2.29 Growing Up Gray

Time flew by in the Gray household. As much as Leia hated to admit it, life did move on without Noah's constant presence in the house. Noah was already a few month's into his sentence and up until now, his family had been working tirelessly to get him out. Because of the severity of his case, Noah's bail was pretty high, more money than the family had accumulated in the few short months. Caleb, if he really tried, could get the money in a few short appearances but Noah begged him not to go on TV and risk the privacy of his family. He had worked so hard to protect them and a few dollars wasn't worth the utter turmoil. Noah made Caleb swear not to interfere and he had no choice but to oblige. In turn, his reputation in had not been so flattering. People were claiming he didn't care about his family because he wouldn't bail him out and others were calling him a wash out who couldn't afford to post bail even if he wanted to.

None of that mattered to anyone in the Gray family. Leia did everything Noah told her, whether she wanted to or not, because she loved him and trusted him. She didn't want to leave Apollo home on her visits to him, but Noah made her promise not to because he didn't want his son to see him like that. She didn't want Caleb to avoid paying bail, but again, Noah made everyone promise. Something about a promise to Noah, was sacred. Nobody dared disobey anything he said. Maybe it was Leia's grief making her cling to his every word.

One particular evening, Leia was bedridden. She had been feeling extremely depressed. Seeing Noah through a glass wasn't enough for her, but she refused to lay it out on everyone else. Apollo was now five years old and beginning to understand things. He kept asking things like, where's daddy? Or even refusing to eat his dinner until daddy came home. It had been really hard on Leia. Everytime Apollo made a remark like that, she felt a pit in her stomach. She didn't want her child to grow up hating their father like she did. So, she told Apollo lies. She told him that his dad was coming back soon but she never said where he went and always avoided the question.

Leia jumped out of bed and began to scream frantically, "Is anyone there!?"

 Caleb ran into the room. "Leia...is everything alright?"

"Caleb, thank god you're here. My water just broke....I'm having the baby!"

"Oh my...what do we do!?" He began to panic.

"Take me to the hospital NOW!"

"Leia, I'll wait outside and let everyone know what's happening," Caleb said in a panic.

Leia tried to nod but pain shot through her body.

"Sir, you don't want to go in with your wife?" The nurse asked.

"She's not my..." Caleb began.

"HE'S MY BROTHER IN LAW. NOW HURRY THIS BABY IS COMING OUT!" Leia shouted.

"Oh, uhm right. Let's go!" The nurse said nervously.

After 26 hours of pain and an exhausted Lorie and Caleb, the baby was finally born. A baby boy named Ambrose Gray. She had tried to ask Noah what he'd like to name the baby if it was a boy and what he'd like to name it if it was a girl and he told her to just surprise him. Secretly, he didn't feel like he deserved to be making a big decision like that, if he wouldn't even be able to be there when the baby was born.

"Ambrose huh?" Caleb yawned, throwing his arms up.

"Aww Apollo and Ambrose! Double A!" Lorie fist pumped.

"I'm just as excited as you are to have this baby, but jeez Lorie, it's way too early for this!' Leia exclaimed.

"Another nephew! Beautiful little baby boy. Can I be his godmother?"

"You're already Apollo's godmother," Caleb rolled his eyes.

"Well, you know...there's no rule that says I can't be both!"

"Share the wealth Lorie. Caleb, will you be his godfather?" Leia asked, turning to him.

"What? Me!? I'd be honored Lei!"

Lorie smiled brightly in return. "He's so cute!!"

Days turned into weeks and weeks turned to months. Those months eventually turned into years. Leia and Caleb both visited Noah weekly. They'd alternate. When it was Leia's turn to visit Noah, Caleb would watch Ambrose and Apollo and vice versa. Daisy after much deliberation, decided that it would be best for her, Cyrus and Tasha to move out and live on their own. Leia wasn't offended in anyway, as she understood their predicament. The house was just getting too cramped for everyone.

Two very important birthdays had passed. Apollo celebrated his tenth birthday with a party. It had marked five years since Noah's original sentence. He was halfway there. Apollo insisted on having his grandparents, uncles Cyrus and Kayden and aunts Lorie and Daisy come over to celebrate. He had a blast. Of course the massive amount of presents was an added bonus.

"You're ten already, little man?" Cyrus asked.

"Heck yeah uncle C!" Apollo grinned.

"Hey, I thought I was uncle C!" Caleb jokingly complained.

"No way. You're uncle Rock Star! Mom showed me all of your shows on the internet! So cool!"

"Not as cool as Uncle C, right?" Cyrus poked his cheek.

"You're both cool in different ways!" Apollo smiled. Of course Caleb held a special place in Apollo's life because he saw him on a daily basis, but Apollo was too kind to point that out.

"Did you make a wish?" Caleb asked.

"Of course! But I can't tell you because then it won't come true!" How desperately Apollo had wanted it to come true.

Ambrose turned four years old. He had silky pink hair just like his father. He had received a strange doll in the mail from a distant relative, but Leia didn't really question it as Ambrose loved the doll. Caleb grinned remembering his special doll as well. Puzzle would always hold a special place in his heart as well as Noah's. 

Apollo started his first day at a new school. He was extremely nervous but put on a brave face for his poor mother. 

"He'll be fine, Lei. Everyone loves the new kid."

"Nobody likes the new kid, Caleb. I was constantly the new kid growing up and it always ended  up terribly. So, I'm not convinced." She frowned, watching her child ride off in the big yellow school bus. 

"I was always being picked on and I was never the new kid. Apollo, unlike me, is a freaking cool kid, so he'll charm everyone in that place!"

"I hope so. He really could use some good friends in his life right about now."

"He's asking about Noah again?"

"No, but I'm afraid that his classmates will talk..."

"They're too young to know about any of this. He's ten. Nobody bothered him about that in his old school."

"That's because I knew all of the parents..." This year she had decided to move Apollo to a school that was a bit closer to them. The first few years were fine, but now that Ambrose was getting older she couldn't drive him to school every morning. Apollo was upset but he promised his mom he'd make new friends in his new school.

"You worry way too much. Apollo will be fine."

"But, what if his friends talk about how cool their dads are and Apollo doesn't have anything to say...?"

"Lei, I don't mean to sound conceited or anything, but his uncle is one of Hollywood's biggest stars."

"You were a big star. Now you're a super amazing uncle. Besides like you said, those kids are too young to know who you are!" Leia snickered.

When Apollo came home, he went straight to the video games. 

"No homework today?"

"It was my first day."

"Don't you have to do something to let people know about you?" She placed a finger on her chin, trying to remember her days as a student.

"We did that in class," He shrugged.

"What else did you do in class?" She asked, taking a controller as well.

"Since when do you play video games mom?"

"Always! Now don't change the subject. Meet any friends?"

"I met a girl. Her name is Katherine, and I've got some boy's gamertags to play with online this weekend too." He gave his mother the thumbs up.

"That's my boy!" Leia ruffled his hair.

"Hey mom! Cool it, you're gonna get us killed. These invading aliens are merciless!"

"Merciless? Already with the video game vocabulary, I love it. Now lets kick some alien butt!"

In the other room Ambrose was crying his eyes out. Leia looked to her son and whispered a short apology as she got up. Caleb pushed her shoulder gently so she was sitting back on the couch with Apollo.  "I've got it, don't worry about it."

"Don't tell Uncle C but you're the coolest, Uncle Rock Star!" Apollo cheered.

"I know, I know. I'm awesome. You guys better get to level 18 this time."

"Eighteen? Why what's on level 18!?"

"That's the farthest your mom has ever gotten," He called from the nursery.

"There's a vicious tentacle alien boss that spits out poisonous venom. I can't even get close enough to it to land a solid hit," Leia said.

"That's because you've never had a partner like me!" Apollo said competitively. Leia smiled at her son's drive. He really was just like her.

Ambrose cried, arms reaching up towards Caleb. 

"What's up little man, you hungry?" He tried to hand him a bottle but Ambrose fitfully refused. "You don't smell like you need your diaper changed."

Ambrose put his head against Caleb's chest and shut his eyes. Caleb patted his head affectionately. Ambrose had taken a quick likeness to Caleb. Ambrose, unlike his brother, had never met Noah. Leia had a feeling that Ambrose knew that Caleb wasn't his dad, but at the same time it didn't stop him from thinking he was his father figure. Caleb made sure to always mention Noah to Ambrose, but he wasn't quite sure the four year old understood him just yet. But, when he was older, Caleb would tell him wonderful stories about his incredible father. There were only five more years and Noah would be home and the family would be reunited once again. 

2.28 Gray Days

Running. It cleared Caleb's head. After Lorie had come over to talk to Leia, Caleb took his chance to escape. It was stuffy and he felt trapped in that house. He couldn't bear hearing Leia cry anymore. It had been several days and the warden had finally announced that Noah was settled in and able to receive mail and visitors. It had been nearly a week since his arrest, and no one was able to function without his presence. The day after his arrest, Athena, Levi and Kayden had made a trip to the Gray household to talk about everything. Caleb shook his head remembering how it went down.

Caleb had been the one to break the news to his parents. Instead of calling them, he decided to visit the bed and breakfast they were staying at. "Caleb! Are you here to say goodbye to us before we leave?" His father asked.

"What? No! When are you guys leaving? You never told us!" Caleb exclaimed.

"Tomorrow night, your mother didn't tell you? Geez, I love her but sometimes she can be so forgetful..."

"Is there anyway you can postpone your flight?"

"Why, what's wrong?"

Caleb bit his lip. "I'd rather tell you all when you're together. It's....not looking good."

Levi grabbed hold of his son's arms. "What is it son? You know you should tell me so I can lessen the blow to your mother."

"It's about Noah...please come to the house tomorrow morning. I can't tell you now, you won't be able to go to sleep."

"Sweetie! Who's at the door?" Athena called.

"It's no one dear!" He turned to Caleb. "If I tell your mother what you just told me, she won't be able to sleep. We'll be at your place tomorrow. Goodnight son."

"Night dad. I love you."

Leia sat nervously on the couch. Her eyes were red and puffy.

"What's wrong with you?" Kayden asked before taking a seat at the far end of the couch.

"You know....just some things..." She looked away.

"Leia dear, it's been so long. How's life been treating you?" Levi asked softly, not realizing what he asked.

"Terribly!" She began to cry into her hands.

"What's going on!?" Kayden jumped from his seat. "Don't cry!"

"We just got her to stop crying. " Daisy frowned. "Sweetie, it's ok. Everything will be okay."

"What's going on in here?" Athena asked.

"Mrs. Gray! I'm so sorry, it's all my fault! I couldn't stop them from taking him!" Leia sobbed.

"What is she talking about Caleb, Daisy? Where's Noah!?"

"Mom...he's in jail!" Daisy exclaimed.

"Jail!? What for?" Kayden rushed to his sister's side.

"He confessed to burning down that house..."

"He told me that he didn't do it!"

"He confessed because any other way would have put his family in danger.  You taught us that family is everything. Noah said himself that if he didn't confess, his family would be in danger and he wouldn't let that happen!" Daisy said.

"And what about your husband? Is he in jail too?"

"No..." Daisy said softly.

"So, Noah took the fall for both of them then?"

"Yes mom, he knows I have a daughter. He didn't want her to grow up without a dad..."

"And what about Apollo? Doesn't he get to have a father?"

"Mom please calm down. Oh my gosh...Leia!" Caleb reached out to grab the falling girl. "She just fainted! Crap, call 911 Kayden. Mom, Daisy...please calm down! Leia has barely any energy as it is, do not cause her this much stress. Dad, pass me that pillow!" He slid the pillow under Leia's head and they waited for the paramedics to come.

"I didn't mean to upset her, but Noah is my son!" Athena cried. "What am I supposed to do? My baby is in jail!"

"Mom, she's pregnant. She's already feeling like crap as it is," Daisy intervened.

"Pregnant!? Now I think I'm going to faint!"

What a disaster that night had been. Caleb and Daisy explained everything they knew to their parents while the paramedics were reviving Leia. They gave strict orders to the family not to upset her because if she had any more attacks she could hurt the baby. Athena, Levi and Kayden decided to stay in Sunlit Tides for the time being. They were working tirelessly to try to find a way to get Noah out of jail. So far, there wasn't anything they could find. Noah had signed a written confession and the plea deal had already been made. Any evidence otherwise would probably be dismissed. They would have no sympathy for someone who confessed, even for the reasons Noah had. Because Noah wasn't able to work every week and make an income, Leia was able to claim some money from the government of Sunlit Tides. It wasn't much, but it was something. Caleb had thought about returning to work but the only interviews his manager could land him were centered on his brother's arrest. It had only been a week but everyone was already abuzz. How could something like that matter to everyone in the world? Noah's arrest had to do with the Gray and Lutz family and no one else. It was a way to point and ridicule at him and his family and he didn't like it at all. 

That night, Leia was especially jittery. She could finally visit Noah in jail. He was only gone for a week, but the thought of being without him longer put her on edge. She had become completely dependent on him and those in the house were beginning to think that she literally couldn't live without him. She had begged his family to let her go and see Noah first. She wanted to face him alone.

"Hi, I'm here to visit my husband, Noah Gray."

"Gray, Noah. Let me see." She watched the lady behind the window scan the page for his name and nodded. "Cell 215 on the top floor. I'm going to need to see some ID and then check your name in our system to make sure you don't have a record of any kind. Is that alright, ma'am?"

"Definitely. Here's my ID." 

With a few beeps and pounding of the keys, Leia was ready to go. The lady politely informed her that because of a renovation in the jail house, the visitor room was unavailable and Leia had to speak to Noah through his door.

She found it to be a very awkward set up, as she had wanted to say some lovey stuff to her husband and a police officer was standing very close to her. She understood the precautions but Noah wasn't dangerous! 

"Noah?" Leia asked.

"Leia!" He jumped from his bed and to the door. He held his finger on the lock but the officer shook his head. Noah let out a long sigh. "This is better than nothing right?"

"I'm just glad to see that you're alright! I wish I could hug you right now!" 

"We'll be able to hold each other soon, don't worry about it."

"Noah....how can I not worry? You'll be in this place for ten years. You don't belong here, you belong at home. Apollo's birthday is next week...."

"My little man is turning five years old. Tell him dad said happy birthday." 

"He misses you so much. I wish I could bring him to see you. I know it's only been a week, but it feels like forever to me."

"Leia, are you alright?" He could tell from her face that she had been crying before she had even gotten to him. 

"No, I am not okay. I need you out of jail!"

"Leia, listen to me!" He said sternly. "Before you met me, you were able to live your life perfectly fine. You're the strongest girl I know. Don't waste your tears on me. It's not worth it. I'm not miserable here. The only thing that I ask is for you and everyone else to come visit me often and bring me pictures of the family because I want to know how everyone is doing alright?"

"Anything for you, Noah."

They talked a little bit more, Leia telling Noah about his parent's reaction, conveniently leaving out that she had fainted as not to worry him. She also told him about how much Caleb, Daisy and Lorie had been helping her cope. 

"Ma'am, I'm sorry but visiting hours are over. I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

"Ok, just one more thing." She turned back to the door and held her hands in the shape of a heart. "I love you Noah. I'll be back the same time next week."

"I love you too. Can't wait babe."

She waved to him before being ushered out. She had felt a lot better just being able to talk to Noah. Ten years was a lot, but as long as she could talk to him every week, she would be able to pull through. 

__________________________________________________

I know it's kind of short. Sorry about that, I wanted to stop it before I got into a whole other topic that I wanted to save for a chapter of it's own. The age thing may not be clear as I've kept it very vague before, but Apollo is four years old now. So if I've mentioned any other age or something doesn't match up, just pretend that he's four lol Thanks for reading as always!

2.27 The Guardians

Five figures sat in the large room, waiting. These people called themselves the Guardians. Those entrusted to care for the future and well being of ALL species and races. There were seven in total, each guarding a specific world. Two late comers were preventing the meeting from happening altogether. Xerxes and Emit Relevart.

Seated to the far left was Frostbite. She herself, was an ice being. Her skin was completely frozen to the touch. She preferred being in the comfort of a cold shower, or snow storm. Ice beings were originally elemental lab experiments. Everyone thought that Professor Smerts was insane, but he had created a race different from what we were accustomed to. Ice beings lived their lives out just as every other race on planet earth, substituting hot meals for cold ones. Frostbite represented all of the ice-beings in the worlds. Her main concern was keeping the newly formed race/species in existence and providing them a voice.

Next to her was Ivy League, a plant sim. Her kind were also science experiments. Ivy, in particular was a different kind of plant sim. There were no others like her in any of the worlds. She was able to communicate with all of nature, including animals. Her tears, depending on whether they were happy or not, had the power to make a plant instantly bloom or die. Ivy joined the Guardians to keep nature alive and well in the world. Nature was a part of the world, and plant sims thrived to keep it beautiful for all.

To the far right was a young man named Zerg Tron. He was an alien, specifically one whose descendants had an impact in bringing over the technology that made Oasis Landing what it was today. Similar to Ivy, he was unique to the other aliens around him. He was the only one born with a bluish-galaxy skin tone rather than green. Ancient legend attributes that to regality and strength, thus Zerg's quick acceptance into the Guardians. In the future, Aliens' were vital in the function of society. They provided much needed resources to run everyday objects in Oasis Landing such as the jet pack. Zerg's job was to look after the intergalactic trades and keep technology in the future striving.

To his left was Roxana, the Warrior Princess. A couple of decades ago, a few settlers bowed down from the budding government of Oasis Landing. They were against the overly lavish lifestyle that the people craved, seeing the lack of physical and emotional connection that could result. These people formed a small settlement going by the name of "Warriors" (which included all genders) in which they reverted back to ancient barbaric behaviors. Leading them currently was Roxana, the third generation of the settlers. Though disconnected from society, the Warriors still wanted a say in worldly matters. After all, the future affected everyone. Her job in the guardians was to communicate ideas between the two groups in an effort to create a self sufficient civilization.

Sitting right in the middle was the leader of the Guardians, Angel. She was a light fairy. Light fairies were tasked with keeping the settlement well lit, until technology began to grow and expand. Now, the fairies who were once a vital part of society, now found themselves settling in their own little niches around all of the worlds. The most common being Moonlight Falls and Dragon Valley. Angel not only represented the future of fairies, but vampires, werewolves, witches and ghosts as well. She was the most rational and kindest of all the guardians, which is why she was unanimously elected leader.

"Nice of you to join us, Xerxes." She smiled to the newcomer.

Xerxes was from Midnight Hollows. His job seemed to be the most important of all of theirs. He was in charge of the wish bank. As people's wishes came true, more and more magic was placed into the wish bank. The more power there was, the better all of the worlds were able to run. Wish power was fragile, and thus placed in the wrong hands could be lethal. Xerxes attended these meetings to ensure the safety of all people and the wish bank.

"I apologize, your excellency." He bowed his head in respect.Now they were waiting on the last guardian, Emit Relevart. He was the time keeper. He kept the timelines in check, and was the only person authorized to change time. His loyalty remained with his own race, the humans.

"Your highness." Emit bowed.

"Of all people, the Time Keeper is the one who's late. Go figure." Angel cracked a small smile.

"I apologize deeply ma'am."

"It's alright Emit. We all have things that we must take care of."

"Can we just get on with the meeting? We all know the real reason we're here,"Roxana commented bitterly.

"Tame yourself you bestial human..." Zerg murmured.

"Excuse me? The Warriors are not bestial in any way! We have chosen a simpler life style for the betterment of the human race. We're closer and more passionate than your unfeeling alien race!" 

"Hey! We will not be fighting! We are all representative of a common interest. All of our races are special in their own way and we are fighting to protect each and every one of them!" Angel said sternly.

"Everyone except Emit!" Roxana accused. "He only cares about Oasis Landing!"

"What are you talking about?" Emit asked, bewildered. "I've been working my butt off to protect the future of everyone."

Roxana opened her mouth to speak but Angel held her hand up. "We will conduct this matter in an orderly conduct. Mr. Relevart, we as a group, feel as if you've been neglecting your duties as a Guardian. As the only one able to manipulate time, you're a valuable asset to our team. But.."

"But?" Emit frowned.

"But," Angel continued, "You have been exhibiting a bias in your actions."

"How so? I don't understand."

"Come, I will show you."

 Angel had everyone gather round on the floor and listen.

"Is this necessary? We aren't children..." Xerxes remarked.

"Oh hush!" Frostbite grinned. "Storytime!"

"Storytime?" Ivy frowned. "Oh great."

"Listen up! Many many years ago, there was a human being who decided to expand their horizons and search for other worlds. Everyone thought they were crazy. Riverview was their home, there was no way there was anything else but them in this big planet. This person, over several hundred decades was able to discover several different worlds in this galaxy. There was people living in Sunset Valley, Apaloosa Plains, Lucky Palms, Aurora Skies, Starlight Shores, Bridgeport, Sunlit Tides, Isla Paradiso, Monte Vista and Twinbrook. Of course by this point, the original explorer was dead and his descendants had taken on his life work. With more work they were able to find places such as Dragon Valley and Roaring Heights which seemed to be stuck in the past. They had been unaware of other civilizations around them and thats what all of the worlds had in common.  Each had created their own societies of isolation, unaware of the customs and cultures around them. This man's work had brought along the meshing of several cultures. People were traveling to other worlds and bringing back things from all over the place. Then, one fateful day, this man's descendants thought it time to try their biggest endeavor yet. Teamed with other's in Riverview, they traveled to outer space, farther than they ever had before. People thought they were crazy, and when they didn't return, they assumed the people had died in travel. It was the exact opposite though. They had made it to a massive world known as Lunar Lakes. They populated a small section and created a growing civilization. They did not have the technology or brains to create the life they had in Riverview and were thus starting from scratch. They couldn't return to the other worlds because their ship was broken. Tales were told of these other worlds, but without seeing it themselves, people began to become wary and unresponsive. They took these tales as legends and not facts."

"This is all facts. We know of all of this already," Roxana spoke up.

She stepped in front of the crystal ball and motioned for everyone to follow her. With a little fairy magic, she was able to create an image. "Xerxes, if you will lend me some of your powers?"

"Of course your excellency," He bowed and held his hand on the crystal ball.

Blurred images became crystal clear and those images became short clips.

"Lunar Lakes eventually fell due to corruption and no one was able to stop it. It foresaw the fall of several alien races that lived farther than the original settlers had ventured towards. They were strangers in their own homes. The fall of Lunar Lakes led to distrust and animosity between all races.  The ice-beings, plant sims, the supernatural, aliens, and humans. The discovery of Moonlight Falls and Midnight Hollows after the fall of Lunar Lakes had been a shock to several. It brought about fear and discrimination. Imagine the culture shock, finding out that the people they thought died several centuries ago had actually made it to another world and that by the time they found out it had already been destroyed. The attacks had been attributed to us and now our own people are fighting against each  other," Angel continued.

"Emit, you had the very important job of rewriting the past. To prevent this all from happening, we agreed that something drastic had to happen in the past. You presented us a situation that had made itself clear to you, a legacy. Focus on one family that could ultimately change the path of Lunar Lake's destruction. Athena Gray, had so much history rooted in the corruption of the government and your accidental meeting gave us a great opportunity. Thanks to your help and our former member, Levi, we were starting to see great progress. Athena Gray had already changed the isolationist policies of Lunar Lakes. People were traveling from other worlds and trading with Lunar Lakes." 

"What's the problem then?" Emit asked.

"You've changed the direction of progress. The Grays have forgotten all about Lunar Lakes!" Roxana scowled. "You have left the founders of the legacy in Lunar Lakes but the heir, who is supposed to change the path of history is now in Sunlit Tides."

"Emit, we feel as if you've been acting the way you have because Noah is married to your daughter," Angel concluded.

"They have their own lives that they're living. You can't tell people not to do things their way," Emit defended.

"You're supposed to guide them in the right direction, Emit," Ivy said sadly.  No one in the Guardians had wanted for this to happen. "But you've left them to their free will completely, to let your daughter live a happy life. They have the right to make their own decisions but please let them do it after they hear the facts about the future so that if thats what they truly choose, we can change our course of action."

"I understand that, but I have full faith in Noah."

"Unfortunately, Faith isn't enough. Noah is in a place where not even faith can help him. He's stuck." Angel shook her head grimly. She pointed to the crystal ball and showed a video of Noah in jail.

"We can't even do anything about it. You know what happens when we interfere directly in the lives of these people in the past," Zerg shrugged. "Athena was the only exception to get our plan off the ground, but even then...you saw what happened to Levi when he got too close. Mortality."

"Though, Levi did give up his mortality and spot in the guardians, he had thought long and hard about it. Without his love, none of this could have happened," Frostbite said.

"Yes, you're all absolutely correct. But, the real issue right now is what will happen to the Gray legacy," Angel intervened. "Unfortunately we can't interfere and bust Noah out of prison. He has to carry out his sentence on his own. Emit, this is a really hard decision on our part, but as a group we have decided that you should pass the legacy into our hands."

Emit was shocked. "I don't understand. I haven't done a bad thing. Noah is strong enough, when he comes out of jail, his legacy will continue unhitched. The values his parents instilled in him will carry on to his children."

"Emit, we all know this isn't the timeline you foresaw for the Gray family. We trusted you with returning Noah's memory and you had worked brilliantly. But, now that your daughter is involved, you've spent your time watching from the sidelines. This isn't a doll house. You don't get to watch the happy family play out. Yes, we're not allowed to physically interfere, being Leia's father could have been your advantage. You could have worked closely with the Gray's and used your relationship as an excuse. We all hoped you would see the loophole, as Levi did. But, your fear of letting your children down kept you aloof and damaged the Grays more than it helped them." Ivy pointed out.

"I....but, I thought I was helping?" Emit sighed. He had Leia and Lorie's best interest in mind. If he had shown himself to them more, they'd have gotten use to his presence and because of the time difference, their relationship would never work. Ultimately, they'd have expected to see him more and he would have gotten too attached to his precious girls and  had to give up his spot as the time keeper, with no one to take over. His two apprentices had bailed on him. Levi, giving up all time capabilities to be with the woman he loved and Mason, who was working adamantly against him.

"Look," Angel motioned to the crystal ball once more. "Leia is broken beyond repair at this point. We're relying on Caleb and Lorie to snap her out of her slump. She clung so closely to Noah because of the lack of a male influence in her life. Though indirectly, this could have been avoided. It isn't fair for us to put this blame all on you, but we have no choice Emit. Life for the Grays now will be drastically different and we can only hope that in ten years time, Noah will be accepted back into his family with open arms. We have no idea how his family will react. Will Leia be able to cope? What about his children who are growing up without a father? We cannot tell, but the damage is already done and as their guardian, you've left too many questions for us to say this was a success."

Emit's eyes glided to the image of his daughters, both in tears. He had failed not only as a guardian but as a father as well. He had been so concerned with trying not to break his daughter's hearts another time, that he had inevitably caused a destructive divide in the family. He had always noticed Lorie's distaste for Leia's inability to accept her father's validity and existence. Though he didn't fully understand the guardian's ludicrous reason for deferring his role as the legacy's guardian, he had accepted it. Maybe he should have done more. Maybe he should have been more influential. Whatever the case, it wasn't in his hands anymore.

"We want the Gray family to go back to their original goal in Lunar Lakes. We know Leia is your daughter and out of respect, we'll let you watch over the Gray family until Noah's children are old enough to take over. From that point on, Frostbite will deal with the next heir and we'll decide what happens after that depending on how well she does. We are also loosening up our rules. Starting with the third generation, we will be directly dealing with the family. Frostbite will be a present part in the heir's life, if she so wishes to."

"How is that possible?" Emit frowned. "The people of the past aren't ready to accept other species. Not yet...Believe it or not, the future is much more plausible for humans to accept than a person made of ice."

"Rules are that only the heir can interact with the guardians. None of us left can pass for a human other than Xerxes and Roxana. The rest of us have to be careful."

"So, what am I supposed to do after the baton is passed?"

"You take care of Mason. He is a major threat to the future of Oasis Landing. You should also take up someone as an apprentice unless you'd like to stay the time keeper forever."

Emit sighed. He had some time still with the Gray family but he couldn't do anything drastic. His loyalty was still with the Guardians, as he looked out for the well being of the future. "Thank you, your excellency for your kindness in the face of trouble."

"I'm truly sorry Emit, but you of all people should know that sometimes sacrificing a single person is better than destroying an entire race..." Angel smiled sadly.

Emit just nodded. He wasn't completely convinced that they were doing the right thing. Emit had slightly become attached to the Gray family, not only watching over them but meeting them face to face as well. They were now a part of his family. He resolved to just watching the Guardian's plan crash and burn, as he realized it was impossible to tell a Gray how to live their life.

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Woah, that was a long one. I decided that I had to go back to the roots of the legacy, as Noah did kind of stray from the original goal of having ten generations to ultimately stop the destruction of Lunar Lakes. I also hope I was clear with why Emit was deferred from his job. What I was trying to say was that the Guardians aren't allowed to expose themselves to the people, thus directly going to the past and getting Noah out of jail is impossible. But, being Leia's father, he could have interacted with the Gray family (and them alone) a bit more than the others would have been allowed to do and done something more than what he did.  But, now the other Guardians realize that leaving everything up to the Grays without their influence might not be the best course of action. The guardians will take a back seat for awhile while the next chapter will focus solely on the Gray family. Thanks for reading!

2.26 Confessions.

It was an average day in the Gray household. It was the weekend and everyone was off from work, except for Noah who had to perform a few routine checkups later that day. Work was pretty slow because of the case. Few had still trusted him with their lives. Caleb wasn't making any money because he hadn't been making any appearances. His manager wasn't too happy about that. Caleb had seemed all to happy to give up his fame. Daisy had taken off to be a full time mother. Only Noah and Cyrus were pulling in an income, and Cyrus had his own family now to worry about. It was safe to say, soon the Grays wouldn't be living so comfortably.

"Caleb, I need to ask you for a huge favor," Noah said suddenly.

"Uh-oh, I'm kind of afraid..." Caleb remarked playfully.

"This is serious man.. Please take care of my wife and child."

"What?"

"If anything happens, please take care of my family."

"Where is this coming from?"

"Just a thought."

"Listen, nothing is going to happen to you man."

"Just promise!" Noah snapped, not wanting to explain his situation to his older brother.

Caleb shook his head. "I can't."

"Why not?" Noah asked angrily.

"I just can't, alright!?" Caleb snapped back before getting up to leave the room.

"You're so damn immature!" Noah shouted at his back. "Take some responsibility for once! It isn't like I'm letting you mooch off of me!" He added sarcastically.

Overhearing the conversation, Daisy stepped in.

"Damn it Noah, what's your problem?" She shouted.

"My problem? This isn't any of your business. I was asking my older brother to do me a favor."

"Why are you asking Caleb to take care of Leia and Apollo?" She asked suspiciously.

"It doesn't matter."

"It does matter! Who was there for you every day while you were in boarding school? Who was the one looking for you when you lost your memory? ME. So don't try to hide this from me. This is about the case isn't it?"

"Daisy please..." Noah pleaded.

"What happened Noah!" She snapped. "Tell me, or I can't help you!"

"The house that was burned down was Corrine's husband. He's using my past with Corrine as evidence against me. Frankly, things aren't looking so good. So in case anything happens, I want to make sure my family is secure."

"Noah, everything will be fine!"

"I know it will be, because I'm handling it. I need to make sure my family is secure." He repeated. "But Caleb won't even do me a favor..."

"He can't Noah," Daisy said suddenly. As she told Leia the other day, she had full trust that Noah would never put his family in danger and what he decided to do would be the right choice. Her brothers were both in a state of peril and she had to shed some light on the situation.

"You too? Come on now."

"Noah, things are complicated...Caleb...well, I don't know how to say this, but things happened when you lost your memory. He lost someone very important to him. There was this girl he was crazy about, he was ready to propose to her, but she got into a car accident. We didn't want to tell you Noah because you had just started to get your life together."

"So he doesn't think he can protect them..." Noah said to himself. He held his hand to his heart. "I don't really even know what to do right now. I...I had no idea."

"That's why you can't place such a burden on him. Let him cool off for a bit before you talk to him."

"Daisy, I...I really didn't know..." Noah stared at the empty spot where his brother had been sitting. It was because of these people he cared about the most that he had to do what he had planned. Caleb would be out of the loop with his family for awhile...but as long as it kept them safe, he'd sacrifice anything. Noah knew that Caleb, despite his fears, would keep an eye on everyone.

Leia was beginning to grow a little bump. If anyone asked she figured she'd chuck it off to stress eating. Her family had been going through a lot at the time. She had so desperately wanted to go in the water, but decided to just lounge poolside instead. She didn't want anyone in the house to know she was pregnant before Noah and he didn't seem like he wanted to talk right now so she figured she'd wait until tonight.

"Mind if I join you?" A voice asked.

"Oh, hey Caleb. Sure!" The two sat silently for awhile until Leia raised a question. "Are you and Noah fighting again?"

"How did you know?"

"Both you and Noah seemed a little off today, so I just figured..." 

"Yeah, well. I'm a little ticked off at him for something that he said to me earlier, but I'm not really mad. I'm just a little sensitive to certain things and not everyone knows about them. Noah just hit a nerve today, and I have to apologize to him for being a bit overdramatic, later when he wakes up."

"Haha...he's asleep? He has work in a few hours!" Leia grinned.

"Yeah, you've got to see this." He rummaged through his shorts pocket and pulled out his smartphone. "It's priceless."

"Oh my gosh, Caleb! You have to send that to me. That's the most adorable thing I've ever seen! My two men, asleep on the couch." Leia gushed. She couldn't believe she was married to the sweetest guy in the universe.

"Sure." He tapped a few buttons and in a matter of seconds the picture was sent. "Uploading it to your blog?"

"Pssh, right. I gave that up years ago. I have more important things that I can be doing with my time."

"Like lounging poolside?"

"Exactly!" She smiled. "This stressed out mom needs a break."

"Don't we all?" He leaned back and shut his eyes. For a second he thought about questioning Leia about Noah's odd request from earlier but he figured she wouldn't know anything about it. Noah was planning something dangerous and Caleb didn't feel so great about it. he had hoped that his gut was just paranoid. He let his mind wander to other things, and he couldn't help but think of how lucky his brother was to have someone like Leia in his life. Everytime he talked to Leia, Caleb felt like he was seeing her all over again. His heart hurt just thinking about it, but she wasn't the kind of person you just moved on from. Especially after such a horrific experience....Why did it have to be her that died...and not him?

Noah stretched out his arms carefully as not to wake up Apollo. He would really miss this. It had never occurred to him that protecting meant losing ultimately. He shook his head. Not losing. Protecting. He'd be back with his family in no time. He carefully picked up Apollo and brought him to his crib. As he was about to leave the room he heard a loud cry.

It was baby Tasha. "Uh...what does that crying mean?" He inspected the crib. He had never understood how a mother could tell what their baby wanted. All of their cries sounded the same to him. He picked her up and held her in his arms. She was so precious. It made him realize how much he missed having a baby in the house and how he'd love for Apollo to have a younger sibling. Leia and Noah both wanted a lot of kids. He loved having somebody always there for him in the house and Leia wanted the big family she was never able to have. He hoped one day to give that to her.  To them. 

"Is that the bell?" Leia asked, turning to Caleb. 

"I believe so. I've got it."

"Don't worry about it. You look like you're enjoying the sun. If I stay out here any longer, I'll just get really lazy and not want to do anything."She got up and began to walk inside. 

"I've got it!" Daisy called out.

"Don't worry, I'm already by the door!" Leia called back, unlatching the lock. 

"Hi...can I help you?" Leia asked sweetly in the face of her biggest fear. 

"Please step outside Ma'am," The officer said sternly.

"What is this all about?" Leia asked, but did as she was told.

"Name and Relationship to Noah Gray."

"Leia Relevart...I'm his wife! What is this all about?" She asked again.

"I'm here to arrest your husband," She stated simply.

"Excuse me? You can't! What ground are you standing on that gives you the right to do that?" Leia asked angrily.

"Your husband confessed to arson in the first count. He's facing ten years in prison."

"Ten years!?" Leia cried out. "That's impossible...Noah didn't do anything!"

"Ma'am...here is his signature. He confirmed that this is indeed his confession." She held up a packet of papers. "Just be happy it's only ten years. Others in his situation have gotten as little as 20 years."

She looked at the signature, it was his signature. When did he do this and more importantly why? What about Apollo? What about their unborn child? "No...that's our son's whole childhood! Our child is just getting old enough to appreciate his father!"

"Ma'am...I don't have time to play games right now. I have an order to take in your husband and it isn't up for debate."

"Babe, please!" Noah pleaded from behind her. 

She instantly collapsed into his arms, sobbing. "Noah! Why!?"

The officer looked at them and said, "You've got a minute and nothing more." She took a few steps back to give them privacy, but still kept a keen eye on them.

"Leia please, this is the right thing to do. Don't cry. Baby, everything will be alright."

"You're going to jail for ten years! Why!?" She cried angrily, pounding her fist against his chest before collapsing to her knees. "Why?" She sobbed harder.

"Leia please!" He begged, grabbing hold of her arms. He had expected her to be upset, but not nearly this much. "I couldn't leave you and Apollo stranded. We barely have any income as it is, if I went to court you would have nothing to survive on. Corrine's husband stepped forward with evidence and the only way that I could stop him would be to put Lorie's personal life on the line."

"What!? Lorie would have done anything for you Noah. She cares so much about this family!"

She had been to blustered to even ask about what kind of evidence Curtis Lutz had against him. She was sure he did nothing wrong.

"I can't do that to her. It'd ruin her reputation. She's spent her entire life protecting the one person who means so much to mean. You.This is my thank you. I'll be protecting my family this time. I won't be the one who needs rescuing."

"What about Cyrus?"

"He's got a baby girl to worry about. I refuse to take him away from her and Daisy."

"But you don't care about me and Apollo!?" She yelled angrily. "Apollo needs a dad just as much as Tasha!"

He began to wipe the tears from her face with his thumb. "I'm doing all of this for you and Apollo. Leia, you're such a strong woman and you're already raising our son to be a fantastic person. Ten years will be over in a flash. I'll still write to you guys, and you can come visit..."

"You don't get it do you!?" Leia cut him off angrily. "I'm pregnant Noah!" This wasn't how she pictured this moment being. 

His face fell instantly and he pulled her into his chest. "Leia...you're not just saying that...are you?" He had wanted another child so badly, but this timing was terrible. His child would grow up without his father. Apollo would be a teenager when he got back and his unborn child would be ten years old. It was painful, but it was the only way to ensure his family's safety. 

"No..." She held onto his shirt tightly. "How...how can you do this to us? It's so reckless! Why do you have to be the hero all the time?" She had worked so hard to get this family and here it was being ripped from her fingertips. Life was cruel and she had been the bud of all of it's jokes.

"Leia Relevart." He let her take her anger out on him. "I love you more than anything in the entire world. I'd go to jail for my entire life to protect you and our child...children. Please, don't be too hard on Caleb and Daisy while I'm gone. They'll be taking it just as hard as you are. One last thing Leia..."

"What?" She sniffled, knowing she wasn't going to win this fight. Noah was going to jail whether she liked it or not. 

He pressed his lips to hers gently, as if not to break her. "You're amazing."

He looked up towards the officer and nodded. He was ready.

"Noah!" She stretched out her arms as if to stop him, but they fell short and she felt her world crashing down around her. Every piece of the puzzle she had tried so desperately to glue together were flying apart. 

"Take care of the Gray family while I'm gone!" He called out.

"What the hell is going on?" Caleb asked, coming to the door.

"Caleb don't.." Daisy warned, having heard the entire conversation. 

"Thank you." Noah mouthed to his little sister before getting into the car.

"No...thank you..." She held her heart tightly and began to cry. 

"Come on let's go inside," Caleb choked, barely able to contain his emotions. He was losing his brother yet again and they didn't even leave off on a good note this time. It would be the third time this had happened.

"Yeah, come on Sweetie..." Daisy grabbed her arm and led her to the door. Leia made it up the stairs before collapsing to her knees again and sobbing uncontrollably. "Honey...don't do this to yourself." Daisy was unable to hide her own tears.

"You said he'd never steer me wrong!" She said angrily, hitting the ground.

"I...I didn't think he'd do something like this..."

"The next time he was supposed to leave this door was to go to work! I...Oh gosh, what about Apollo?" She wasn't even able to function. Caleb and Daisy had to drag her inside of the house.

They sat her on the couch and tried to talk to her. They weren't happy with it either. They had both agreed to think of a way to get Noah out of jail as soon as possible. She wasn't hearing any of it. She pulled her legs up to her chest and cried until she fell into a dreamless sleep. 

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I'm leaving it there. Dun dun dun. Noah is going to jail! Did you see that coming? Noah was always the glue of the family. He stuck up for his brother and Corrine back in highschool, and now he's doing it again. Will Caleb be able to cope without his little brother? What will happen to Leia and Apollo? What is Cyrus going to do? Keep reading to find out! Thanks for reading and commenting!