#49arc

[paper-poppy]

Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhh yeah

[paper-poppy]

Surrogate

Holding her close he whispered to her.

“We.. need to talk.”

Feeling tense, Xiela flattened herself against the bed and held her breath. Pulling the covers around her shoulders, trying to get warm her eyes darted around the ceiling. Dread was filling the woman's mind.

Seeing the anger and pain in her husband's eyes was what she had been trying to avoid this whole time, but Xiela wouldn't let him down this time. Nodding, she tried to look him in the eyes.

“I know.. we do need to.”, shallow breathing made her words come out forced.

Feeling the dread seep into the air, he made a special effort not to throw his words at her.

“Why.. why did you leave? Why did you push me away?”

"..I'm a glass cannon. When I get like this I.. my dynamis is out of wack and I'm an easy target for the family. If someone tried to hurt us, I can't protect you all like this and I was scared of someone hurting..them.. I was also scared of you.. That I didn't deserve to be under the same roof as you and the boys." Her tears stung her eyes and lips trembled.

“..afraid of me?”, G'raha was taken back slightly.

"I was afraid that.. you wouldn't want me anymore. I couldn't handle the thought of rejection from you.”, staring up at the ceiling still, she displayed her honest feelings.

“You thought I would reject you? After everything we've been through? The years of our marriage, the hundred years before that? …Everything we've built together?”, there was a bit of hurt in his voice.

The self hatred and guilt spilling out onto the bed, voice strained and hoarse.

"Yes! Yes..!! I thought that I had finally done it- ‘I FINALLY DRIVEN HIM AWAY!’ by my stupid actions- my cruel words- that finally you'd...had enough.” Her voice at the end came out as a soft cry.

“How could I, when you're every part of me? I can't give you up. Everything that I am is built around you. To my core.” His voice was starting to get emotional.

He continued to speak while holding her hands tightly.

“Promise me. Promise me, you'll never leave again. I can handle anything else, but gods, I can't handle you leaving again. I need you, I need you here with me.” Wrapping arms around Xiela he pulled her closer to him.

Clinging to him, holding on to him like a lifesaver in her sea of doubt and guilt, she wouldn't drown today. He wouldn't let her.

Kissing the top of her head while the auri cried, G'raha tangled his hand in her long hair. Not letting go even for a moment.

“I promise- I won't again- never again.”, Xiela said through her sobs.

“I'm sorry- I'm so sorry-”, she cried.

“I know, I forgive you. I forgive you.”, he said softly, and slowly.

“I love you, Xiela.”, finally relaxing after weeks of torment and pain she saw his unshakeable resolve.

Xiela couldn't understand why after so many mistakes and her shortcomings that he could still want her. Tumbling through the air, free falling, he was always ready to catch her.

Her scrunched up face while crying, tried to read his expression.

Only love was left.

There was no substitution for genuine love, no surrogate or miracle chemical. Eyes that only reflected how much they loved each other remained.

Tomorrow would be another day, but today was theirs.

[paper-poppy]

Grahas kids are so cool I had to make a cool intro for them 🥹

[paper-poppy]

Taken

Wretched smell filling the air, dampness of the pouring rain, thunder roaring in the distance. Rolling out from the pile of garbage a small framed girl coughed. 

Even the air was burning with static, rubbing her nose of the pain she blinked at her surroundings. 

Wrapping her tail around herself, Marzia trembled at how cold her body was. 

Unknown where she fell into, she decided to start walking. One foot in front of the other. 

‘you're big enough. Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry.’, Marzia tried to assure herself but she was crumbling as her feet sank into the middle ground. 

Thunder rolled, then flashed, nearly hitting her. She screamed and fell to the side. 

‘I have to get back home.’, bracing herself as she tore herself from the ground and started sprinting towards the brightest place in the dark area.

Breathless, she shook as there was some shelter underneath the grand structure. Her eyes couldn't even see the top of the building, it was something she only had seen in really big cities, and only in TV shows. 

“Hey- who’re you? I've never seen you, you run from home or something kid?” A guard said, without much care in his voice.

“I need to go home!” Marzia cried.

“Show ID and we'll let you through it's okay. You live in Solution 9 right?” the second guard said softly, giving a pointed look to his buddy. 

“Sol… huh? 9 what? No.” Her head hurt from all the unknowns. Marzia had gotten lost in towns and other places, much to the dismay of her parents, but this felt so much bigger, so much scarier than those times.

“Look she's not wearing a regulator, must be one of them Yasa…whatever that name is. Them people.” The first guard spat out.

“No, I am from Sharlyan- Sort of. Dad always told me to say that if I got lost- help me please- I don't know where I am, I just-”, tripping over her words she had tears welling up in her eyes. Her frustrations coming to a head. 

“Hold on there kid. I can't understand half of what you're saying. I don't know what ‘Sharlyan’ even is.” Squinting, the first guard sighed.

“We'll take over this case.” A man came out from the shadows. 

Rolling his eyes the first guard shrugged, “The shark's dogs? Fine by me.” 

Stepping back hesitantly Marzia didn't know whether to make a break to start running or go with the man. Her legs failed to do either, frozen by fear she was glued in her spot.

If only she had ran.

[paper-poppy]

Telling

The day had arrived for the union. Fixing her hair in the mirror, Xira smiled softly. Longing for this moment so long.

Having their families be friends for ages, Xira had grown with Ren over the years, throughout everything they supported each other. 

Reminiscing over their little moment they spent together as children, sitting together by their favorite tree as the others were having fun at gatherings. Looking back Xira remembered seeing him blush when she would surprise him, not giving him a heads up before yelling out, ‘HELLO!!!’. 

Her mother came in and smiled warmly at Xira, “You look amazing sweetie”, kissing her head softly as she held Xira's face. 

Putting the final touches on everything else they were set to go. 

Xiela had tears, but the father of the bride was beside himself, crying waterfalls. 

It was a touching moment for everyone in the two families. Emil was a groomsman, and for the bridesmaid was Rinni, sister of the groom and best friend of Xira.

There was also the lingering sadness, as Xiela brushed back Luca's bangs, noticing the empty seat next to him. In the chair was a teddy bear with a small dress. 

Xiela put her arm around Luca and squeezed him in a hug. Stoic Luca just looked ahead of him, feeling so empty and alone. 

During the ceremony, the grooms eyes darted behind him and he squinted. Picking up on the silent queue Rella stood up discreetly, walking into the hall. She had come to know when he'd seen the future, but this time it was just a bit too late.

A huge crash made the guests jump out of their seats. 

Fog seeped into the Grand Hall, people were rushing into the room with all kinds of weapons. G'raha quickly roused to his feet, summoning his shield and sword he was beyond infuriated. Giving a look to stand down to his aether starved wife, Xiela frowned but nodded. 

Grabbing Luca she pulled him away to hide under a table to the side. The young boy was shaking, the loud crash was a frightening reminder when his sister was ripped away from them.

Burying his face in his hands Luca wished the world would just fade away. Comforting him with gentle words, Xiela held him.

“It's going to be okay Luca, everything will be okay. Every- thing. Is going to be okay.” Biting her tongue she felt a sharp pain. 

“Mum?” Luca was panicking, his breathing becoming shallow and fast.

“I'm fine love, we have to stay quiet though”, bringing her voice down quieter. The fighting continued, Xira had a furious expression on her face. 

Summoning her staff, her father's old weapon of choice, she spun it around and rained down crystals on the enemies. All those months planning for this day to be perfect.. she wouldn't let them get away with a simple warning.

Meanwhile Emil was cornered, his back pressing into the walls. Giving a sheepish grin he held his hands up. 

“Can't we just talk this out fellas?” 

A sword was flung at him and he narrowly dodged it, breathing deeply he stared at the group.

“I didn't want to do this…”, taking off his glasses, revealing his long lashes and piercing pink eyes. With a commanding voice and having eye contact with one of the men.

“Stop. You don't have to do this. Turn around and leave.” 

The man stumbled and swayed a moment until another lackey smacked him. 

Blinking he grunted and shook off the eye ability.

“Well it was worth a try-”, with a yelp Emil continued dodging attacks and ran.

G'raha was constantly fighting back attacks, it was like all the big guys kept aiming for him. He could take them but in a big group he was starting to feel winded. Rella came to his aid and took out the large group but there were still so many to handle. Giving thanks to her, G'raha went on to try and find his wife. 

Kicking the table up into the air, the food and drinks crashed into the ground. Instinctively Xiela put up a barrier to protect her and Luca. A giant scythe was trying to pierce her shield. Unable to sustain it much longer, her vision was becoming hazy, unfocused and blurry. She was beginning to use Luca to prop herself up. The sharp stabbing pain in her back didn't let up either. Finally she fainted. 

Filled with shock Luca was trembling. With a scoff the scythe user walked towards them.

“You should have died 10 years ago. I'll just finish what they left undone.”, raising the weapon to swing down on the two, he was blindsided by something red, slamming into him with a shield. 

“Don't touch them.”

[paper-poppy]

Quarry

Life was never ‘normal’ for the family. With so many pieces interweaving it was constantly in flux. One day may be good, another abhorrent. 

“Luca, dear, come now it's dinner time”, his mother called. 

“Yes mum..” 

Five months had gone by like nothing, fall was now greeting them and at the end of the week would be Xira's wedding. 

“Oh Luca, you have sauce on your face,” Xiela wiped it away with a napkin and smiled weakly at her son. 

She felt her exhaustion was reaching new heights. Maybe it was her age, or the baby, or the wedding prepping on top of everything. 

Rubbing her head, Xiela tried to stay focused on eating. 

“You okay mum?”, Emil asked across the table, his perceptive nature always too correct for Xiela's taste. 

“Yeah … I may just head to bed after this, I'm just so tired.”, with a weary laugh she put on a forced smile.

Putting away her plate she slowly climbed the stairs and retired for the night. G'raha followed soon after just to make sure she was comfortable and if she needed anything he would be there for her. 

Sinking into bed she fell asleep deeply. Her big tail pulled G’raha closer to her for warmth. 

—-

Once morning came, Xiela tried sitting up, but found herself unable to find the strength. It was a terrifying feeling. 

With a panicked tone she called for her husband. 

“..Raha..!!” 

It didn't take him long before he bolted into the room and went to her side. Filled with concern and worries he tried to assess the situation.

“I can't move- I can't sit up-”, it freaked her out and she could still move her hands and arms but to actually push herself out of bed was an impossible feat currently.

G’raha has never seen this before, he looked at her arms. No damage but she was cold, in fact all of her was cold. 

“It feels like all of my strength is gone, I feel so drained.”, Xiela said with a slight hint of frustration.

G'raha blinked and the gears in his head were turning. Grabbing his old aether detector from his office, G'raha ran down and up the house stairs. Turning it on with a little hum of the old machinery he turned towards her and stopping his walk midstep. 

“You're not wrong.. Your aether is depleted. How…”, setting the machine down he sat on the edge of the bed thinking of possibilities. Resting his hand on his wife, he shared some of his aether with Xiela. 

Like a dried out plant she felt revitalized, sighing in relief and she sat up. Confused and bewildered, the couple tried to figure out the problem.

“..you should be giving some aether to the child, but the amount you didn't have right now, considering how much you have in total, would be on the scale of a voidsent feasting on you. Unless..” he was mumbling and thinking to himself quickly. His eyes darted around trying to figure it out. 

Exarchic traits? He recognized some of the patterns he saw on the machine. It was similar but not the same.

Could it be that the child had ties to the First's tower? No, impossible,- but then what? 

Xiela was able to stand, shakily testing before putting real pressure on the ground. Sighing she gave a weary thumbs up. 

“This isn't the time for this to be popping up… Xixi’s wedding is at the end of the week, I have to be there for her, I can't miss it.” A deep determination came from her voice, something G'raha couldn't ignore.

“I'll share with you then. We will make it and support her but, you must rest until then. And don't think I haven't noticed your secret weaving. You'll have to save your energy and hold off on that.” He gently scolded her.

“Ah… you saw that?” Deflated Xiela acquiesced. “I just thought.. maybe it would keep them safe- if I had done it sooner, Marzia-” 

“We did, and are still doing everything we can for her. Please don't blame yourself Xie. Marzia is still out there. We will find her.” He tried to reassure her, but Xiela hated false hopes. Not trying to start a fight she just agreed. 

—--

The wedding location and time were kept hidden from the public eye, but roving eyes were always watching. 

A place where so many key players of the world scene would be at. The union of Xira and Ren. Xira a renowned caster in her own right, one of the youngest to get archon marks, and a holder of the precious allagan royal eyes. Often people praised her for being so studious, so dedicated to living up to her parents name. 

Her to-be husband, Ren, was also a big threat to the underground criminal scene. Being able to see slightly into the future caused a lot of big robberies to fall through. Being half elezen and half time keeper, meant he was sturdier than others, and would long outlive his family, it was bittersweet. Despite the looming calamity on his emotions he wouldn't want to be anywhere without Xira. 

Those were only two of the targets, many still held long seated grudges against Xiela, the former hero of the realm. While many gained a sick pleasure of her being brought down ten years ago, many still felt that they could only rest when  she was finally dead. 

They had their quarries and would act on it. 

But they never account for the one who erases her own presence after a big fight. Rella, always careful to never leave a trace, was the biggest threat at the celebration, and she would never allow her son's wedding to be crashed.

Hushed whispers and shadows looking at the party invite list, brandishing their weapons they prepared for the end of the week. 

[paper-poppy]

Sally

Crimson eyes wandered the room, tiny arms wrapped with golden bangles reached for the plastic cup on the high chair.

Xiela pushed the cup closer, Ophelia grabbed it excitedly emptying its contents on the table. Cereal spilled out and some fell on the floor, it had become routine at this point.

“Lia..”, Xiela said softly as she picked up the fallen cereal pieces.

Ophelia was still in need of aether, she was unable to sustain herself. Taking turns the parents would imbue her arm bangles with aether.

It had been a year now, G'raha was split between so many projects, his regular job, finding Marzia, helping Ophelia.

Sallying into just ONE of these complex problems was enough to drive a man crazy, but with determination he would figure it out.

If he was able to save a timeline he should be able to save two of his own. That was his thinking that would keep him up at night.

Cupping his face, his wife drew near and gave him a warm smile, her sweet tender voice ringing in his ears.

“I hope you slept yesterday.. I could feel you tossing and turning almost every hour.” She said softly.

Taking her hand and pressing it closer to him he nodded, “The usual strain is all, I’ll be fine”, G’raha replied back quietly.

Unraveling the mysteries would take time.

All the while problems were multiplying, Luca sank his feet deeper in his cycle thinking. Xira felt bitter about everything. Emil was trying his best to pick up the pieces and felt alone.

[paper-poppy]

3rd Rate.

Ripping off the veil, Xira shoved it inside her closet and slammed the doors. Heavy steps across the floor as she slumped into her desk chair. 

The glops of makeup ran down her cheeks as the tears burned her eyes. 

Suffice it to say the wedding did technically happen but it was thoroughly crashed. Not to mention the hours Xira spent at the hospital afterwards for her mother's’ critical condition’.

‘It's always about you isn't it?’, she thought bitterly.

Curling up, Xira hugged her knees. Seething with rage, her crimson eyes darted around the dark room as her mind wandered back an hour ago.

—---

‘The one thing that makes me special?’

‘The one thing that makes them look at me?’

‘Why should I have to continue striving for their attention, it's unfair’

Looking at her new baby sister, Xira was consumed by such thoughts. 

The very same crimson eyes that burned in her eyes, were looking right back at her. Having the allagan trait as well, Xira was confused. 

“.. how is this even possible?? You said it would barely be passed to me- I don't understand”, her mind was spinning.

Devoting all of her life to studying about the allagan history and related she knew first hand how limited her trait was. 

Everything she worked so hard for, the years she gave.

‘Remember the gift you have could preserve the future, use it well, study, cultivate your knowledge.’ 

Words she lived by, echoes by her father constantly filled her ears.

What was the point? It's always been like this. 

Always having high expectations for her yet never truly viewing her as a person. Forgotten eldest. Striving for praise she will never get.

Deep down she knew her feelings were misplaced, towards them all, she knew it but still. Her heart burned with envy. This child would grow up in a stable household, having everything handed to them, able to live their future freely because she already gave up hers.