The Bladed Rose

Chapter sixteen: Family Reunion

   So this chapter takes place loooooong after the wedding, and I was kinda bored so I offered to MAH WIFE if she'd be willing to just go to some random place. Eheheh I'm still just stupid happy I even have a wife. Soooo yeaahhhh expect some CRINGE along the way involving that.

   She was of course very enthusiastic about the idea, as I knew she would be. She hugged me tightly, again kid with candy excited. Well let's get going!

   I snap my fingers and we're glitched into some forest, surprisingly a common place to appear in a new reality. Funny thing about it though, this forest was in London. MY London, and if you'll recall both Jax and Shade are in here... some fucking where. I didn't know where we were though, so I decided to wander the woods before smelling the scent of a campfire and... really good cooking. I head over to this camp with Marzia.

   When I encounter a bit of smoke we move a bit farther to see a fire pit campfire in front of a very large tree. There was a wolf and an elf... Shade and Jax! They looked not much older, but they've definitely been through quite a bit. Their clothes were clean (I'm sure Jax wouldn't allow otherwise) but the shirt was hand-made from wool it seems, Jax had on sneakers and his clothing didn't exactly match... Did he have to steal some of this? Shade's fur was a bit longer and she seemed slightly different. I nearly broke down in tears when I recognized them, I held on tightly to Marzia's arm and after catching my breath I called out to them in their language, "J-Jax? Shade? T-t-that you?" Great reintroduction Sam, can't even speak right.

   Their heads snapped my direction, leaping to their feet as they regarded me and Marzia for a few seconds. Then Jax's eyes widened and he stood there looking shocked, Shade walking over to his side, looking defensive but shocked as well. Do they recognize me? It seems like they do, but what if they don't? No, that can't be! I clear my throat before asking, "U-um, do you recognize me? It's me, Sam." I asked, hoping they did.

   Jax spoke up, his voice slightly quivering and rough. "S-Sam? Y-y-you're here." He broke into a large grin. He ran over to me, engulfing me in a hug with Shade at his heels barking happily.

   Marzia stood to the side looking slightly confused, defensive, but happy for me. I've told her about who is essentially my father figure and kinda sister. Not like I'll ever tell them that though, got to much pride. I return the hug anyway, "I missed you both, so so so fucking much... we have so much to catch up on haha..." I couldn't hold back the tears at this point, nor did I try. Tears of pure happiness and joy streamed from my eyes.

   Jax had started crying as well, clutching me tightly as if I would disappear if he let go. "I-I'm sorry, I-I c-couldn't c-catch you in tim-me." Shade curled around my legs, rubbing against them and wagging her tail. Maybe that is what he is thinking... It wouldn't have mattered anyway... the reality breakers would've separated us anyway.

   "Don't apologize... c'mon let's go inside and catch up yeah?" I ask, trying to break the sappy mood.

   He nodded, leaning back, still gripping onto me. He looked at my face as if confirming it was me before letting go and looking over at Marzia, raising an eyebrow. He waved his hand for us to follow him and he lead us to a small cabin next to the tree, it kinda blended in with everything actually. He opened the door and let us in, Shade trotted in and beelined for a corner with a large basket and blankets, probably her bed. Probably.

   I sat on the couch in front of Jax and next to Marzia and decided to start it out, "OK SO, first things first, the lovely woman to my right is my wife. I am married to this being, here's the ring" I say as I show off my beautiful ring.

   Jax's eyes widened slightly as she sharply turned to her, now examining her intensely. She waved her hand at him and smiled, then stuck her hand out for a handshake. "Hi! My name is Marzia, you are Jax right? Sammy has told me so much about you and Shade! Haha, you're like a fath-" I cut her off here and put my hands over her mouth, "SHUSHY SHUSH NO TALK ABOUT THAT" I took my hand off her mouth and clear my throat. (Yaaa, apparently after our wedding she gained a few more abilities other than slow aging. She can also understand any language I understand. Seems the universe decided to go hard core on the bonding contract of marriage, heh.)