Joel Zavevia

Joel held the sobbing Fae in his arms, letting him let it all out. He rubbed his back as he sobbed and apologized. “Shhh Ezra, I know. I know.” He says in a comforting tone “This isn’t your fault. Malachi is insane. That’s why we got Skylar out of there, that’s why we’ve been protecting you. We knew this day would come even before you got here. It’s not your fault.” He says softly, running his fingers through the other’s hair “Nobody blames you nor are they upset with you. You cut off contact when you met us, I know you did because David told me and I trust David. They are going to be alright, Ezra. They are going to end this once and for all and neither you nor Skylar will have to live in fear anymore.” He says as he continues to shush him.

Hearing Joel, who was closest to Skylar tell him it wasn’t his fault helped tremendously. “You aren’t…you aren’t mad at me?” Ezra asked in a small voice staring up at Joel with pleading eyes. “You don’t hate me?”

“Fate. Fate has given me the most wonderful things in this life but she certainly seems to have a strange sense of humor sometimes when it comes to making people suffer.” Joel sighs, trying his best to not be bitter “I’m sorry, that was out of line. I’m just worried. My husband and my soulmate are out there, one of which the person coming wants. My brother and friends are out there. I feel everything and I can’t help. That’s the worst part.” He says as he runs a finger distractedly around the rim of his mug. “You’re right, I know you’re right, but I can’t help but feel this sense of dread. Like a bad omen. My gut is normally not wrong, that’s why I made it up the ranks as a knight. This time I hope it is but this feeling….it’s strong and I don’t know how to handle it.”

“Hmmmm,” Cassie nodded her head in agreement, “Who knows what force guides them to weave our tapestries as they do but they certainly do not flinch when in comes to things that will cause us pain,” she said a little sadly. She shook her head lightly, “You don’t have to apologise. I understand what you’re going through, I truly do,” Cassie gave him a small sympathetic smile, “You’re helping by keeping the children safe. That’s no small thing.” The elder fae looked down at the leather cover of her book, a frown creasing her forehead. Once, long ago she had been cursed to see the worst of what was to come and be powerless to do anything about it. She had gotten rid of it many, many centuries ago but when something big was coming she could still feel the tension in her head, a dull ache that seemed to want her to look at what was coming. She never did. But she felt that tension now, had had it for a few days. The fact Joel was sensing something bad too made her stomach do an unpleasant summersault. “They’re prepared, they have some of the cities very best healers on standby. Even if something happens…..they’ll still have help, there’ll still be ever chance that it ends well,” she said it as much to him and to herself. 

Joel had just finished his talk with Cassie when he saw Ezra pass him in the corridor. He could tell that the young Fae was crying and he wanted to give him comfort. He followed him to the room he entered and knocked gently. When he heard the muffled sound of him being told to enter. Gently closing the door behind him, he slowly approached the younger Fae and pulled him into his arms. He felt the other tense since their last interaction was not the best but that was before he knew the other Fae. “This isn’t your fault.” The blue haired Fae says softly “I know we got off on the wrong foot and you’re probably terrified of me but none of this is your fault despite what I might have thought and said in the past. I’m sorry, Ezra, for how I treated you when we first met.”

Ezra’s eyes widened when he saw who it was. He immediately stood up. “Joel….I-” But the other fae didn’t give him the chance to speak, just pulled him into his arms. He stiffened at first, not sure what was happening. But then the elder fae spoke to him, and he understood. Wrapping his arms around Joel he lost his fight with the tears. “I’m so sorry!” He sobbed, burying his face in Joel’s chest. “I’m so so sorry! I didn’t mean for this to happen! I didn’t know he’d come after me! You can still run! You and Skylar and Danny and Eric and Gryffin.” Though it sounded foolish even to his own ears. This needed to end. And it needed to end now. “I never wanted Skylar to get hurt. Or anyone to get hurt. Please…you all are all I have. There’s  nothing for me back in faerie.” He continued to babble as he cried.

To say Joel was worried would be the understatement of a lifetime. He could feel everything both his husband and soul brother were feeling, their anxiety and fear with what was to come through their bond and he couldn’t help but feel his own sense of dread spike. After Atti offered to watch the kids so he could get some air, the Fae made his way through the corridor and found Cassie nestled in an arm chair with a book. Going to the place she told them all they could order food and refreshments, he wrote down hit chocolate before sticking the paper in. He waited for it to finish before opening the door and taking the steaming mug, going to sit by Cassie. “How do you deal with this? The fear and anxiety?” He asks the ancient Fae.

As the other fae sat down Cassie closed her book, giving her friend her full attention. She signed at his question. Did she really deal with it or did she just try to block it out. That wasn’t going to be a particularly helpful or healthy answer though. She gave it a small moments thought before replying, “I remind myself they know what they’re doing, I pray, I distracted myself,” she patted the book, “I tell myself what happens now is in the hands of the Fates,” as much as she believed that she also often hated it. “It’s no easy thing to sit with though,” she added honestly. Cassie reached out for his hand, “They have a good strong group of fighters, they’ll look out for each other I know they will,”

Ezra excused himself from the group. He quietly padded back to the rooms finding one that was empty and slipping inside. He figured Liam would follow him at some point. But he just couldn’t bear to be with everyone any longer. All these people put in danger because of him. He felt so guilty it was just awful. He fell face first onto the bed with a omph. Shortly there after there was a knock on the door. Ezra scrambled up, scrubbing the tears off his face. He cleared his throat then answered. “Come in…”

Joel nods to Helenus. “I can do that.” He says with a small smile before Atti walked over with Ezra, Kwan, Liam and Jamie on his heels. “Oh thank you, Atti, you’re right. I’ll need my hands free to give them their dose.” He says, passing his son gently to Atti with a small smile “You’re going to be a great father, Atti, you’re so gentle with him.” He says before lifting Aera from her stroller, passing her gently to Jamie who held her protectively against his chest. “Ezra? Can you hold Hagen?” He says getting the other Fae’s attention and handing him the third child “I think we should talk when we get to the Haven.”

-

Luca stood protectively at Jesse and Livvy’s side, gently placing a comforting hand on Jesse’s lower back so that she knew he was there too, eyeing Tristan and Stiles for a moment. He was torn between helping the struggling lion and staying with Jesse. He barely moved from Jesse’s side, coming to stand in front of Tristan. “Ember, hey buddy, I know you’re scared and upset. I’m scared too, my dad is out there fighting too. We don’t care if you stay in this form but will you let your Papa give you some medicine?” The fox says in a comforting tone, hand carding through the young coyote pup’s fur “Can you be strong for your Papa and Appa?” He asks, continuing petting his fur.

-

Sam wasn’t sure how to feel in that moment. On one hand he was scared for Riley’s adoptive father who was going to be out there amongst the fighting, even if he was in the safe confines of the healer’s compound, another part of him was worried if the fighting spread to the vampires, for his brothers and friends. Vinny, Axel and Ryan were the only family he had left besides Marcel and he couldn’t lose them. He knew they were stubborn but he hoped they would get out of they could. “I’m scared shitless, babe. Vinny and Axel are both so stubborn. Too stubborn for their own good and I worry they won’t leave if the fighting spread to the vampires. Hopefully it won’t get to that but I still worry. Vinny, Axel and Ryan are the only family I have left besides Marcel and I can’t lose them too.” He says with a sigh before nodding “We have to trust him, trust the other fighting. Try to stay positive, babe.” He says kissing his cheek.

-

When Jasper entered, Joel could see how upset he was to be away from his brother and Aidan. Pulling his future brother in law into his side, the elder gave the younger warlock on the temple. “They will be ok, little brother, I trust Jacob with my own life. He’s a very skilled Knight. I haven’t seen Aidan fight yet but he has the strength and speed of his leopard on his side.” He says, rubbing his arm gently “If it makes you feel better, I fought coming at first too. Both of my soulmates are out there too.”

Hektor had spoken too soon, or rather thought too soon. Where Rowan had previously been watching the whole crowd he’d now narrowed in on the human teenager who was voicing his discontent. Wisps of shadows had started gathering at the faes shoulders, twisting round his ears like they were whispering to him.  Cassie had noticed too apparently because she quickly put her hand on his leg, “Rowan, he doesn’t mean anything by it he just doesn’t understand,” she said in a hushed tone. It took a moment but the shadows receded. 

-

Livvy put her hand on her besties mates shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. This all still seemed so unreal to her, like she might wake up at any moment to find it had all been a horrible dream.

Jesse sighed quietly when she felt the pressure on that hand on her back. Her nerves were jangled, her thoughts all over the place but one thing she did know was she was extremely greatly that Luca was here. She hadn’t had a chance to really talk to him yet, she hoped once they got where ever the heck they were going she would. His dad was out there going to fight too. She was sure he must be worried.

Jesse watched him as he tried to comfort ember, knowing then that they were all feeling the same way. She was about to join him when something big brushed past her and almost made her jump out of her skin. Looking down she found a very large dog now sitting down in front of Tristan and Ember. His tail thumbed the floor showing how happy he was to find another creature in the shop. The large dog gave Ember a sniff and then licked him affectionately. 

“I’m so sorry,” a soft female voice appeared next to them, “He’s perhaps a bit too friendly sometimes,” Cassie gave a gentle command in her mother tongue and Argus heeled to her. Turning she gave her twin a look.

-

“Now that everyone is here,” he gave a nod to the new arrival, “We should get moving. If you’d like to follow me,” with that he headed off further into the shop, winding down isles and round corners till he came to a doorway. The doorway had no door because the room beyond was just a continuation of the shop. Once inside Helenus headed for the back wall and one of the bookcases opened like a door pushed by some invisible breeze. It opened into a small room with another far older looking door opposite. This too opened as Helenus strode towards it. There wasn’t another room this time but as torches blazed to life they revealed a spiral staircase heading down, carved out of the bedrock. The ancient fae didn’t hesitate as he headed down the stairs.

They ended in a stone chamber lit by more torches. Whilst the floor was smooth and polished, the walls and ceiling remained roughly hewn. On the other side was a pair of art nouveau elevator doors. Helenus pressed the button and they slid open. As he had expected the elevator had grown to the required size to take everyone down at once. It had a plush purple carpet, dark wood walls and comfy looking benches running alone with side. Only now did he turn round to face everyone, “All aboard,” he called before stepping inside and stationing himself in front of the set of doors on the opposite side. 

Hektor and Rowan had stayed up in the shop and so Cassie was the last one to enter once she had gently coaxed everyone aboard. When she was satisfied everyone was settled she gave him a nod. The doors instantly closed and the elevator started to decent. It was barely detectable really save for the light ear popping. Half way through the journey he felt the light pulse as they passed over to somewhere that wasn’t actually under the shop. The air filled with the light scent of Jasmin. After another minuet he knew they’d arrived because there was a ding and the door behind him opened. 

This room was far more ornate. Every inch of the floor, ceiling and walls were all covered in mosaics. The floor and ceiling held simple but beautiful designs, whilst the walls were decorated with pictures. The images showed various scenes - some of warriors with darkly shining armour and swords, some showed what appeared to be scribes holding golden quills and others still showed scholars carrying scrolls and books. In the centre of the room stood a plinth of onyx carved like a Greek column and atop it sat a gold chalice. He came to stand behind it facing them. “This is the cup from which you must all drink,” he said simply, “Once you have, the way will be clear of you,” he gestured to the wall behind him. Stars seemed to dance in his eyes as, despite the reason they were all here, he felt a small thrill of delight at sharing this place with them. 

Cassie pushed lightly through the crowd, Argus at her heel. Stepping up she took the cup and sipped from it before pouring a little into her dogs mouth. He licked his lips like he liked the taste. It tasted different to everyone. For Cassie it tasted like sugared violets and she knew for her twin it tasted like sweet lemons. She then turned wiped the rim with a cloth from the plinth and offered it to the next person to step up, an encouraging smile on her lips. 

Atti took Dae gently into his arms, holding the infant against his chest. He kissed his hair and hummed to him, inhaling his scent. When Joel said he would be a good father his cheeks darkened. “You really think so? If I could be half of such an amazing father as you I’ll be happy.” He turned to Kwan, showing him the baby. “You want to hold him, babe?” 

Ezra startled when Joel spoke to him, nearly jumping out of his skin. “O-Oh um..sure.” He stepped forward to take Hagen, a little uneasily at first since he didn’t have much experience with babies. But he mirrored how Atti held Dae, holding him to his chest. “Talk?” He squeaked, eyes wide in horror. He scuttled closer to Liam’s side, still careful with the baby.

Ember’s ears flattened to his head when Luca spoke to him. He bared his fangs until Tristan scolded him to mind his manners. Tristan gave Luca a grateful look. “He’s just scared. He doesn’t mean it.” He kept a hand on Ember’s back as he let Luca pet him. Ember whined. When the dog appeared his ears perked up and he sniffed back. He reeled back a bit at the lick but let out a little yip in greeting. He went to follow the dog but Tristan kept a firm grip on him. 

As they all squished into the elevator, the babies started to fuss a bit. Atti just rocked Dae and cooed to him softly. Ezra not knowing what to do started to look around helplessly. Tristan kept hold of Ember so he didn’t get lost in the crowd. Jasper stayed close to Joel, ready to help with the infants if need be.

Tristan took the cup carefully and took a sip. He then moved to Ember, touching his snout so he’d open his mouth. The little coyote’s ears flattened again and his snarled but Tristan bopped his nose once and he eventually listened. He passed the cup to Jesse who was next to him. The cup then passed to Luca, who passed to Livvy who passed to Stiles. Stiles made a face and opened his mouth to object but Tristan gave him a look and he quickly complied. He wiped his mouth and passed the cup to Joel.

While the others were passing the cup around, Riley turned to Sam. “You have me now too!” He reminded him gently with a sweet smile. He leaned in and kissed him once before the cup made its way towards them. He took with with a nod of thanks and took a sip, passing it to Sam.

Liam held Ezra close to his side, eyeing Joel before murmuring to his mate. "I trust him, baby, he just wants to talk." He says softly to which Joel nods at the young Fae holding his nephew. "Yes, just talk. I want to clear the air after our last meeting." The elder Fae says.

Luca gave Tristan a look telling the lion that he understood how Ember was feeling. "It's ok, Ember, I know you didn't mean it. You're scared, so am I. I promise we won't let anything happen to you. Your Appa is going to come back with mine." He says as he pets the young coyote pup before the large dog came over and took his focus. Luca scratched behind his ear. "Such a good boy helping calm Ember down." The fox says to both the dog and it's owner before they walked away. When the time came, Luca did his best to try to help Tristan with Ember before drinking the potion himself and passed it to Livvy before making his way back to Jesse's side.

"You're my whole world now, baby." Sam smiles as he kissed his lover, gently taking the chalice from him to take a sip, the liquid tasting like Riley to him, his favorite thing in the world. He passed it to Joel next who thanked him.

Joel stood with the children toward the front at the side of Ezra and Atti with their significant others listening to what Helenus had to say and nodding as he committed the information to memory. He glanced down at his phone, waiting for his brother to come and worried he would miss the opening. Tristan also made a very valid point about the potion. “Tristan has a very valid point, what if we can’t take the potion? I’m not sure how to administer it to the children.” He says “I know we don’t have to worry about it affecting those among us with child but Ember is refusing to shift back and the children aren’t off of the bottle yet.” He says before looking around again in search of his brother “Also can we wait just five more minutes? My brother is bringing my brother in law to go to the haven. He and Aidan were having trouble convincing him to do but they are on the way.” He glanced over at Atti and Ezra and knew that he would have to have a talk with Ezra once they made it to the Haven. Poor thing was trying to carry the weight of this entire situation on his shoulders and while he nearly tore his head off in the past for his involvement with Malachi, he trusted him now when he said he cut off contact with him because Skylar trusted him. This wasn’t his fault.

-

Kwan stayed close to Atti as he comforted his brother, Jamie not far behind, and looked at Liam over their shoulders who gave him a silent nod that he would take care of Ezra. “It’s not your fault, Ezra, or even Skylar’s, it’s that asshole’s fault for all of this. Don’t be so hard on yourself.” Kwan says.

Liam nods as he rubs Ezra’s back. “It’s going to be over soon, Ez, don’t worry. Nobody here blames you or Skylar for what is happening, I promise.” He says kissing his shoulder over where his mating mark would go.

-

Sam listened to what the elder Fae had to say about the Haven as he held Riley tight against his side. He could feel how terrified his beautiful soulmate was and sent as much love and calm as he could through their bond to help calm him. “You don’t have to thank me, baby, I would go anywhere with you. I’m not much of a fighter anyway.” He says as he leans down to kiss his lover “Don’t worry, Ri, all this will be over soon.” He says before sighing at Riley’s next words “I do too but we have to keep positive ok. Mason will come back for you, everything is going to be ok. Trust Mason ok?’

Hektor was leaning against the book shelves where Rowan still sat on the arm on his chair.  The eldest fae was itching to get going but he understood why Helenus had to explain, why there might be questions. Next to him Rowan still watched the crowd. He didn’t think he’d introduced himself to anyone. At least he hadn’t disappeared into shadows Hektor thought. 

The questions didn’t cause any change in demeanour from Helenus - he’d half anticipated them. He looked to the ones who raised their concerns. “I’m afraid there cannot be exceptions. If I did not make it clear these measures, this potion, is not something put in place by me. It is something the Haven does for itself, there is no way round it. With out it the Haven physically will not let you in. A few drops on the tongue will be enough for the children and Ember though,” he answered kindly. Then he turned his impossibly dark eyes on the human teenager, “To trust us and follow us is your choice, though if you are here it suggests there are people that wish you to go to safety and that those people trust us to provide it,” 

“Of course we can wait, we won’t leave anyone who wishes to go behind,” Helenus said to Joel, even as he was mentally wishing the man in question would arrive as soon as possible. 

-

As the dark haired fae continued to explain Livvy took Jesse’s hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. She had found her just before and moved them to be by Tristan. Livvy knew she had to focus on what was being said but her mind kept straying to her mate. 

Beside her Jesse was chewing her lip, her mind racing between curiosity, concern, fear and back again. She looked around for the other members of the pack who were here. Perhaps she wasn’t a full member of the pack not being a shifter but they still provided her with so much comfort. One perhaps slightly more than the others though she dared not admit it. 

Atti glanced over at Joel who had his hands full with the three babies. He gave Kwan a kiss. “Let’s go help Joel.” He told him. A baby distraction was exactly what they needed. “You too.” He told Ezra, Liam and Jamie. Taking the lead he headed over to Joel. ‘Here…” He said offering to take Dae. “You look like you could use a hand.”

Ezra followed Atti though kept his eyes trained on the ground. He didn’t have a very good history with Joel. He saw him around but hadn’t actually conversed with him since he blew up over Skylar and Malachi. Not that he blamed him. Now that hew knew the truth.

Tristan slumped. He was afraid of that. “Right. Okay.” Ember stayed pressed to his legs as Tristan tried to shush Stiles. 

“I’m just sayin;!” Stiles continued. He didn’t know what the big deal was. He didn’t know Skyar or Ezra or whoever they were. Derek and Adam just forced him down here with apparently the other weaklings and he didn’t like it, not one bit.

Riley bit his lip. He leaned into Sam, resting his head on his shoulder, taking comfort from his prescence. “Are you worried about them?” He asked of Ryan, Axel and Vinny. Sam had been quiet so far, letting Riley babble at him. And while Riley appreciated it, he also wanted to know that Sam was alright too. “Yes. We have to trust Mason.” He agreed.

-

Luca stood protectively at Jesse and Livvy's side, gently placing a comforting hand on Jesse's lower back so that she knew he was there too, eyeing Tristan and Stiles for a moment. He was torn between helping the struggling lion and staying with Jesse. He barely moved from Jesse's side, coming to stand in front of Tristan. "Ember, hey buddy, I know you're scared and upset. I'm scared too, my dad is out there fighting too. We don't care if you stay in this form but will you let your Papa give you some medicine?" The fox says in a comforting tone, hand carding through the young coyote pup's fur "Can you be strong for your Papa and Appa?" He asks, continuing petting his fur.

-

Sam wasn't sure how to feel in that moment. On one hand he was scared for Riley's adoptive father who was going to be out there amongst the fighting, even if he was in the safe confines of the healer's compound, another part of him was worried if the fighting spread to the vampires, for his brothers and friends. Vinny, Axel and Ryan were the only family he had left besides Marcel and he couldn't lose them. He knew they were stubborn but he hoped they would get out of they could. "I'm scared shitless, babe. Vinny and Axel are both so stubborn. Too stubborn for their own good and I worry they won't leave if the fighting spread to the vampires. Hopefully it won't get to that but I still worry. Vinny, Axel and Ryan are the only family I have left besides Marcel and I can't lose them too." He says with a sigh before nodding "We have to trust him, trust the other fighting. Try to stay positive, babe." He says kissing his cheek.

-

“If everybody’s ready I think we should go,” Cassie said, earning a nod from her twin. She could see that there were many people here who didn’t want to say goodbye yet but dragging it out too long was only going to make it worse, and possibly put them in danger. She watched as a veil of pure darkness rippled into place like a barrier at the front of the shop, hiding it from view from the outside. Then Helenus walked over and stopped in front of the crowd.

“There are a few things to tell you before we take you to the Haven,” Helenus started once he had everyones attention, looking every inch the leader, the commander he’d once been. “It is a very ancient place, with the strongest wards I’ve every encountered and a magic all of its own. As such teleporting and opening portals in or out of it are impossible. Past attempts by people haven’t ended well so I strongly urge you not to try. The Haven does not take well to those who try to break it’s rules,” he talked as though it was a living thing because that’s what it had always felt like to him. “Before you enter you will be required to drink a potion, it will not effect nor harm you in any way. It will however allow you safe passage inside and will keep out any who bare ill intentions. It has keep the Haven and those inside safe for longer than I have been alive. What’s more the door this side can only be accessed by my bloodline,” he said this last part to those present that weren’t going so that they’d know they would need to find him or his brother if they needed to go there. “Once inside, Cassie,” he gestured to his twin, “will be your guide, she will explain where to go and how things work. Anything you need she’ll be happy to help,” Cassie nodded in confirmation to what her brother said from where she stood next to Hektor and Rowan.

“This is all my fault.” Ezra whispered, his face going white as it all came crashing down on him. “All these people are being affected because of me. Skylar is in danger because of me. I should have just responded to Malachi so he didn’t think anything was wrong.

Atti felt for his brother. He left Kwan’s side to take both Ezra’s hands. “It’s not your fault. They knew Malachi was going to come for Skylar sooner or later. You allowed them to be ready for him. Your warning is giving us the time we need to be ready, you know?”

A tear rolled down Ezra’s cheek and he just nodded.

Atti glanced around the bookstore at all the people gathered there. He couldn’t help but be apprehensive about the whole thing. He kept his grip on Ezra’s hand and sought out Kwan’s as well. 

***

Tristan had finally managed to catch Ember, keeping the little howling coyote held snugly in his arms. “Shhhhh…..Appa is going to be back as soon as he can.” He listed to the instructions with a little pang of worry. How was he going to get Ember to take a potion in this state. “And if we can’t…take the potion I mean. What happens then?” He asked of their leaders. “He’s just a boy. Surely exceptions can be made?” He asked.

Stiles rolled his eyes. “Oh yeah potion. What the heck? We’re just supposed to follow you people? I don’t know you! I don’t even know why I’m here!”

Tristan couldn’t help but feel responsible for Stiles. Ember was around his age. He held out a hand to Stiles. “Do you think…..you could help me out?” He asked of the struggling Ember. Giving the human a job might be able to distract him enough.

***

-

Kwan stayed close to Atti as he comforted his brother, Jamie not far behind, and looked at Liam over their shoulders who gave him a silent nod that he would take care of Ezra. "It's not your fault, Ezra, or even Skylar's, it's that asshole's fault for all of this. Don't be so hard on yourself." Kwan says.

Liam nods as he rubs Ezra's back. "It's going to be over soon, Ez, don't worry. Nobody here blames you or Skylar for what is happening, I promise." He says kissing his shoulder over where his mating mark would go.

-

Danny let out a sigh and shook his head. “I don’t think I will be alright until this is over if I’m being honest. We’ve been planning for this since we left Faerie but we thought we would have more time before he found us.” He says “My dove is in danger and Eric…” He choked “Skylar doesn’t know so please don’t tell him. Eric will die in this fight. He says he has a plan and has contacted a necromancer to stand with us but I still worry because Caleb is younger and Eric is an older warlock.” He was trying to be strong but it was getting harder to do “I can’t lose either of them.”

“Of course. I mean who can you be.” Alec shook his head at himself. Such a useless question. “Isn’t that very human of you…always wishing for more time.” He said softly. “You could have an eternity and it still wouldn’t be enough.” He placed a hand on Danny’s arm, giving it a squeeze. Alec’s blood turned cold. “Wha-what do you mean? How do you know that?” He asked, his heart breaking at his soulmate’s tears. “Oh Danny…” He wrapped his arms around the fae and held him close. “Necromancy magic is unpredictable. There has to be another way.”

For @skylar-is-the-light

Joel looked around the room as he kept the children close, looking for his best friend and platonic soulmate. They had already gone through so much together he felt bad leaving his side even if it meant keeping their little ones safe but he refused to leave without saying goodbye. He saw him walk in with Eric and immediately made his way over. "Did you honestly think I was going to leave without telling you goodbye, Sky?" He says as he pulls his platonic soulmate who he had been through everything with into his arms "Don't do anything stupid, Sky, please, for the babies, for me. Please be safe out there." He sobs into his neck.

At Priam’s

For @skylar-is-the-light

Joel looked around the room as he kept the children close, looking for his best friend and platonic soulmate. They had already gone through so much together he felt bad leaving his side even if it meant keeping their little ones safe but he refused to leave without saying goodbye. He saw him walk in with Eric and immediately made his way over. “Did you honestly think I was going to leave without telling you goodbye, Sky?” He says as he pulls his platonic soulmate who he had been through everything with into his arms “Don’t do anything stupid, Sky, please, for the babies, for me. Please be safe out there.” He sobs into his neck.

Skylar crumbled a bit then, he clutched Joel tightly, pressing his face into his soulmate’s neck. “Oh Jo Jo...” He sniffled. “Please take care of Aera and Hagen. Please. And yourself....and Gryffin...Eric...Danny...David....everyone I love.” It felt as though this was their last goodbye and he hated it. It felt wrong to be going somewhere that Joel couldn’t follow. They’d always been together. Fighting. Side by side. Life happened and they still stayed side by side. It was just what they did. “Oh Jo Jo...” He whispered to him so Eric couldn’t hear. “I am so afraid.”

For @gryffins-spell

Joel watched everyone fill the bookstore as he held his son close to his chest, humming softly and running his fingers through his dark hair to keep him calm amongst the chaos. He watched as couples who were separating said their goodbyes and a tear rolled down his cheek because he knew he was going to have to do the same soon. Turning to look at his husband, he choked on a sob. He wanted to stay and help, it was what he was trained to do, but he knew why he needed to go. The beautiful little boy nestled against his chest and his tiny soulmates nestled against Skylar's were the only reason he was leaving. "I don't want to go, Cheonsa, but I know I have to." He chokes out as he looks into Gryffin's eyes "I'm going to miss you and worry about you every second I'm away until you're back in my arms again."

“I’ll be strong for them, I promise.” Joel sobs as he kisses his husband again and again “I’ll be strong for you too.” He sniffles with another kiss before looking into his eyes, his own flashing it’s natural gold color from emotions “If anything happens to you, my love, I will avenge you. Do you hear me? I will take out every single person who caused you harm. I promise. I love you so much, please come back to me so we can have that forever we promised each other.” He holds him close but not so close he smothers their son and kept holding him until Danny walked over with the twins in their stroller.

Gryffin took Joel’s face in his hands and kissed him several times back. “Y-you are a-already so strong, Joel. So s-strong.” He kissed his husband’s forehead, then each eye, his nose, then his cheeks before finding his lips again. “I-I love you.” He breathed. “I-I know.” He said, hugging Joel again. “I-I know you will. And I-I’ll fight for you. A-and for Dae. U-until the end.” He promised, carding his hands through Joel’s hair. He pressed a kiss to the top of Dae’s head, gently lifting him from the carrier so he could hold his son. He cradled him close, kissing his head and humming Dae’s favorite song to him. “I-I’ll fight so hard f-for you. B-because that’s w-what we do for f-family.”

For @gryffins-spell

Joel watched everyone fill the bookstore as he held his son close to his chest, humming softly and running his fingers through his dark hair to keep him calm amongst the chaos. He watched as couples who were separating said their goodbyes and a tear rolled down his cheek because he knew he was going to have to do the same soon. Turning to look at his husband, he choked on a sob. He wanted to stay and help, it was what he was trained to do, but he knew why he needed to go. The beautiful little boy nestled against his chest and his tiny soulmates nestled against Skylar's were the only reason he was leaving. "I don't want to go, Cheonsa, but I know I have to." He chokes out as he looks into Gryffin's eyes "I'm going to miss you and worry about you every second I'm away until you're back in my arms again."

Joel knew that Gryffin was trying to be strong for them and he loved his husband for it, he could see in his eyes that he was just as scared as he was about what was to come. Joel caressed Gryffin’s cheek as he kissed his tear stained cheeks. “I promise I’ll stay safe, Cheonsa. I’ll stay safe for you and for Dae and I will think of you until you come back to us.” He says sniffling, kissing his husband again as he chokes out another sob “Forever remember? You promised so you have to come back to us.” He says with another kiss, knowing he has to go soon but not wanting to leave his husband behind.

Gryffin held Joel and Dae tightly against him. He want to just wrap them up in a blanket and hide them from the world. But this was very real danger. And this was Joel’s soulmates he was leaving behind. “I-I’ll watch over Skylar.” He promised. “I k-know you want to come. But I-I love you for staying behind. D-Dae and Aera and Hagen need you. O-okay? You’ll be strong f-for them right?” He sniffled, pressing he cheek against Joels. “W-we’ll be back before you know it. And M-Malachi will be g-gone forever.”

For @gryffins-spell

Joel watched everyone fill the bookstore as he held his son close to his chest, humming softly and running his fingers through his dark hair to keep him calm amongst the chaos. He watched as couples who were separating said their goodbyes and a tear rolled down his cheek because he knew he was going to have to do the same soon. Turning to look at his husband, he choked on a sob. He wanted to stay and help, it was what he was trained to do, but he knew why he needed to go. The beautiful little boy nestled against his chest and his tiny soulmates nestled against Skylar's were the only reason he was leaving. "I don't want to go, Cheonsa, but I know I have to." He chokes out as he looks into Gryffin's eyes "I'm going to miss you and worry about you every second I'm away until you're back in my arms again."

At Priam’s

For @gryffins-spell

Joel watched everyone fill the bookstore as he held his son close to his chest, humming softly and running his fingers through his dark hair to keep him calm amongst the chaos. He watched as couples who were separating said their goodbyes and a tear rolled down his cheek because he knew he was going to have to do the same soon. Turning to look at his husband, he choked on a sob. He wanted to stay and help, it was what he was trained to do, but he knew why he needed to go. The beautiful little boy nestled against his chest and his tiny soulmates nestled against Skylar’s were the only reason he was leaving. “I don’t want to go, Cheonsa, but I know I have to.” He chokes out as he looks into Gryffin’s eyes “I’m going to miss you and worry about you every second I’m away until you’re back in my arms again.”

Gryffin dreaded this part. Having to leave Joel and Dae’s sides. He pressed against them, nestling Dae between them. “I-It’s going to be a-alright.” He said, doing his best to sound strong for them. “W-we’ve got some o-of the strongest f-fighters in the world h-helping us!” He kissed Joe’s tear stained cheek. “I’-I’ll be thinking of you b-both the whole time.” He promised. Kissing Joel’s lips. “Y-you just worry about s-staying safe. Okay? Stay safe for me.”