Aelburn (WATTY'S 2020)

.six.°°

"A father's goodness is higher than the mountain, a mother's goodness deeper than the sea." 

Japanese Proverb

December 9th, 2199
Science Ward, level two
12:17 a.m.

WILLOW

In the fourteen years I'd known Jai, he hadn't told me much about his family or his past before joining us. I hadn't known he had a twin or a younger brother and hadn't known Gardenia was where he had once called home. I'd thought he'd come from Ontario, given that's where I'd first met him but the look at forlorn longing when staring at Markus was one that was unmistakably real, proving how much it ached his entire being meeting his father again after all these years.

Markus pulled back from the hug he had smothered Jai in, placing a hand on his scarred cheek and smiled a smile that was almost familiar, reminding me of Jai's down to the slight dimple that formed on his right cheek. "I never thought I'd see you again, Jaisper." Jai smiled softly at his fathers' words and the younger guard, Ridge, looked between Markus and Jai incredulously.

"What are you...Father this makes no sense! You said you and mother weren't able to have kids!" Ridge was screeching like a child, protest and confusion in his tone and Markus turned to him.

"I don't have time to explain. Take Jaisper and the others home with you. Your mother can explain." Jai's brow furrowed in confusion when he looked to his father.

"You would do that?" He asked and Markus lowered his eyes to Jai's with a kind smile.

"Of course. Your mother has missed you as well and if you're discovered here, it will be terrible for all of us, Ridge and I included." Ridge was still visibly confused, lips parted and brow drawn down. "Ridge, I will not repeat myself. Take them."

"Y-Yes, sir."

"Dad—" Jai started and Markus shook his head, patting Jai's shoulder.

"Follow Ridge. He'll get all of you out of here safely and your mother can tend to Yarr's wound." I looked to Yarrow as Markus spoke, his eyes cloudy as he stumbled into me, his hand catching my shoulder. "I promise, we'll catch up soon." Markus smiled at Jai before gesturing. "Now go."

Ridge grit his teeth and looked to us in disgust before following his fathers' orders. He led us down the staircase and down the hall, coming to a stack of wooden crates. Jai had grabbed Yarrow's arm and helped me assist the large man, shallow, raspy breathing leaving his lips. Yarrow had lost a lot of blood, his ashen skin and furrowed brow making my heart race in fear. Ridge looked to Lucas and gestured quietly. I saw the corner of a vent shaft and swallowed, watching as Lucas assisted the Lieutenant in moving the crates.

Looking at Jai, I found a conflicted look on his face and bit my lip. I could only imagine how he felt right now, reuniting with his father and brother, and I knew I couldn't understand. Tightening my grip on Yarrow's wrist, I looked up to the large man.

"How the hell are we planning to get Gigantor through there?" Jai whispered as Aeraf knelt and jammed an arrow between the wall and the metal grate covering the shaft. It fell from the wall with a loud screech and I winced as Aeraf climbed inside, Lucas following shortly after.

"Yarrow..." I murmured, raising my eyes to the large man between us. "Do you think you can crawl in there?"

"Just...leave me behind, kids." He said and Jai jerked his head up to look at the man in shock.