It's Time

Lilly watched as her mother walked through the dream with Brayden. She hated being left out of what was going on but knew there had to be a reason. Often times Brayden would show her his dreams of them killing each other. They were always weird though as if in different times, or like they had actually lived through it to some extent. Once she even felt like a different universe, she knew there was a deep meaning behind all the dreams and Brayden kept a dream journal in hopes to understand them. He usually just got frustrated and would throw it across the room. Lilly had tried to read it multiple times but since it was a blood journal she couldn't access it. Her mother invented them so only the people that have input their blood can open the book. Lilly had looked into it more if you are close enough in the family you should be able to open their journal. She tested her theory on her mother's journal but for some reason couldn’t get it to open. Using some of her magic she was able to manipulate her blood to match the cells in Claire’s enough to open the journal. Lilly never could bring herself to read it because she already felt wrong lying about opening it to begin with. But no matter what she tried she couldn't open Brayden's. Even the blood manipulation to match her mother’s blood didn’t work, which was weird because she was his aunt.

Thinking of this journal Lilly looked between Brayden and her mother. Claire was almost scowling with her eyes closed they all jumped as Claire gasped and released Brayden's hand. A hard silence filled the room as Brayden looked down and Claire gazed at the two almost in fear. Finally, Brayden looked at Claire asking, "Do you know what any of it means? I am kind of worried about…” He paused before looking over to Lilly before finishing, “A lot of it."

Claire slowly looked at Lilly then Brayden nodded her head and replied. "It is best Lilly not know of this dream right now but we need to move now. No time to pack like normal we've lost enough time. I don’t think we have as much time as your mother thought."

Claire's face suddenly lost all its color and went white as Christmas snow. The warning from Jessica sank in deeper it was true, not just someone pushing them out of hiding again. She quickly gathered her thoughts and stood waving her hand and suddenly everything in the room was gone and they all had one bag to carry. Brayden and Lilly looked at each other in confusion then back to Claire who was walking through the 2 bedroom apartment making sure they hadn't missed anything before saying, "There is no time to explain. Just grab your bags we need to go now!" Claire finally began to make her way to the front door before freezing in her tracks and whispered. "Go to the kitchen and don't make a sound." Claire glanced at the two teens then jerked her head with raised eyebrows as if to say now!

Brayden and Lilly locked eyes only for a second before Brayden grabbed both bags and one of Lilly’s arms pulling her into the kitchen. Leaning behind the counter Brayden placed Lilly between himself and the cupboards as if using himself as a human shield. They watched Claire in the mirror inside the living room wall as her ring slithered down her hand and extended into her sword. She planted herself next to the wall using the corner as cover as she waited. All the lights suddenly shut off as footsteps made their way to their door before abruptly stopping outside. Seconds ticked by feeling like hours. Suddenly the deadbolt on the door clicked and the key chain removed itself. Lilly's breathing hitched  in her throat causing Brayden to pull her closer to him. They sat silently as they watched the door slowly ease open. The light from the hall temporarily blinded them through the mirror. Listening to the silence and waiting for the initial contact they both jumped as Claire exhaled, "James! I could have killed you! Seriously? Call or knock would ya?"

A deep hushed voice filled the air, "Jessica called you. I see you're ready. Where are the children?"

"In the kitchen. Lilly, Brayden let's go." Claire called out just loud enough to reach them but Lilly and Brayden didn't move.

Brayden looked to Lilly and gestured to let him go first she nodded. They both had their weapons ready. Brayden unwillingly released Lilly from his firm hold and walked out holding his staff to prevent anyone from running at him. Claire watched as Brayden took a stance preparing to ward off an attack before freezing, and relaxing his stance. Lilly sat waiting for something eventually she became impatient and stood to see what was going on.

James stood right in front of Brayden, Brayden thought he was looking in a mirror. The dark blonde hair and clear blue eyes were almost soul-piercing staring right back at him. He felt Lilly walk up to him handing him his pack before he was able to register what was happening.

"Dad?" Brayden couldn't help but question the man in front of him.

"Oh, how I have waited for you to call me that!" James almost beamed with excitement before seeing Lilly. "You look just like your mother. Especially your hair." Emotions danced through his eyes as he finally caught sight of Claire glaring at him. "Well, we need to go now. We have delayed enough. Come I will explain when we are in safety."

Lilly glanced at her mother and then Brayden with a questioning look. Like your mother? Her mother was all dark everything the only similarity they really had was their facial features. Just as she was about to question things they heard more steps in the hall. James stood up straight and glanced down the hall then nodded adding, "Morning neighbor! How was the commute?"

A rather large-looking man walked toward the room saying, "Fine the skies grow darker quickly toward the South. I fear bad weather is near. Best take leave before the first rains fall."

Brayden and Lilly were extremely confused these two talked as if from another time. The man stepped closer to reveal emerald green eyes and auburn hair. He was built almost like a tank with cream-colored skin. Glancing toward Brayden he nodded as if agreeing with his stance and still holding the staff. Then followed when he realized the staff was protecting something, his eyes locked with Lilly only for a second. Within that second both their eyes grew almost in understanding. But Lilly knew without a doubt this man was the one who gave her life. He looked to James and said, "I'll see you off as I myself am about to leave for the day."

James nodded leading the way through the door, Claire's sword returned to its beautiful ruby ring form on her right hand. She grabbed her bag and nodded with a small smile at the man before leaving. The mysterious man returned his gaze to Lilly before Brayden moved in front of her returning his staff to its mini family emblem on his necklace. Lilly's view of the man was gone but she could still feel the cold glare between Brayden and the man. Brayden didn't trust this man half as far as he could throw him. He guessed off the man's size it wouldn't be more than a few feet even with the strength Brayden had gained the past few months of training.

After a few moments, the man casually said, "Ivan by the way, and no I wish I were Lilliana's father as her mother is a beauty but I was not that lucky. Now children I was sent by your parents to protect you. I see you don't trust easily, that's very good. It should keep you alive.” The man paused as if to go over his next words before continuing. “Well, at least for now. I will move aside and follow once you have gotten down the corridor. But to comfort you both Lilliana will go in front of Brayden." As the man finished his words he stepped to the side gesturing for them to take their leave.

Lilly finally pushed Brayden partly out of the way and said, "Hey genius my mom and your dad just left we should probably catch up with them."