” He asks me and it takes me a longer time to decide than anticipated. Irelia declined for me. Second time in one day that I felt like shit. I apologize to them before disappearing upstairs into my room again. I hate this feeling.

I got undressed and sat on my bed, contemplating what my father had said earlier. He was right, I couldn’t just stay holed up in my room all the time. I needed to go out and do something. Help in the search of finding Jasmine. It seems as though the twins are getting along fine without her but I am worried about them growing up with just me. Would that affect them negatively? I really needed to find her soon… starting tomorrow. Tonight, I’ll sleep once more, then tomorrow I’ll go to those elves.

***

 The next day yielded no leads on Jasmine’s whereabouts. People in town say they never even saw her. How was that possible when apparently her aura was off the charts? Someone must’ve noticed her and if not her then the elves. But even my father said that little consignment shop was abandoned. He watched it practically every day, switching shifts with Genesis.

Most weeks I spent working out. I needed something to do when the kids were at school because when they were home, I spent practically every moment with them. I was immensely glad when they didn’t reject me because I was out of their life for a while. Matter of fact, they welcomed me with open arms, literally. Although my father and I had our second argument it never changed how much he wanted to help me. His way of making up for him not being in my childhood I guess.

I was also grateful for Genesis keeping Hazel around, the twins loved their “cousin” and I couldn’t help but wonder what Sephora thought about her daughter switching around so much. Genesis says he has it under control but I’ve seen him being grumpy a few times after he got off the phone with his wife.

Either way, I’m getting better about her missing. No doubt those elves had something to do with it and when I find them, someone is going to pay. I promise that.

---

***Lyrics: ‘You Suck Charlie’

Gen 3 Chap 18 – The Disappearance of Jasmine Xavier (Ezra’s Tragedy)

Le Author’s Note: Sympathy needed for Ezra.

---

6:03 AM

That morning when she walked out the door. Where was she going? How did she become so quiet? Why didn’t she let me in?

‘Try harder.’

Was it because I wasn’t there enough? Did I make her feel like I didn’t care?

‘Not working.’

Was she really the type of person to just leave like that?

Could anyone atone for her? Insanity? Memories? Maybe she hated me. Those little spots of red on her cheeks were false. Her laughter was false. Her eyes… no. She loved me, but something was pulling her.

‘I really want some strawberries.’

***

Ezra’s POV:

8:48 AM

I blinked slowly.

How did I get here again?

Oh right. I called them… well… contacted them through the orb. When did my dad and Genesis become the go-to of who I call first? Why wasn’t it my mother or…Anubis?

Because they can’t teleport. I needed someone immediately and they came. But… when was that?

“Strawberries? Really Genesis?” “What? Hazel wants ’em too, don’tcha baby girl?”

“Strawberries, yes!” Hazel enthused and the twins repeated what she said.

Earlier this morning I suppose, when I found out she left.

“Gone…” I whisper. “Oh, Ezra, are you alright? You passed out again.” My father inquires coming over to me. He was holding the orb in his hands, twisting it slightly around I glance briefly at him before my attention falls on the playpen that housed my twins. God they look like their mother. A sob escaped my lips before I could stop it and Genesis sighs.

“Listen, Ezra, she only left like, what, a few hours ago? Who’s to say she won’t come back?” Genesis says and although I could tell he was trying to be uplifting, it wasn’t working. I could feel that something was immensely wrong when I woke up this morning. The house was too still and when I looked out back she wasn’t there at her alchemy station. No breakfast smells either. She was just… gone.

“She’s not coming back. I can feel it.” I groan, I didn’t care if they thought I was pathetic either. I just wanted this feeling to go away. Was it because of what those elves said? Did they do something to her to make her leave?

“This is troubling… He’s around here.” Henry states and huffs.

“He? Oh don’t tell me bunny boy is here too. How?” Genesis asked picking up Hazel. She didn’t want to be and put up a fight that didn’t go anywhere.

“That’s what I want to know… Ezra, can I ask you a favor?” “…What?” “Get up and get yourself together, watch the kids. Genesis and I are going to find Shiro and maybe Jasmine too if he had anything to do with it.” Henry states and stares at me. I suppose watching Hazel would be a welcoming distraction; she liked to enchant toys to come alive and play when she got bored enough. That should keep me on my toes at least.

“Yeah, I can do that.” I say, slowly getting up. “Good, see you later. Don’t let my little girl hurt herself.” Genesis says following Henry out the door. As soon as the door was shut I slumped my shoulders. I hope they would find her.

***

How did it come to this? My murderous uncle was in my house, with my kids, UNCHAINED. I knew them finding Jasmine was slim but not this slim. God I hate him staring at me. And he looked… different.

“Where is she Shiro?” “Where’s who? Why was I dragged here? Who’s brats are those?” Shiro fired back with his own questions and I shook my head.

“What are you doing here in Twinbrook anyway? Stalking my son and his family?” Henry asks and a look of realization came over Shiro’s face.

“Family…? Well I can see only two of them are his so the other one must be yours Genesis. Where’s Jasmine, Ezra? Off getting screwed by someone not you?” He laughs and I clench my fists. “Shut it. Tell us where she is and there won’t be a problem.” I say he simply stares at me. I stare right back noticing little things that changed about him. His hair, for one… the ears for two… and three, his shoes where black instead of blindingly white.

“Ohhh, I get it, you think I’m responsible for her disappearance yes? Well, I’m not. I didn’t even know you two where in town. I just know there was a powerful aura of magic that I don’t feel anymore. Was that your Jazz baby? Could be dead.” His eyes never left mine and I randomly sputter, “What happened to you?” “I don’t have my orb. I don’t particularly search for trouble anymore. Why?” “You look… completely different.” I say and Henry scoffs. “I was actually curious about that too.” Genesis comments and Shiro rolls his eyes.

“I simply moved the hair out of my face. Is that so dramatic?” “Ears?” “It’s a headband. I’m still attached to who I used to be.” “Who you still are… Shoes. Where’s your hat?” Henry interjects. “Oh those… I threw those away. Too bloody you know.” He grinned and laughed. That’s when I snapped. I got up and attacked him.

“YOU BASTARD! YOU KILLED HER!!” “THE HELL EZRA!?” “YOU AND THOSE DAMNED ELVES!” “E-Elves?”

The kids were crying, I was still trying to kill my uncle but somehow he hardly had a scratch on him. When I came to my senses I could hear Hazel wailing to her dad and Shiro in a low voice asking is that the kind of example I wanted to set for my kids. I wanted to punch him again.

“Lay one hand on him and you’re dead Shiro.” Henry threatens. As a result, Shiro lost the fire that was just in his eyes.

“Ok Ezra. I can let this slide. For now. Never knew you had a temper. Always seemed like a weak link to me. Whatever, I don’t know where she is. Maybe, instead of taking your loss out on me you should talk to those elves your were screaming at me about. Henry, I will personally castrate you if you come near me again. Hazel will find herself without a father too Genesis.” Shiro says and leaves out the house, pushing Henry out the way in the process.

“It’s ok Princess, daddy’s got you.” I looked to where my kids were to find them still staring at me with wide eyes. I groan inwardly and stalk off upstairs. I can’t take this. Henry watched me go, I assumed he would take care of the twins… I feel so broken.

“Come on kiddos, it’s getting late. How would you like a sleepover with your cousin Hazel?” I heard my father say before I made it all the way upstairs to my room. When I crossed the threshold I shut the door and lay on my bed, still fully clothed. I couldn’t do this… I need her back.

***

“So, Little Miss Witch is missing… Ezra made a huge mistake with this. I’ll find her, and slit her throat. It’s only fair… an eye for an eye.” Shiro let out a high pitched giggle that only he could hear. He was going to make that boy’s life a living hell. Starting with the girl he fell in love with.

“Would be fun if he watched too.” He says to himself. Now all he needed was his orb back and he could go back to being the mischief maker he was. This nomadic lifestyle was good enough, after he kills Jasmine, he’ll flee and take up residence in some other town. Why not? He only gets to live forever.

---

Le Author’s Note 2: On a completely unrelated note….. Shiro is actually kinda hot bloodied.

Or maybe I just like seeing him suffer. His face is as perfect as a porcelain doll… maybe someone will break it. Also the rabbit ears, the honest to god truth why Henry and Shiro have them is because they stay true to their roots. The Hare and White Rabbit. Mainly Henry has them for Hazel, makes him seem less stoic and scary to her. Shiro has them because no matter how much he hates being called Bunny Boy, he can’t throw away his past so instead of the red hat he once wore, it is now bunny ears, symbolizing innocence to get people to trust him. Of course, I still would never trust him but I can’t say the same for other people. Why didn’t he just go with no accessories? Weird little man…

Gen 3 Chap 14 – Surprise!

Le Author’s Note: I don’t think I put a note in the last chapter… which means I forgot to mention mister Errol is NOT my sim. He was made by umbramuse, author of The Bedlamisbi. If you haven’t read it, go check it out, it’s really funny and I love the characters. Um, this chapter… I guess I should a put a warning about language; Fun Uncles Can’t Keep Secrets, Sugar Honey Iced Teas, and a few Dogs Are Man’s Numbness. Lots of confusing time travel mumbo jumbo. Blame Genesis. Awkward relationship things. Blame… uh… Henry, he doesn’t get blamed for anything so yeah.

Let’s scruffufle!

—————————————————————————————————————

It was the next day when Genesis came back, moping. He’d found out all about his past and everything from Sephora and now here he was, laying on the couch sighing every other moment. It didn’t take long for something to distract him though. A knock came on the door and he got up to answer it.

“Can I help you?”

“Whoa! Look who looks like shit! How ya doin’ buddy? Bad? I bet, been there before.” Genesis stared at the newcomer… for a very long time before it registered.

“Hi me.”

“AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!” Door slam. “HEEEEEENNNNNRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” “WHAT!?” Thomping of feet. “LOOK!”

“…..Uh…..” “EXPLAIN THIS SHIT!” Genesis yells staring at himself. and Henry rubs his neck. “I can’t.” “WHAT THE FUCK!??”

“You know, if you let me in, I can explain Gen Rummy.” The other Genesis says from outside. “Do NOT CALL ME THAT!” By this time, Jasmine and I were up. “Let him in.” “WHY!? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!?” “You’re freaking out…” “HELL YEAH I’M FREAKING OUT GODDAMMIT THAT’S ME!!! HOW THE FUCK DOES THAT HAPPEN???”

“Inside voice guys! But seriously, this is urgent. Pretty please let me in with cheese on top?” And they stared but Henry pushed past Genesis and let the other Genesis in.

“So, start explaining.” Genesis says to himself and the other Genesis smiled brightly. “Take a seat first before I begin my tale of woe.” So we did.

“So, you all know who I am. I’m that handsome devil right there.” He points to Genesis and Genesis in turn scoffs. “I’m you, basically, from the past future.”

“What? What even is that?”

“It’s like the point of existence where the past and future collide. Right now I’m in the past, so I’m future you but not that far into the future. Time-Hopper that I am, I need my past self’s help.”

“Why me?” “I just need you, specifically. I fucked up, like I do in every plain of existence in any time period. But this time I can fix my mistake.”

“The time period from where I’m from is a little… how do I put this, STRICT. I’m breaking a few major laws by just being here so I really, really, really need to be quick…” He glances to where Jasmine and I are seated. “You two, oh man your kids are awesome in my time.” We both blush. “I wasn’t supposed to say that, you’re technically still in that ‘odd platonic just friends but want to never be separate from each other’ state. Cute. Hey, how’s Sephora, Gen Rummy?”

“Why don’t you know?” Genesis asks himself and for a moment the other Genesis’s smile falters but he recomposes himself. “Oh I know, she’s fine. Just peachy. Marvelous and all that, I need to see her.” “Oh hell no.” “I knew I’d  be difficult.” And the other Genesis continues on with his story of a future that’s in complete disarray. Destroying everything, a big worldwide company taking over the world at an insanely fast pace. He even mentioned the past Strangetown, when Genesis bought the town.

“Seriously, that’s fascinating and all but what does that have to do with me? Right now?” Genesis interjects once again and his other self stops talking for a long while.

“She’s dead. They killed her because of my mistake.” He says and Genesis actually punches him. It was quick but brutal. Henry jumped up and held him back.

“YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE! HOW DARE YOU–” “I CAN”T STOP IT! Every moment I go back to, every chance I get it’s the same! Sephora dies because we reconnected. Without her we couldn’t have regained our memories so we need to meet her. Hazel needs her mother so–” “Who’s Hazel?” “My daughter.” “Our daughter.” “Yes, ours. But only if you do not do the same things I did.”

“Why this Genesis though? You could’ve went to any other time period and picked a different Genesis.” Jasmine asks and I agreed.

“Because this Genesis is the only one to not fuck up. I cannot mess with the time space continuum anymore than I have already so therefore I cannot undo my mistakes.” “What about when I disappeared from here for 10 years?” “I didn’t know where I went– no, I knew I just, that place is like a totally different world. Under-Esterdale has no longitudinal nor latitudinal coordinates I could lock onto to pop into that time stream. It’s like a dream, it’s there but isn’t. I need to protect this Sephora, the 10 years of me absent Sephora, for Hazel.”

“UGGH. Let’s get this over with.” “You mean to do this? I would have thought otherwise.” Henry asks and Genesis shrugs. “I have a daughter, sometime in the near future. If Sephora does accept my proposal then we’ll be parents… I don’t want to risk that any more than me forgetting her again.”

“You proposed? When?” Jasmine perks up. I didn’t know Genesis even had a ring on him. “Yesterday, after we were done talking. I asked her to marry me and she said to wait. If what past future me is saying is in fact true, then I assume she says yes. Now how am I gonna help you?”

“Mmm… fusion.” We all stared. What? “You and I, my past self, have to become one in the same.” “Won’t that fuck up the time space continuum?” “I’d rather not live in a world where Sephora does not exist. Tried that for three days, built a time machine and came here after I went everywhere else. So.. fusion. If I live… no we live, in this time period as one, you’ll know what NOT to do to ensure our one and only’s safety because I know what I did. Perks of being a Time-Hopper.” “You left your daughter. And I built a time machine?”

“I did what I had to and yes sir. Plus, I’ll get to experience it again, but for the first time too.”

“Fine, let’s do this.” Genesis says and fist-bumps his self. Honestly this just confuses the hell out of me but whatever. Go with the flow… except I can’t, when Jasmine and I are supposed to have kids. I’m not even sure how this girl feels about me.

“So how does this fusion thing work?” I ask them and they both looked to Henry. “Oh no, no, no, no. Me? Really?” “Yeah Henry, nice to see you healthy again by the way man. Need your Orb O’ Wonders.” My father stared at the two until he just sighed and shook his head. “Let’s get this over with. I already knew this was bound to happen anyway.” “Wait, you did? Come on Henry, you got to tell me these things.” Genesis pouts and the other one just laughs. “So, this process should be sort, but complicated… no distractions, no audience. That means you two need to go.” Future Genesis points to Jasmine and I. Well, I was interested in how the process takes place but if I can’t… I wasn’t going to push it.

“You wanna take the dogs for a walk?” I ask Jasmine and she nods. Good that she agreed because we have some things to talk about… like our future for one, how she even feels about me for two.

We walked to the only diner in town; Phoenix and Kona in tow, surprisingly there were workers there. 1 cook, 1 waitress. We ordered something and sat in silence even after our food arrived and left. Not even small talk happened except for the ‘What are you having?’ ‘Ah, I- I don’t know… a burger I guess.’. That’s it, no ‘we might be parents, how do you think Genesis is doing, is this relationship even real, how do you feel about–‘

“This is weird now…” She interrupts my rambling thoughts and for a moment I didn’t know what she was even referring to but then it dawned on me.

“Oh… yeah. I was just thinking about it.” “I know. Do you think what Future Genesis said is true? Do we really have kids?” I stared at her for a moment then dropped my gaze. No one could say for sure because well, that was a different time frame. Just by him telling us that changed the future and since we know that…

“I wouldn’t mind it though. A family, with you.” She gets up and leaves before I could register it what she said. What she— WHAT!? “Jasmine..”

I clipped Phoenix’s leash back on him and started to jog to catch up with her. It started drizzling while we were in the diner but it’s letting up now. Does she really…?

“Jasmine!”

Walking.

“Jasmine, I know you can hear me, did you mean that?”

Still walking.

“Jas–”

“I don’t know if I can! What if I have another life like Genesis? He was a trillionaire, what could I be? What if I have someone waiting for me and I feed into my feelings for you and, and, and–”

I couldn’t help it. I kissed her and I have been waiting so long for that. It was… magical, to say the least. To say the most, it felt like I was kissing a goddess. A shocked goddess, but still, finally.

I released her and she stared at me, mouth wide, out of breath. I stared back, out of breath with a look of determination on my face. She had two options, reject or accept. If she slaps me so be it… but if she accepts…

“I’ve waited for a long time to kiss you Ezra. I didn’t want to seem pushy.” she says softly, catching her breath. “I figured I might as well get it over with. I have feelings for you and I figured you had feelings for me even though you tried to hide them… constantly.” I say to her and she rubs her shoulder sheepishly. “I know, Henry told me not to a while ago and I always feel like he judges me for not obeying him.” “I don’t think my dad is in a position of where he could tell someone who they can or can’t date… let’s go back, it’s getting dark.” Jasmine nods and follows me back to our house where I’d hope Kona and Phoenix were, they bolted off together a little bit earlier and there’s no telling what they would do.

When we got back it was silent. Except for the racket coming from the kitchen but when I turned to look all I saw was Genesis… not sure which one, he had on some new clothes and when he looked up from his scour of the fridge he smiled brilliantly at us.

“You two! Did it happen yet?” he asks us and Jasmine and I exchange a look. “Oh yeah, it happened. Righteous. Well if you two are curious the fusion went well. I’m new and improved and old school at the same time! More chipper buuuut you don’t mind right? Better to have a happy Gen then a gloomy grumpy Gen. I’m making food. Want any?”

“Uh, we ate while we were out… where’s–” I start but didn’t finish because my questioned was answered. My father came out of the bathroom looking more tired than usual but generally the same. No glasses though…

“Ah, you’re back later than planned… Fusion went good, made me sick but I’m ok… Genesis is cooking… Um…” “Dad, are you sure you’re ok?” I ask him because he was slightly swaying on his feet. “I”m fine… I will be. I need to lay down.” He walks off to the bedroom he shared with Genesis, assumingly to lay down.

“He’ll be fine… the combination of two Time-Hoppers took a tole on him and that orb he used. Speaking of which, here.” Genesis hands me an orb, my father’s? “That’s Shiro’s orb. Not your dear old dad’s. Makes no sense for him to have two and he only uses one so he wants you to have this one. Pretty sure Shiro can’t do nothing about it.”

“Pretty sure?” “99.99999 percent sure kid. You can use it to world hop, like your dad, if you want.” I thought about it. I mean, world hopping is fascinating in itself. Plus who knows what might happen while doing that. I did want to do it with one other person though and if she doesn’t want to…

“That’s amazing then! Imagine all the places we could go Ezra.” She says smiling. Fear for nothing.

“So… how does this work?” “I think you should ask Henry about that. I’m more of a time guy… he’s the world guy. Plus I won’t be staying here for long. Got to get back to Sephora and what not. I did promise to fix her house after all… need to bring citizens back, regenerate the town etcetera etcetera.” He says between bites of food.

“Does Henry know?” “Henry’s staying too, it’ll be just you Jas, and the dogs. Plus by Henry staying I get to visit my old friends down in U.E. Win, win. Didn’t Melanie tell you something about that?” I thought back and yeah, Melanie did say something about Henry staying with Genesis in whatever time period he’s in. So that leaves me to my own adventure… with Jasmine. “What happened to Henry in the future?” I ask and Genesis’ red eyes flicked to me darkening and dancing playfully. “It didn’t happen yet, won’t happen actually, what does it matter?” “Curious I guess.” “Don’t be too curious Ezra, it’ll kill you. ”

He gets up to wash his plate and leaves me sitting and wondering. I suppose all I really have to do is talk to my dad. I can make my own adventures. I spin the orb around in my palms. My own adventures…

—————————————————————————————————————

Le Author’s Note 2: Short arc eh? This is the end of Arc 2 which in turn could be named Genesis’ Arc since it was mostly about my baby. But hey, EzraxJasmine progress! That’s what Arc 3 is all about anyway. Love and tragedy… MUAHAHAHAHA! *ahem*  Maybe I should just write Genesis’ own story one day. Maybe…

Gen 3 Chap 13 – A Town Called Strange

“Whose house is this?”

“Ours.”

“How did you afford this?”

“I didn’t.”

“You stole someone’s house?”

“No, I just… well… I suppose that’s a yes? No one lived here in the ’40’s.”

“There’s a car here. Someone has to live here now.”

“Actually… no. I uh, took it off the market.”

“How?”

“Look the technicalities about how I acquire certain things aren’t important right now.”

“…thief.”

“Am not!”

“…Is Sephora here?”

“She’s in town, yes. This is her hometown… also yours, technically speaking.” Henry says as he paces the front yard, staring at his orb.

“I am not setting foot into a stolen house.”

“Suck it up Jas, this is important.” Genesis says looking around. I could tell that nothing was jogging his memories.

So, once again I find myself stuck in a more than awkward situation with the ones who I now refer to as “The Gang”. “The Gang” as I call it, consists of Genesis, Jasmine, Henry, and me; Ezra Xavier.  “The Gang” or “The Squad” as Genesis likes to call it, has gotten into quite a few mishaps before coming here. Like appearing in the 1920’s right in the middle of traffic which caused police questioning, or causing a stir in a pirate town. Like really, you don’t just steal a pirates gold Genesis. Either way, we had some adventures before coming here and some closer relationship boundaries for Jasmine and I. Still don’t know if we’re a ‘thing’ yet but who’s to say what could happen here? And where is here?

A desert called Strangetown. Like really, this place is deserted… and huge. How are we going to find one girl in all of this?

“I found her. But… it’s not pretty.” Henry says. Well that was easy… Genesis’ eyes dart to him and he visibly tenses. “Her home… it’s not pretty, she’s fine but this town is practically dead on it’s feet.

“I need to see her. Now.” Genesis says and to that my father nods. It’s not like we have a distinct choice, after all, we are searching for Genesis’ past. With a little bit of direction and a brand spanking new car, we were on our way to what we’d hope would be a good reunion.

***

Well, I may have been wrong about a good reunion. From what I’m seeing, this house is… quite frankly, not even suitable to be called that. The door is falling off of it’s hinges, broken windows, dead trees. All that sitting in a type of crater with what seems like little cesspools of water. This can’t be where this girl lives, can it?

“I… feel horrible.” Genesis says softly staring out of the window. “My leaving couldn’t have done this…”

“It may as well could have. Although, the town should’ve helped…” Henry says parking the car. He gets out and Jasmine and I follow, staring at the house that should’ve been pretty. The house that Genesis was so nervous on approaching.

“Hey, Genesis, come on. It can’t be that bad. She has to–” “What if she doesn’t remember me? What if she does and hates me for leaving?” “You couldn’t have stopped that. Come.”

Balancing on the thin strip of land, we all walked up to the broken front door. Genesis just stood and stared into the house before Henry called inside asking if anyone was home. A few moments later a gi– no, woman. She’s a woman much older by her eyes but youthful in her looks. This woman came down the stairs and stopped dead in her tracks when she saw the broken man before her. The man who was so hell bent on finding her, who had some quirks to him but all around a great guy now stood facing a past he hardly remembers. I can’t even imagine how that feels.

“Genesis…” She says with her mouth covered. She doesn’t cry but it looks as though she’s in a great deal of pain. Genesis turns his face away and simply says “I’m sorry.”

It didn’t feel right leaving those two but it’s what my father said we had to do. ‘They’ll reconcile.’ Were his words, still it actually hurt me to see Genesis so… empty. But still, we had to leave them, in that tiny, dirty, broken house.

 ***

“Do you think they’re ok? It’s been a while.” Jasmine says breaking the silence that fell over us while we sat and waited for some type of news.

“I’m sure they’re fine, why don’t you two go out and see what’s around town?” My father suggested, he’s been way more quieter than usual and it sort of concerned me to the extent that I actually asked him was he bothered by what Genesis was doing. After all, he didn’t have a problem with finding Sephora nor driving to where she was. He only said one word and that was a no so I honestly can’t figure out what else might be bugging him.

“That’s actually a great idea, come on Jas.” I say getting up and heading out the door. I needed time to get away from that small house. Smaller still with Phoenix and Kona running in and out through the back door. I debated for a moment about bringing them but decided against it, they were having their own sort of fun.

We arrived at a very lonely park in this very lonely town and sat on the swings. I was mostly contemplating on what I could do to find out more information on Genesis since he is from this place. Must be some sort of archives around right?

“You’re in deep thoughts aren’t you?” “Huh? Oh, I guess, I dunno.” “I do, you always scrunch together your eyebrows when you deep think.” Jasmine says with a smirk. I never realized I did that and it was interesting to know she noticed that about me… Makes me wonder what else she notices about me.

“Hey, since we’re in a desert, aren’t you hot with that on?” I ask her and she stops swaying for a moment, thinking. “Surprisingly… no. I don’t know why, just feel normal.” She answers and I decide that that’s a good enough answer but another arises in my mind. “So, what are we?”

“What do you mean?” “Are we, friends… a couple…?” I trail off and watch her blank expression. Maybe that wasn’t a good idea. I still was a little iffy on how she felt about me and most days it was flip-flopping. “Hey, you wanna see if their computers still work at the library?” She offers completely and effectively ignoring my gentle prob of information. “I uh, sure, yeah, let’s do that.” “Great!” She hops up bouncing back through the plot of land that makes a park and across the deserted street into an old brown building. I don’t think I’ll be asking her any relationship type questions for a while.

Surprise, their computers still had juice to them. Juice and internet capabilities (score). Jasmine and I browsed around after I showed her how to work the computer properly and soon she was searching up everything from flowers to missing persons. It was on the subject of the latter that she found something that we might find useful.

“Ezra… look…”

A newspaper clipping. One with a certain guys face right on the front. But this guy on the page looked so much calmer than the one I know. He looks self assured and nonchalant. Like he knows something we don’t… But he was still Genesis. Different time, same guy. That smirk is something I’ll never forget.

“He’s a trillionaire? Whoa…” Jasmine speaks softly staring at the screen. I read the strange format of this town’s newspaper and studied it some more.

“Why does it have two different years? And why didn’t they put out a search party?” I questioned. “Because by that time he was already gone, to Under-Esterdale.” Jasmine answers and I sat silently for a moment. I found the author of the article, his name written on the side, like literally written, in pen or pencil. “Errol M.? I wonder if he’s still around.” “Strangetown sure has some odd customs. If this newspaper is from 1943 did they just remaster it and put it in their archives in 2006 or…?” “I’m not sure Jas, but we can find out. Let’s tell Henry–” “Or we could just figure out if Errol is still around and get all the information we need.” “How are we going to find him?” “Did you forget that I’m a witch? I have a homing spell you know. Although it might be tricky since I don’t know what this guy looks like.”

Well… try it.” And she did, most of the time I actually do forget Jasmine’s a witch because she never… well, hardly ever, uses her powers. Only when she’s in a bind, like, if I had magic I’d be using it for everything! Cooking, cleaning, making something… the works. But she just uses it when she needs it.

Her spell conjured up some bubbles… bubbles that showed little pictures and most of them were empty. All but one.

“Look! The bubble close to the floor has a picture of someone in it.” I say and she nods. “Must be Errol. Let’s find out where he is exactly.” Jasmine says and the one bubble with the picture started to enlarge. We could see the guy’s face clearly now and Jasmine made the bubble pop, once again casting the spell but this time with more certainty.

“51, Division 47. Let’s go Ezra.” She pulls me out along the road to an apparent destination only she knows and about an 30 minutes later, we find ourselves in front of a house, seemingly normal and huge.

“So what if he’s not home? Or dead?” Like the rest of this town seems to be. I thought to myself looking around. Buildings, but no people.

“He won’t be dead, if he was, my spell wouldn’t have worked. And if he’s not here we can wait right?” “Yeah but, it’s hot.” “You’ll be fine Ezra.” I have only once seen Jasmine like this; so determined for something, and that was when we found a little lost girl when we were lost. She stopped at nothing to find that girl’s parents and only when we returned to where she belong did Jasmine rest. I vaguely remember thinking that maybe that girl reminded her of herself somehow and asked if she had any recollection of her memories but she just shrugged it off when I asked. Jasmine also told me that maybe she’ll have a trigger word like Genesis, something that might jog her memory.

“Can I help you?” The door opens and a man’s deep voice comes out. When I turned towards the voice I don’t know why I expected some old guy limping on a cane but that was not what I was met with. Instead of old tired eyes we were being studied by a pair of icy blue eyes on a sunken, tired face. They looked cold, and uninviting.

“Actually yes, we are looking for an Errol?” Jasmine ventures and the man’s eyes flicked with recognition. “We wanted to ask him about an article he wrote.”

“I wrote many articles. I was a journalist for this town.” The man says crossing his arms. So he’s Errol. Interesting to know.

“Great, so you remember the piece you wrote about the missing trillionaire?” “Genesis Grimm… who are you people?” “May we come in? We have a few questions for you.” Jasmine flutters her eyelids and Errol grunts but moves aside for us to be allowed in his home.

“So, what can you tell us about the article you wrote?” I question and he sighs. “Everything, I wrote it because it was headline news, I was the journalist on duty to figure out what happened but every bit of info I had lead me nowhere.” “Why? No one saw anything?” Jasmine asks fiddling with her rings. “No, not a thing. I even ask his so called girlfriend and she didn’t even know what happened. All she knew was that he left to go into town earlier that day and never came back.”

So the gist of the story is that Sephora, the woman we partially met only knew that Genesis was heading into town for something. No one saw him going in or coming out of any stores so that’s where the trail went cold.

“How did you know he was a trillionaire? Did he flash money around?” “No, I simply know that he must’ve been rich because before he came to our strange little town it was desolate, like now. After he came he bought out every building, in cash, to own. We didn’t really question it because hey, someone is trying to help this place and we were helped. We were actually known to other cities for a while. We did actual trading, had internet access, tourists! It was amazing, he was a savior to us. He was everyone’s friend, everyone knew his face and then one day; gone. Just vanished into thin air…”

“Well what did you guys do? Surely you could have kept up the trading and things?” Jasmine inquires but Errol shakes his head.

“It was Genesis’s money that he got from somewhere. We, ourselves, we don’t know how to make commerce, we didn’t even know what to show tourists when they came. We simply followed him. The few of us left, we’re still trying to find him. Especially his girl and nephew but its been 10 years. No other city has seen him, no state, no country…” “10 years? Why does the article say 1943 then?” “I… sometimes get confused of what year we live in. The newspaper company chalked it up to the radiation waves in the air plus the science research facility actually got word that people in 1943 actually read the Strangetown News, current edition.” He explains and Jasmine and I exchange a look. “Strangetown, is a very, very, strange town.”

We thanked him for his time and said our goodbyes. Walking out of that man’s home made me more confused that before we even got there. We slowly made our way back to our house with the information we collected. We we got there Henry was sleeping and Genesis still wasn’t back. Jasmine went off to cook something so that just left me. I decided to play with Phoenix until the food was done and after that we all simply sat around. Again. Henry toyed with the information we gave him but there was nothing we could do until Genesis got back. After a while we all went to bed, even my father again and that worried me. Hopefully, tomorrow could shed some light on this situation.

***

No One’s POV:

In the very early morning, where everyone was deep into their dreams, one soul was up; staring at the town he’d just arrived in.  Thinking.

“Wowza, place hasn’t changed a bit, but I bet I have.”

He makes his way down to the house Ezra and the rest resides in humming an eerily familiar tune only one other person knows.

Gen 3 Chap 12 – Another Adventure?

Le Author’s Note: Hello all, welcome back to yet another installment in TLOTX’s. This chapter officially marks Arc 2 of Ezra’s story. I never thought he would have arcs but he does. Who knows how many but I’ll keep writing his story as long as I still have ideas for him. I must warn you the beginning of this Arc does have a lot to do with Genesis. He is my second favorite character after all but mostly because I want to get some of his story out too. Plus he is a Time-Hopper and that was explained last chapter ;). Without Genesis, Ezra’s life would’ve been very boring.

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Ezra’s POV:

I might have, only might have, ran down the street to my sister’s house to see her, Dallas, and my other niece and nephew. Remember, might.

“Holy– EZRA!? No FREAKING WAY!!” Dallas yells as I step into their home and the little girl on his shoulders giggles.

“Feekin!” she imitates and Dallas takes her down and covers her mouth. “No, Amber, bad word. Sorry princess, daddy shouldn’t have said that.”

I couldn’t help but grin when I saw her, she looked just like my sister which coincidentally happens to look exactly like me. “Teaching my niece to curse so early Dallas? Bad.” I say and he just shakes his head. “Eihime?” I question.

“Oh snap, right she’s in the nursery over here.” Dallas point to the door next to him and I slide past him to go in.

“Oh my god…” she breathes.

“Mom was right. You’re back. You damned idiot.” Eihime says to me and we both laugh. I missed my sister so much even if the most fondest memories I had were her being rebellious. “This is Hayden and judging by the yelling I heard, you met Amber. I didn’t believe it was you at first. I missed you.”

“I missed you too Ei, now before I leave again, I’m going to spend time with you four.” I say and she sets Hayden down to play with some toys.

“You have got to be kidding me, you just got back, where could you possibly be leaving to now?” she questions me and I shrug. I honestly didn’t know where we were headed, I just know that Henry said he and Genesis would have to leave soon and I asked if I could tag along. After the initial surprise they agreed, with Jasmine too.

“Henry… that man who’s supposedly our father, who kind of kidnapped my twin, who broke our mother’s heart?” Eihime says skeptically and I decided now would be a good time to explain everything to them, like I did with mom, dad, Jay, and the rest. All in all, Eihime wasn’t pleased but she was happy I was back safe. She still didn’t want to meet our father but I didn’t push the fact all that much. She was still torn up about it.

***

When I got back home I went straight up to my computer with Jasmine following and I told her to make herself comfortable.

“How’d it go with your sister?” “Good I’d say. She hardly believed me but accepted it in the end. After all, where else could I have been for almost 2 years?” I say then thought of many places I could have actually been; Bridgeport, Twinbrook, some island off the coast of nowhere, dead… etc. But I wasn’t, I was back home… at least for the rest of today.

“Henry told me we’re going to have to go shopping for Genesis since he doesn’t have any clothes here.” Jasmine says with a chuckle.

“Well, neither do you two so it’ll be a shopping excursion for all three of you.” I say browsing the web for nothing in particular. I just missed technology, plus my cell phone practically blew up with missed texts and calls when I got back in a range with a cell phone tower. I didn’t mind it one bit.

“Yeah, new clothes… sounds fun.” Jasmine says a little downhearted. I look to her with hopefully what reads as a ‘what’s wrong’ on my face.

She just smiles and shakes her head then gets up to head downstairs. “I like your parents, I’m going to talk to them more.” And with that she leaves. I wonder what was bothering her?

I didn’t have much time to ask her because soon after, Henry whisked us away to the only salon in town to get… normal. At least, that was what he said. ‘No one wants to talk to a guy with blood on their clothes Genesis.’ Well, who could argue with that? I didn’t get anything new because all of my clothes were already here so I just carried another purple hoodie I had around… I have more than one purple hoodie, don’t judge.

“Well, what do you think guys?” Jasmine asks once we were all gathered. She was the last one out because of her hair. Females… it was practically dark when she finally emerged looking, dare I say it, even more beautiful. I never thought that was possible.

“I feel naked. I need a hat.” Genesis states for the hundredth time since he came out. I must admit, he cleans up pretty well for a former madman. Well, he still was partly mad, just not increasingly lately. He’s more thoughtful, maybe because his memories are coming back? If they are he isn’t letting any of us know.

My father opted for just a haircut. I couldn’t stop snickering whenever I looked at him. I was so used to his shaggy hair that seeing him cleaned up changed my whole view of him. I suppose everyone is entitled to a look they want.

“Well, you two do look more… normal. Genesis especially.”

“Hat.”

“We’ll get you a hat later, it’s not important right now, what’s important now is your memories, anything new?” Henry asks impatiently and Genesis shakes his head.

“Nope, I want a hat and it’s cold. What about Jasmine eh? She needs her memories too.” Genesis says seemingly trying to warm himself up by slouching more. Open neck probably wasn’t the best idea this time of year. It was nearly winter.

“I haven’t remembered anything either… I thought this would jog something but…” She trails off and then it hit me why she sounded sad earlier. How could I forget that she doesn’t have any memories yet? I immediately feel bad for not thinking of that sooner but I have been distracted, reconnecting with family and all.

“Well we can’t go running aimlessly around. I suppose we’ll just have to stay with your parents a little longer Ezra. Let’s go, it is getting cold.” Henry sighs and turns on his heels and Jasmine promptly follows.

“What are you waiting for Genesis?” I ask when I notice him not moving.

“Nothing kid. Simply thinking.” he replies, shakes himself out of his trance, and begins to walk forward. “You know, if you’re going to call me ‘kid’ so much, I might as well call you my uncle.” I say to him and he halts to a stop.

“What?” “What? You don’t like that? Sorry…” I apologize but he shakes his head. “No, I… say it again.” “…uncle?” I hesitate and his eyes grew huge. “That’s it. You aren’t the only person I called kid, there’s another but… I can’t remember his face or name. Or why I think I’m remembering him.” Genesis says wildly looking around for something else to jog his memory. “Damn…” he lets out a defeated sigh after a while and I notice Henry and Jasmine looking back at us.

“Come on Genesis, maybe we can try again when we get back.” I nudged him on and he follows, almost reluctantly.

When we got back home Genesis was in more of a downed mood so I decided to take it upon myself to maybe help him jog his memory.

“So, me saying uncle doesn’t help much does it?” I ask thinking of possible ways to help.

“It sort of does…” “How about if I say nephew? I have a niece and nephew, maybe you do too?” I probe and Genesis stays silent this time. I was hoping by me saying related words to ‘uncle’ it would help a better deal than just random phrases. After all, the way he reacted when I said ‘uncle’ made me think he might have been one.

“I think… a nephew.” He says finally and that actually made me get hopeful.

“Ok so, you call me kid and I call you uncle. Or Uncle Genesis since that fits a little better than just uncle. You maybe, more than likely have a nephew or two.” I say piecing together information.

“Uncle Genesis…” He mumbles. “Uncle… Genesis? Chester used to say– OH MY GOD!” “What? You remembered something?” “Yes. I am an uncle. I have a nephew. His name is Chester… that’s one of the faces that keeps floating around in my head… the other is a girl.”

“A girl? Melanie said something about a Sephora and that– Genesis!?”

Genesis’s POV:

This– this isn’t. It can’t be. Se–Sephora!? I know that name. I know Chester too. Chester is my nephew. He was possessed at one point in his life but I– no, Sephora and I saved his life. When? When was this?? Why can’t I remember her clearly?? She’s important, I know she is. She has to be or else I wouldn’t be feeling like I just got sucker punched.

“Genesis!”

That’s the kid. Not my nephew, who I always called kid. Chester… my nephew, Sephora my… what? What is she to me? It’s not the kid’s fault but he’s freaking out. It’s that name. Sephora.

I can’t– these memories. I can’t get them to come to light. Not the ones about her. Chester yes. Nephew. Still alive. Saved his life. Where? Where did I live before?

“–strange! Henry, do something!”

“…no. Let him remember. Don’t wake your parents Ezra. He’s alright.”

Strange? I’m not strange– or maybe… they’re talking about a place? A place that’s strange? Weird. Odd. Out of the ordinary. Maybe normal on some days. But still, it’s her. Lilac hair, beautiful eyes, smooth skin. I loved her. I think… did I? 

“What’s wrong with him?”

“He’s remembering, Jasmine. His life Above–er, here.”

Jasmine? She’s a witch… yes, and she studied alchemy. Why is that in my head? Alchemy… I remember that. 

‘What are you doing?’ ‘Alchemy, so leave Genesis.’

Sephora studied alchemy. Self taught. She was always there for me. That’s how we saved Chester, her alchemy. Leave Genesis… she always told me that because I… annoyed her? Yeah, annoyed her. But I still loved her… I still…

“Love her.”

I cried. I cried long and hard. I missed her. I missed her so much it hurt. Years went by without me seeing her, hearing her, remembering her; and that hurt. That hurt me to my core. Chester too, almost the only family I had and I forgot them. I felt horrible and that made me cry even more.

At some point I felt Henry’s presence closer to where I sat on the floor. I heard him tell Ezra and Jasmine to ‘give me some space’ but I didn’t register it. Not until he spoke.

“I’m here if you need to talk.” He said and I wanted to. I really did, I wanted to tell him let’s go. Let’s find Sephora, please. Because if I go one more day without her I’d die. I’d die a slow, lonely and painful death because my heart is broken and without her it’ll never be mended. My entire existence is meaningless without Sephora, nothing matters if she’s not here.

I wanted to tell him that but all that came out was a half sob that almost sounded like ‘It hurts.’ but I couldn’t be too sure.

“I know it hurts. I can locate her if you want… we can go find her. It’s what we came back to do for you.” Henry says quietly and my head immediately shot up.

“Yes.” It was all I could manage to say. That one simple word. I needed this. Henry nodded and got up. “We’ll head out tomorrow. I’ll let you know when we’re ready.” He says and heads upstairs.

I sat on the floor a little while longer but ultimately decided to lay on the couch; and soon, I was out like a light; dreaming of things I once remembered.

***

Ezra’s POV:

“You’re leaving? Already? You just got here though!” My mom says once I told her the news. Same reaction as Eihime actually, sort of comical. I was happy about leaving from home so soon but I won’t lie, I did want to see the world and when my father came to me last night and said we’re about to head out on another ‘adventure’ soon, I couldn’t help but feel excitement.

“We’re going to try and find Genesis’ home. He’s starting to remember stuff now.” I say to try and calm her.

“You’re going off to find a random girl for a random man who doesn’t even remember what he ate last??” “No mom, he does remember what he ate last.” My failed attempt at a joke made her huff and look over my should to where Genesis sat.

“He just seems… weird. And ultimately untrustworthy.”

“I can hear you, you know. And actually, I’m not entirely random to you Lyra. Strangers yes, you probably don’t even remember me coming to that party… I knew your father and mother. Simply in passing but I was a talent scout… years ago.” Genesis says staring at the pic collage of my grandfather and aunt Adilyss.

“Years? You don’t look a day over 30.” Mom says to him.

“I know.” And before my mom had any time to reply Henry came down with Jasmine behind him.

“Ezra, honey, are you sure you want to leave? What about Phoenix?” Mom tries again.

“Oh, he’s coming with. ” “Your stuff?” “I’ll send for it if I need it.” “Your… your…”

“Lyra. He’s in good hands. I brought him back didn’t I?” Henry says and my mom looks defeated.

Genesis got up and announced he’d be waiting outside with the dogs and Jasmine decided to follow. After a brief hesitation so did I, but not without giving my mom one final hug goodbye.

No One’s POV:

“Henry, promise to keep my boy safe.” “Of course, I have yet to fail to do that.” “Anubis will kill you if you don’t. I’ll kill you again too.” “Lyra, I promise. Nothing horrible will become of Ezra. He’s fine, he’s level-headed, he’s–“

“Just like you. Alright, I get it. At least this time I got to say goodbye… You’re still breaking my heart Henry.” Lyra says softly. “I would say something to that but that would be wrong.” He responds and drops her hand. “I’m sorry I–” “No, it’s ok, really. I’m grateful actually… thank you for giving me two, although one hates me.”

Lyra laughs at that. “She’ll come around eventually. She always does.” She says and they stood in the foyer for a moment just looking at each other until Henry spoke up again.

“Would you do it again?” He asks and Lyra thought for a moment, knowing exactly what he asked. After a while she gave him her answer.

“A thousand times over.”

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Le Author’s Note 2: That couch. So many memories happened on that couch. *wipes tear* 

Gen 3 Chap 10 – Catching Ezra

Le Author’s Note: I’m back. My birthday was on the 23rd and I celebrated by playing with puppies and spending time with my fiance. AND! Getting back into the swing of things with the Xavier’s. This chapter is LONG. Some cursing. Nothing major…. I missed these guys so much. 

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Henry’s POV:

There’s the house. The house where my son is. My son that I failed to protect. That’s in the past now and I simply need to focus on the future. Getting Ezra back. Possibly killing The Red Queen and her minion and getting my son back.

“There’s a shed around the back. Thinking… Ezra could–”

“Possible but no, Genesis. She would want someone to keep an eye on him and her being down a henchman would put her to keep her bodyguard with him and she–”

“Would be vulnerable. So if Ezra’s not in the little shed then he’s in the house. Damn.” Genesis says with a huff.

“Yeah… so the house is what we need to focus on.” I say mostly to myself. That annoying, stupid, pink, ugly house… “We need to break in.”

“Henry, there’s a spell I think I can use for this.” Jasmine says quietly and I much as I wanted to trust her, one of her little flaws couldn’t be good right now. I shake my head slowly, and she goes back to being silent. We make our way up to the side of the house carefully, slowly, silently…

The twins, as bubbly and energetic as they normally are, were also silent for once. Waiting for some type of leadership from either of us. I sigh, still debating on our original plan of allowing Jasmine and them to be distractions. No one could say what would happen to them if caught by the Red Queen’s guard dog. Just when I was about to speak up again, something turquoise and purple caught my eye.

“Cashmere.” I state simply as the cat looks like it’s been caught doing something it shouldn’t have.

“Meeerrow. Henry, Genesis, and the lot. What are you all doing snooping around here?”

“I could ask you the same.”  It gets a terribly mischievous grin on its muzzle before answering.

“Well I got wind that mon soleil du matin was captured and being tortured… Sad non? Here to rescue him?” Cashmere says, swishing his tail.

“…how did you know? I thought you went into hiding.” I say eyeing the feline.

“Unless he was there when Ezra was taken. He always seems to pop up at the most convenient times.” Genesis says from behind me.

“Whaaaaat? Me-yow! Accusations hurt. But… maybe I was, maybe I was not. Maybe I’ll let you sneak in without an issue… but more than likely I won’t. I do love mon soleil du matin, but seeing him executed wouldn’t hurt either.” Cashmere says as he jumps on the hedge dangerously close to a lamp.

“Don’t you dare, you feminine feline.” Genesis threatens but as anyone could’ve guessed, it was entirely too late. Cashmere expertly kicks the lamp with enough force to send it to the ground making a loud crash. Smiling mischievously he darts off not soon after into the distant mountain area.

“Shit, run and duck!” Genesis commands and we all found a close place to hide right next to the house. “Everyone, think of a blank wall.” Genesis hisses to all of us except one. Jasmine. She’s sitting on the ground and we can’t do a damn thing about that because footsteps could be heard. And it’s getting dark…

***

No One’s POV:

“You stupid girl! How many times have I told you not to interfere! How dare you try and escape!?” Her voice rang sharp in everyone’s ears. And by everyone, one means Knitemair, Lily, and… well, Ezra.

You see, Lily had a plan, a poorly though out and even poorer executed plan but she tried. And failed miserably. She unlocked his cell, careful to remind him that she could turn him in if he tried to run, and tried to run away. Simple yes? Simple no. What Lily failed to realize is that Knitemair was good at his job even though he looked as though he didn’t care about it. Her thoughts of her past lover occupied her mind enough for her to forget about him and book, caught red handed with Ezra right behind. One quick trip back up the flight of stairs and one useless plea later, here we are; with The Red Queen about to lose… her head.

Ezra’s POV:

Seen that coming from a mile away. Sounded like it hurt… probably did with that scepter in her hand. I glance up from my peripherals to look at the demon they call Knitemair. Well he is just that, a nightmare. When he caught us I didn’t know what to expect but it sure as hell was not the invasion of my mind. It felt as though he touched everything, everything. From childhood to now. It was the most gut wrenching experience I ever had the dishonor of going through… and then it just left. He simply ordered us (mentally mind you, I don’t think he speaks out loud) to go into the house, upstairs. That’s where she was waiting. The Red Queen. She was, actually, quite beautiful. Not as beautiful as someone I know but still, it was there. Hidden, under that hideous scowl. She order me to sit near the window and well… she started yelling… and then that slap. Wow…

I glance back down at my feet, finding something more interesting there than them fighting. Knitemair shifts ever so slightly closer to me looking as though he’s listening for something. For what exactly I don’t know. And then a crash, it could be heard through the yelling…

“Father would’ve stopped you!”

“Your father’s been dead, and so is that stupid fling you messed up my whole plan with!”

*crash*

“Emillio…”

“Knitemair… that sound.” I see him nod and swiftly turns and darts down the stairs. Then I was left in the room with these two. I could run but that spiked scepter has me thinking twice. After all, I’m pretty sure The Red Queen can throw a very precise throw. Perhaps that sound was my father… but if so then we’d both be in this mess together. Better than being alone but…

This…

Does not make me feel immensely better either.

***

“Why did you get caught?” I ask her simply and she looked at me with a pained expression.

“Your protective spell… it failed because I let my emotions flare. My sister got me angry and–“

“That’s… that isn’t was I asked.”

“I needed to help you Ezra. The reason you got caught was because of me. Henry didn’t trust me to help much on our rescue mission for you but I had to do something… I couldn’t see you get hurt again, I couldn’t bear it.” Jasmine says softly. I smile slightly knowing that Henry and probably everyone else was outside waiting for an opportune moment to bust in here and get us out. But that smile was soon gone after I realized that’s almost impossible… who knows what could happen with Lily now that she was back in her mother’s clutches?

“He locked the door from the outside. We’re stuck in here…” I say and I could’ve sworn I seen a blush on her cheeks but I disregarded it.

“Actually… I have a spell, it might work if she’s willing to help…” Jasmine says looking out the window into the darkness.

“She? She who? I honestly don’t want anymore girls around that are crazy.” I say not meaning to hurt Jasmine’s feeling but the look she gave me proved otherwise.

“Melanie. The Red Queen’s sister. I’ll send out a S.O.S to her. I have a feeling Genesis and Henry won’t be able to do this alone.”  I watched as she took a deep breath to calm her nerves, mumbled a little something and waved her arms around before her hands started to glow. She smiled to herself, clearly proud of her work.

Glowing letters appeared before us spelling out the word: Help. Simple message but how will this Melanie know about it?

“And now, send.” Jasmine states and the letters fly through the closed window out into the night. “Well, at least I did something that I hope will work. All we have to do is wait and pray that we don’t die here.”

“At least there’s a bed to sleep on. You can have it… I’ll be ok.” I say to her and she shakes her head and keeps standing. I took that as a sign and made my way over to it and laid down. At least it was comfy.

“Ezra… can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” Wondering why she asked if she could ask me piqued my interest and I looked at her curiously.

“…all the time you’ve known me… do you think, um, well…” She dropped off.

“Come on Jasmine, the worst thing that could happen is a couple of seconds of awkwardness.” I say trying to make her feel better and she sighs.

“Do you think it’s possible for me to come with you when you go back? I mean, I know I’m not technically from here, I had a life before this. I just don’t remember it.” I think for a moment but only for a moment. There’s no harm in letting her tag along is there? Especially regaining her lost memory of her life? No, no harm at all. I nod and she lets out another sigh, of relief this time. “It’s getting late… I wonder if those guys are still outside.” She says mostly to herself but that caused me to wonder too.

“I don’t know, I just hope they’re safe too.” I say softly, glancing towards the window.

“Hey, Ezra…?”

“Hm?”

“Can I lay next to you? If that’s not… weird?” She asks quietly and my eyes dart to her face, searching for an answer as to why. She sways on her feet uncertainly and looks away.

“…if you want.” I say slowly. I kinda had a slight feeling about Jasmine. I assumed she did like me, at least a little, but always thought Genesis was the one which is why I never went further than casual small talk with her… but maybe…?

“Great, thanks. My feet are almost killing me.” She says as she lays down with her back to me. “Well, um, I don’t know if this will be a good night, so far it hasn’t been but…”

“Yeah, I get the gist of it.” I say and lie awake while she drifts to sleep. Amazing considering this situation. I was going to stay up all night, or at least, that was my plan.
Somehow… it didn’t turn out that way. This peaceful moment seemed like it was cut short too by a loud bang and then yelling. Jasmine and I bolt awake and stare at the door. First hearing muffled voices (man these walls were thick) then yelling and I noticed one very important voice.

***

“–son back!”

“Never! I want this kingdom, all to myself! If my worthless daughter can’t do it then I will. And how in the hell did you lot get in here!? Where’s Knitemair??”

“It’s actually quite simple… big sister.” A quiet, cool voice says.

“…Melanie.”
“That’s me! How’s it going sis? Been a while since you became power hungry hasn’t it?” Melanie says. The Red Queen tsks and takes a step back.

“Indeed it has been a while since I became queen. A while since I eradicated the useless residents… a while since you ran to hide in the forest and live with your little woodland friends. So, tell me, little sister… why are you here and how did you get in?” The Red Queens says, each word laced with venom. Lily sat behind her, still as a rock, but listening and watching.

“I received a call of help… so I made my way away from my home towards here. Where the message originally came from. I met Henry and Genesis, you know them, you practically employ them; and we went straight to my lovely Vivek’s home. Boy was he glad to see me. From there, we devised a plan. After all, Vivek is the time lord–“

“Go figure.” Genesis says and Vivek shoots him a look. After all, he kept it a real good secret.

“–Now, there’s only one witch around here, and that’s young Jasmine, who may be new to the witch-hood, hardly has any control, but a message is a message. So, as Henry so blatantly busted up in here saying, where’s Ezra? Give him back.” Melanie finishes. I took that as my chance to pound on the walls and door alerting them as to where we were.

“Knitemair–!”

“If I may, your demon boy can’t help you. I paused time for him, in the room over there, so he’s technically stuck in suspended animation.” Vivek states matter-of-factly. The Red Queen stares.

“How did you get pass his psychic ability?”

“We have a cat, two actually, that helped.” Cashmere pipes up. “You see, Maggs over there is such a lovely minou that when I asked her to help, she readily agreed. Tell me where le démon is, I tell ma poupée, he stops time. Maggs is a very, very, très helpful kitty when she wants to be loved.” He grins and winks and Maggs meows. Lily snickers a little which unfortunately, did not help at all.

“You got my CAT TO HELP? I swear so help me gods that I will DESTROY. EVERY. LAST. ONE OF YOU!!!” The Red Queen roars and was just about to charge when Lily suddenly jumps up and grabs her by her hair.

“You’re a bitch mother!! I refuse to let you ruin my chance of being free from you again!!” Lily screams, yanking her mother back. Melanie took that distraction as an opportunity to take out the small substance she was planning on using to drug her sister, and anyone else, who put up too much of a fight.

“Let’s get Ezra.” Henry says to Genesis.

“And Jasmine.” He says back and they make their way to the opposite room across from where Knitemair was. When they reached it they kicked the door down, all while the Red Queen was ranting and raving.

“Well, well, don’t you two look closer.” Genesis says and Jasmine and I both blush, remembering how we woke up.

“Are you hurt Ezra? Jasmine?” Henry asks, looking me over and I nod. “We’re fine Henry, just get us out of here. I can’t stand being in this place one second longer.” Jasmine says and Genesis dutifully steps out of her way.

“It’s quiet…” I say noticing the eerie silence that wasn’t there a moment ago. We all go out and soon find out why.

The Red Queen was on the ground curled up with another blue haired girl next to her and Lily was burying her face in her hands.

“What happened to her?” Genesis asks and the blue haired girl turns her head slightly towards the sound of his voice.

“I put her to sleep momentarily. I also gave her a concoction of mine to get rid of this place in her.” She turns fully around and her eyes meet mine. “So, you’re the one who caused all this ruckus. Ezra Xavier.” When she said my name my heart stopped for a few seconds. She was beautiful, no, more than that… she was stunning; and hearing her say my name made me want to know more about her story. Where she came from, how she got here… would she stay here? I was quickly brought out of my thoughts when she got up and bounded over to us.

“Well, you’re a lot more plain than what I was imagining but you are the March Hare’s son. No offense Henry, and take that as a compliment Ezra.” she giggles and I blush deeply. “Jasmine! How have you been? I got your message so I know you’ve been practising your magic.” She turns to Jasmine with that same bright smile and I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. Mouth stuck… great job me.

“Melanie… I can’t keep… this time pause–“

“Oh shoot! Sorry Vivek, honey. Let me finish up.” Melanie, the girl who caused me to react in a way I never reacted before, says and I felt a pang in my chest. Honey?

Knitemair looked as though he was on pause when she opened the door. It looked like he was just getting up to do something… She walks into the room and I see she puts something into that demon’s mouth when she took off his mask and necklace. After a moment she backs out of the room and gives Vivek a nod. He mumbles something and slides down the wall and Knitemair falls to the floor, looking bewildered. He catches sight of Melanie and gets up slowly.

“I can’t hear the voices anymore…”

“No, I fixed that for you. Come here.” She beckons him and he walks over to her.

“I feel… free, Melanie. Thank you.” His quiet voice hardly reached over to where I stood, watching intently. “What did you do to me?”

“The same thing I did to my sister. I took her powers away. This place does things to people that shouldn’t happen, given the wrong herbs and roots. Arabelle found a way to control that and used it on many of the inhabitants here. But I fixed that, she can’t do anything anymore… neither can you.” Melanie explains and I grew another form of respect for her. Single handedly she practically saved us.

“I’m still stuck here aren’t I?” Knitemair asks her and she nods.

“You were born here. Like Arabelle, me, Henry… but you can visit Above.” “I owe you my life also, please allow me to aid you.”

“We can discuss this later… for now, let’s just go. Guys?” She says and we all agree.

“Now wait just a minute! I am NOT staying in this stupid house alone! Take me with you or… or…” Lily says.

“I been patting her head for the longest… I thought she was devastated.” Cashmere says stroking the cat’s fur and looking between Lily and the rest.

“Well, if Henry says so.” Melanie says helping Vivek up.

“…you know I don’t beg Henry but… please. I have nothing left.” She says still looking angry.

“Hmm…” My father doesn’t say anything for a moment. “If Knitemair would allow you to.” He says after.

“I allow it. After all, she wasn’t evil like her mother. She just wanted out, like me.” Knitemair says looking down with his sad eyes. “Then it’s settled, let’s go.” Henry says turning on his heel and going down the stairs. Melanie gave one last look back at her older sister and sighed. She grabbed onto Vivek and helped him down the stairs and soon, we all made our way back to Genesis’s house.

***

No One’s POV:

“Well, this place is gaudy.” Lily sighs looking around. She knew she wasn’t going to a plush palace but a little cleaning couldn’t hurt.

“Is it your mother’s place?” Knitemair asks from behind her.

“No but–” “But nothing. Stop complaining.” Knitemair cuts her off and continues rocking back on forth on his heels. No one has ever seen him so in motion before and the movements amaze them.

“Yeah plus, you don’t have to stay here. It’s my house… and will you two stop cuddling!?” Genesis says eyeing Vivek and Melaine. Vivek was stupid using his ability that long… but seriously, the guy was a Time Lord; who knew? Not only did he hide that really well from not only Genesis but Henry, the guy who could read anyone like a book, he made it seem like he was seriously only a wallflower!

“Shh, Genesis. He’s resting. He’s had a very hard day.” Melanie says in her soft, cool voice and Genesis scoffs, walking over to his fireplace and poking it.

“It shouldn’t have been that easy… Something’s not right…” Henry mutters to himself thinking of what he could’ve missed.

“Actually, it was that easy. My powers were not that amazing… what you guys made me out to be was a total lie.” Knitemair says causally and Henry narrows his eyes. “You don’t believe me?”

“No. You’re a demon for one–” “Actually, I’m not.” “For two, for you to have the ability to practically predict anyone’s next move and you take a pill and it’s suddenly gone–“

“Hey, I worked hard on those!” Melanie interjects.

“It was a strong pill… Your voices, er, thoughts was what allowed me to do that really.”

“I just don’t understand…” Henry mumbles. “Just worry about getting Ezra back home. Its been how long since he was away?” “I… I’m not sure. But without Shiro’s orb I can’t–“

“Orb? You mean this thingy?” Melanie asks and pulls out a medium sized crystal ball. “I found it on my doorstep one day with a note attached to it. ‘Give this to the stupid brown hare.’ I just held onto it for… well, our reunion Henry. Here.” She hands Henry the ball and he studies it. Everything was falling into place… too easily, but it was Shiro’s orb. Nick in it and everything.

“Thank you Melanie. You seem to have been just the thing we needed. I’ll tell Ezra in the morning, for now, I’ll let him sleep.” Henry says thinking of his only son and how excited and happy he would be. He was down in Henry’s room sleeping with his beloved dog; Phoenix, who missed him greatly. Jasmine was also there doing who knows what but probably keeping Kona company since The Twins went home earlier before the rescue ended. It’s been an eventful day.

It was quiet for a moment with no sound from anyone until Genesis spoke up.

“Who’s hungry?”

Gen 1 Chap 8 – 1+1+1+1+1=…. Oh God

Danny was learning all of his life lessons fast. Hanging out with Justin taught him how to talk.

Raven took the dirty job of potty training.

And I taught him how to walk.

And I must say he grew into a nice young lad. He always questions why his middle name is Boston but I think its because the kids at school question that. He never complains and he prefers to stay in his room all day instead of playing with the quads outside. Oh yes, we had quadruplets and our house has been a circus ever since.

First was River. He’s always laughing and smiling. He full name that of course, I named is River Aniston Xavier.

Then Setsuko came. She hardly ever cried unless she bumped her head or knee. Her full name is Setsuko Zarai Xavier.

Next came Adilyss Rin Xavier. She’s the “princess”. She doesn’t like dirt and hates when she’s next to the dogs. She always seem to be staring off into space too.

Finally Lyra came, screaming her head off. She can’t sit still for a second and is always getting into trouble. Her middle name is Octavia. The only thing wrong with this is that Danny hates being around them. He calls them–

“A nuisance.”

“Daniel, they are not a nuisance. They’re your siblings.”

“Of course they’re a nuisance! Look at how much time you never spend with me. It’s always Setsuko wants this or River needs that, Lyra yells and Adilyss cries all the time… It’s never about what Daniel needs or wants. Plus I have to share all my toys with them.”

“If you want new toys I can buy you some… Just don’t tell your mother.” I say.

“Trying to win me over with new toys won’t get rid of the nuisance called ‘siblings’. But it might take my mind off of them for a while.” He says and closes the book he was reading.

“Where are you going?”

“To talk to Sakuaya. She’s the only one that understands me around here.”

“Danny, Saku–” I start but close my mouth when I see him lower his head.

“She is real dad… you just can’t see her, neither can mom.” He says and walks to the backyard where his tree house was stationed.

I sigh and get up to find Raven peeking around the corner at me.

“Kodak..”

“Don’t say anything. I know what you’re going to say and I really don’t want to hear it. Danny has been in this stage for a while and it’s time for him to get out of it.” I say crossing my arms.

“I understand how you feel. A boy his age shouldn’t be playing with a doll… or alone all the time, but the only other kid he knows is Justin and you know how Mataya is with him.” She says to me.

“Yeah, surprisingly overprotective. I just wish he would be more social at school.”

“Well hey, cheer up. It’s Snowflake Day. Alistair, Thomas and his family are on their way over. It’s almost time to open gifts.”

“You’re right… I’ll address it tomorrow.” I smile at her and she smiles back.

It was winter here in Aurora Skies, and their winters were harsh but short.  Not that Danny minded, even though he says he hates outside, he would go to his tree house everyday for that doll Alistair got him. Why he keeps it there instead of in his room is a mystery too but I’ll dawdle on that later. By the time the party got started I was feeling cheery.

“Well hello, I don’t believe I ever met you before… who are you?” Raven asks the man that walked into our house.

“The name is Grimm. Genesis Grimm, it is a pleasure to meet you madame. I am Kodak’s… uhh manager I suppose you could say.”

“Suppose?”

“Alright, call me a scouter. I’m assuming he told you absolutely not a goddamn thing about me, yeah?” Genesis says to her.

“You got that right… What do you scout? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“Musicians, singers…. talent. I seen Kodak in town doing those silly willy sing-a-grams and I just wanted to hand him my card. I kinda asked around town as to his living whereabouts and I wound up here. He does live here correct?”

“Yeah, he’s my husband. I’ll tell him that you stop by Mr. Grimm. Considering you walked into our home without warning and we are having a little party.”

“Please, call me Genesis, and sorry for the intrusion.” He says and gives her a card. Raven looks at it for a brief second before turning her attention back to Genesis.

“Thank you. Now good bye.”

The party was a success. Everyone went home happy with their presents. Even Daniel came around long enough to keep Justin company. And only that long. As soon as Justin put on his coat Danny darted upstairs, not even bothering to say goodbye.

“Sigh, parties are so unimportant right now. I need to find a way to make Sakuya real… Maybe Justin would know. Hmm.”

Daniel spent almost all night looking up ways to make that doll real. He even complied a list of things that might work but one stuck out to him.

“Imaginarium: The Friend Potion… the potion that’ll make even the most imaginary of friends become real. Interesting, I’ll email this to Justin to see what he thinks.” he says before turning off the computer, getting in the bed, and pretending to be asleep.

The next day after school I allowed him to go over Justin’s house. He seemed really eager to go and I was really happy he wanted to go.

“Hey Justin, you get my email last night?”

“Ya, and let me tell you. You are absolutely nuts. How can you afford that stuff man?”

“I’m not going to buy it. Your sister is going to make it for me.” Danny says looking around.

“What makes you think Annalise is going to make it?” Justin asks.

“She’s super smart and it’s not like she has a life anyway. She’s perfect for this, plus it’s the only time I’ll ever ask her for a favor again.”

“She has a job you know. The bookstore makes her come in on Saturdays even.”

“That’s good she can read up on it. Come on, don’t be so boring. This’ll be great I promise.”

“Ugh fine. You are so lucky you’re my best friend.” Justin says.

“I’m your only friend.”

“Don’t remind me Danny… Don’t remind me.”

“After this, we’ll have another friend. It’s going to be awesome.”

They arrived at Justin’s house to find Annalise cooking something. She appeared to be engrossed deeply in it.

“Don’t burn it Anna.” Justin teased.

“Oh shut up twerp. Hey twerp number 2. What are you guys doing here anyway?” She asks.

“Danny here has something he wants to ask you.”

“If its a date then no.”

“Actually, it’s far from that. Anna, I need a really huge favor from you. And before you say no, I promise I will never ask of anything from you again.” Danny says.

“Well the offer seems good, whats the favor?”

And so Daniel told her everything she needed to know. When he was done Annalise sat in silence for a minute thinking it over. Finally she got up, walked over to the bookcase and said

“I’ll do it. But only because I want to see this outcome.”