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 11 – Time To Go

Today was the day. The day I went back to where I came from. Back home. I must say, I would actually miss this place and all its residents. It may have been weird and every corner I had to look out for death but, it was fun. I expanded my social circle at least. Made a whole bunch of new friends and even found a mate for Phoenix (He and Kona were still inseparable even after I got back). I decided to stay a few extra days to say my last goodbyes and this final day, I found myself talking to Vivek; someone I thought I’d never have a full fledged non interrupted conversation with.

“So, Ezra, happy to be finally going back?” he asks me glancing at Phoenix every few seconds. He’s always been a little uneasy around dogs.

“Yeah but also kinda sad.” I say and he smirks. Like actually smirks; no timid smile or stutter. “It must be because you’ll miss us.” To that, I nod. If possible I would take everyone here back home with me. That way, they wouldn’t be so lonely here… it’s a ghost town.

“You know, you actually saved us… as well as the other way around.” What? Me? How? All I did was get captured like a princess. “If you never would have come along, if you never fell down that rabbit’s trap, then we would all still be cowering in fear. I would probably have never seen my beloved Melanie again and more blood would’ve have been shed.” He said and we talk for hours more.. well it felt like hours when in actuality it was only 30 minutes.

Soon he got up and stretched and announced he had to go home to make sure Cashmere wasn’t destroying his house, or that other weird feline. He wished me a safe trip home and even hugged me before leaving. After of which I decided to find my father.

Which I found outside in Genesis’s backyard… I didn’t even know he worked on this car.

“Hey sleeping beauty! Get enough rest?” Genesis greets me as a walk closer. I smile and nod, after a while I got used to Genesis’s outbursts, cynical attitude, and just all around weirdness. It’s actually a highlight of my day now. “Great, Henry’s been talking non stop about how he can’t wait to get you back because Lyra will be oh so happy. It’s sickening.” I look to my father who has a bemused smile on his face and I have to agree with him, mom would be happy; dad too and if they told anyone, those guys too. I was excited to see my family again, I missed them so much and I bet they missed me… especially my twin.

“So I’m guessing you’re practically ready and everything?” Henry questions and once again I nod. “Great, we just have to wait for the others and then we’ll be off.”

“I still don’t see why we have to drag those two along. How would Knitemair even live Above? He’s a demon, with demon eyes, demon ears, and just creepy.” Genesis says flipping the wrench in the air.

“He’ll manage. Under-Esterdaleian’s always do…”

“Did you say your farewells to everyone then?” He asks me.

“Actually… The Twins aren’t here so no to them, Cashmere, and um… Melanie.” I say blushing at her name. Stupid! She’ll never fall for me, she has Vivek. They’ve been together; stop trying Ezra. I silently chided myself and I notice my father slightly frowning.

“I can give the former your wishes whenever I get back… but Melanie is right over there with Jasmine. I think she was waiting for you. But she has Vivek Ezra, your infatuation with her is dangerous.” He says and tilts his head in the direction of where she was. I sigh knowing he was right about my feelings for her. After all, she was from here and I, not. How would that even work? I walk away from him thinking about it still when I almost run into Jasmine.

“Oh, sorry Jas, I didn’t see you there.” I apologize and she waves it off.

“It’s fine Ezra, I actually didn’t see you either. I was thinking about Above… how it would be.” “Still no memories then?” “No, I’m actually kind of scared, I mean, what would happen to me?” “You’ll be with me, don’t worry. If it happens, we can both go down together.” I laugh and she gives me a grateful smile which made my day even brighter. We got past the initial awkwardness from a few days ago although she doesn’t tell me a lot about how she feels about the whole ordeal though, mostly she stops herself before going off to ‘cool down’. I don’t mind it, it’s cute when she does that.

“You know, I never thought I would be living here. I wonder how my sister will fare without me here…” She muses and I honestly don’t know how to answer her. At least, until I see a flash of light blue out the corner of my eye. She notices it too and soon Melanie is bounding out of the bushes towards us and my heart picks up the pace.

“Ezra! The one and only! Glad I caught you before you went off back home.” She says happily practically jumping up and down. “Now, don’t be a stranger when you do go back. Come and visit sometime, ‘k?”

“Yeah sure… You’re staying here then..?” I question and she giggles. “Of course silly, Genesis and I already talked about but I’m taking over this place. Even thought Under-Esterdale is technically his birth right to rule, he doesn’t want to. So he asked me.”

“So, all hail Queen Melanie?” Jasmine says and we all laugh. I figured someone would have to stay to keep The Red Queen in check… after all, who knows what happened to her after our breakout. “I’m going to go see if Knitemair and Lily are just about ready, see you Mel.” Jasmine says and walks back to the house leaving Melanie and I alone.

“You know, you really did help us. Arabelle always told Knitemair and Shiro you would be the downfall to her throne and you were… directly indirectly. Kind of ironic. Plus you don’t talk a lot for an outsider.” She started walking back towards the bushes and I followed her.

“I simply observe, like Henry. I don’t ask a lot because I can sort of figure it out.” I say. She reaches the bench, sits and then pats the spot next to her. I obediently sit next to her feeling my cheeks heat up being this close to her.

“A quiet observer! You are the Hare’s son. That’s besides the point, it’s probably your nature anyway. There’s something I want to ask you though Ezra.” She trails off and I grow curious.

“Shoot, I don’t bite.” I say anxiously waiting for her question. She smiles at my lame attempt at being comfortable and shrugs. “I dunno, sometimes I feel that your story is just beginning. Like this was just arc one or something.”

“Why do you say that?” “Because Henry, by his nature and fate, is forever bound to be by the near vicinity of Genesis. Genesis by his fate is forever a… how do I say this… he’s a Time-Hopper. By being that, Henry is a World-Hopper. That little orb of his allows him to see some ways into the future.”

“Yeah I know… what does that have to do with me?” I question and she gives me an impatient look. “I’m getting there. Anyway, with Gen being a Time-Hopper, Henry being a World-Hopper for Genesis, they’re bound to get into some type of trouble now. At first being here was fine, Genesis never questioned why or how, he just simply accepted it. Now since your arrival he’s regained some of his memories and he’s told me there is something eating away at him. A distant memory he can’t quite remember.”

“Still don’t see what this has to do with me…”

“Then I’m going to rush this last part. Genesis has a family up there. It’s small right now but when he was reborn from– nevermind. That memory he’s looking for is a girl. Her name is Sephora. You and your father have to find her. Along with Henry finding Shiro, that bunny has a LOT of explaining to do.” She finishes and I stare at her. Why do I have to help in my father’s journeys? What if I wanted to stay at home doing… nothing… Hm, well now that I think about it…

“I still don’t understand why this has anything to do with me.” I say and she lets out an exasperated sigh.

“You’re a World-Hopper’s son. You get adventures automatically. Fun times.” She states and I couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh shut up, you’re the one acting like you’re a child… But seriously Ezra, be careful out there.”

“How do you know this?”

“Shiro’s ball… it kind of… activated in my care. I seen a glimpse of the future you have… it’s a nice one.” She says sadly which I wanted to ask more questions to but she stood up before I could. “That’s enough for now. Ask your father and pseudo uncle if you still have questions. I’m going to check on my Time Lord and see how he’s feeling. See you sooner or later Ezra. Be careful.” She hugs me then and I actually thought this conversation would go south real quick but thankfully it didn’t. I just have to keep telling myself that she will never be mine and that should do it.

“You know I can be perceptive too sometimes. Even if this might offend you, it’s really cute how you came to like me. Your jaw was practically hanging when I first saw you.” She says and I could feel my face turn several shades of red and she giggles again. “See, told you. You know I’m faithful to Vivek though so keep that crush of yours in check.” She says and I voice my agreement. After all, it wasn’t unreasonable, it was just a crush so I had no problems complying with it. Plus my heart might thank me for it later.

“Well, I guess it’s time you get going kid. I hear them gathering.” And I sigh because I could hear them too. We walked back to where everyone was gathered and sure enough, they were waiting on me.

“Finally! I was beginning to sweat in this weather.” Lily exclaims. “You were going to sweat in the shade?” “It’s hot Knitemair. Can we just go now, I hate it here.”

“Well Ezra, are you ready?” My father asks me and I look back at Melanie. “Go ahead Ezra, you deserve to be out of here. You probably missed a whole bunch of stuff Above.” She urges and she was right. Internet, my own bed, the freedom of walking Phoenix.

“Yeah I’m ready. Let’s go.” I say and with a few cheers, Henry pulls out the orbs and mumbles to them. We all gather around him and soon his orb starts glowing, brighter and brighter with every second that passes.

“See you guys later! Don’t forget about us!” Melanie says as we all begin to disappear. Soon, I couldn’t tell where we were but that feeling only lasted for a few moments as my vision began to clear and I look around. I was back home; in Aurora Skies.

***

No One’s POV:

Jay Xavier and his wife Bianca was playing with their son in the early morning. His parents still asleep in their warm bed. It has been a year and a half since Ezra went missing, a year since their parents fell into a sort of depression. And a few months since Eihime gave birth to his niece and nephew. Life has been sort of normal for Jay, but not the same without his brother.

Bianca Xavier wasn’t particularly playing with her son as much as she liked to. Her attention was being pulled else, she didn’t know why but it was. She soon got her answer when a bright light entered her peripherals and she looked up seeing a whole group of people that weren’t there before at the end of their driveway.

“Jay, who are those people? They mysteriously appeared…” She says in her soft voice and Jay looks up, seeing what she sees.

Yes there are people now at the end of his driveway. People he’s never seen before… and dogs. It couldn’t be… could it?

Jay looks closer and realizes these people aren’t from here.

Why, they couldn’t be.. it’s strange… they’re strange.

But then there’s one figure he recognizes. With a huge unmistakable grin on his face; Jay Xavier sees his brother. He hands Logan off to his wife gently because if he did not, he would’ve dropped the poor kid. He darts inside the house to wake his sleeping parents.

 Time was spent outside in the brisk, late autumn air. Hugs, introductions, glares, and tears. All that mattered to Ezra’s family was that he was back home. Safe.