Out Foxed [Talia]

[Aquila]

Shouts, and crying grew fainter and fainter, as small legs ran through the underbrush. Running as fast as he could carry himself, Aidan Harper ran to the only place he felt like he could be at peace, and he sure hoped his little friend would be there today.

He’d done bad, he knew. But, they were making fun of Cohen! And no one messed with his little brother. Not on his watch. Just like Papa always told him. Aidan, you're the big brother, you gotta watch out for you little brother. He’s your responsibility. It’s just like I always watch out for Aunt Gracie, you gotta protect Cohen. And he did! He’d beaten Luka Brock to as much as a pulp as any eight year old could beat another kid his own size.

Papa was going to be so mad! The thought of seeing Papa upset made Aidan run all the harder. When his clearing came into view, he quickly dropped down and darted into a hollowed part of an old tree. The roots were so large and overgrown, it made for his own perfect little hideout. He crawled on his hands and knees until he was safely inside. Since he’d found the hiding spot he’d made his own adjustments. He’d taken broken off limbs from ferns and other plants he’d come across to weave himself a covered roof through the tree’s roots. Creating his own little hideout as he like to to call it. The roots were thick, allowing in some light, and even allowed Aidan to peak outside at his surroundings, but you couldn’t see him from the inside. Just how he liked it. He was a little wolf in his own wolf den.

He’d brought several little knick knacks and toys from home, keeping them here. Mostly they were toys he used to play with Mama when she’d been alive. He knew any mention of his mother made Papa upset, so he’d hidden the toys and brought them out here when he could.

“Tally? Are you here?” He whispered. Looking around for his friend. He checked her bed and made out of long grass and old fabric scraps. He frowned when he saw she wasn’t home. Maybe she was on her way? Or would be back later?

He settled in, Taking the blanket he kept in their and wrapped it around himself. Spring might have finally reached Aldsage, but it was still cold. He looked down at his hands, seeing his scraped knuckles, and the bit of blood he had on his hands. Some of it not even his blood. “He deserved it.” He grumbled. Tossing the blanket over his head as he hid under it.

[Talia Amras]

This is a bad idea.

She could already hear Nero's warning, but it hadn't stopped her the first time, nor the second time. To be honest, Talia had lost track as to how many times she went out into the woods only to find a particular black-furred fox. She had forgotten how long she had been invading the creature's mind only to get close to the child. Her son. Her Aidan.

Memories flooded her every time she thought about having to leave, especially the way she did. She cried every time she recalled having to walk away from Cohen who had barely understood, only cried so loudly among the trees for his absent mother that someone might as well have cut out her heart. Talia had abandoned them all, and for what? Some stupid, fucking code? A secrecy she fought so hard to maintain? Why couldn't she have stayed?

Why couldn't she have what she still so desperately craved?

Clothed in black and a hood drawn up atop her head, a hollowed out deer skull masked her face as she sat at the top of the hill, overlooking the little den Aidan had created. Sometimes, she would wait there for hours whenever she could chance it, hoping he would wander to his little hideaway and she could see him. Even if it meant she couldn't physically go to him, this would have to be enough.

Shutting her eyes, Talia drew in a deep breath and concentrated; allowing that gramarye to reach out into the universe, feeling out for the little black fox her son had grown to know. The animal was so used to it by now that slipping into its mind and taking control was no longer a struggle. Now, she had the ability to see through the creature's eyes, to feel and smell whatever it did, to dictate its movements.

And she was sending it lopping towards her little wolf's hiding place where the child would hear the gentle sounds of a snuffling nose, before it began to playfully prod at the blanket he had covered over his face.

[Aquila]

Little giggles sounded from under the blanket, and Aidan pulled it down over his head. His curly hair sticking up on end as he laid eyes on the black colored Fox. "Tally!" He giggled. He reached out with gentle hands to pet the fox on her head. His mood instantly brightened at seeing the fox. He reached up and scratched his cheek before he would scoop her up and place her in his lap. Wrapping the blanket around them both. "I got a secret to tell ya." He whispered. Bending his head down to speak to her.

He'd found Tally not that long ago, about year maybe. He'd spotted her out on a hunt with Papa. He'd stopped Aidan and pointed her out. She was breathtaking. Black and grey. Even Papa had called her beautiful as they crouched and watched her. She'd watched them and after a time, Papa had nudged and they headed home. Aidan had gone back though. There was something about the fox and the way she'd stared at him, and Papa that had made him want to go back. He kept going back too, slowly gaining her trust, and eventually he'd led her to his hiding spot. She was precious to him. The one thing he could tell everything too. He'd named her Tally after his Mother. He knew Mama's name had been Talia, but he didn't want to risk angering Papa by saying he'd named the fox Talia. So she was Tally, which he seemed to be okay with. Papa didn't know about her, only that he'd named the fox after seeing her with him in the woods. She was his secret, and she was the holder of all his secrets.

He rested his face down in her soft fur, stroking her gently. "I got into a fight today." He mumbled. "But he deserved it!" He said quickly rising, holding Tally up under her front legs so he held her in front of him. "Luka was being a shit." He swore. If Papa was around he'd thump him in the head for cussing, be he had! He was just so...Mean. He set Tally down, showing her his knuckles. "Look, Papa's gonna be mad. I'm pretty sure I knocked a tooth out." He said a bit proudly, looking at his scuffed up knuckles. There was some torn skin around some knuckles and blood that also wasn't his own on his hands. Puffing his chest out. He sighed and then deflated. "He was making fun of Cohen. And No one picks on Cohen." Aidan said sternly, waving a finger at Tally.

[Talia Amras]

Like a loyal pup, the fox was immediately licking the child's face in greeting; her fluffy tail swaying back and forth vigorously to show her excitement. Tally let him draw her into his lap where she huffed in contentment and Talia was smiling behind that mask from her hiding spot on the hill.

She could feel the sobs beginning to well up in her chest, but her son's giggles kept her from letting the sadness completely take over. This was far better than not being able to see him at all, and she was thankful for the beautiful fox that allowed this to happen. The Kotori couldn't help but feel as though the wild animal was happy for this connection, as though knowing neither mother or son were going to harm her. Perhaps this was why Talia no longer felt resistance when connecting with the fox's mind.

There came a soft chuff as Aidan confessed he got into a fight, and as he held Tally up to tell her the story, the fox tilted her head and regarded him with those black eyes that seemed to share far more emotion than any normal fox would. It was his mother's eyes pouring through the animal's, filled with concern.

That was when she smelled the blood, that coppery scent that made the human cringe when Aidan picked her up. Talia was torn between laughing and wanting to scold the boy for his choice of words but it wouldn't have mattered since she couldn't vocalize it. Once she was set down, though, the fox extended its neck to sniff the child's hands; her tongue gently lapping at the blood as if trying to soothe the small wounds.

'He was making fun of Cohen.' Oh, her sweet boy. Talia drew in a staggered breath, her throat sore with the tears she refused to shed. There was almost a second that she nearly let her concentration slip, but she kept her mind connected with the fox's. She wasn't ready to leave yet. Honestly, she never was...

To show she was proud of him, the black fox bounced up and down in place before seeking out one of those toys- a little stuffed wolf that they often played with. Tally gathered it gently in her mouth before rushing out of the den, expecting him to follow. The small fox rushed back and forth excitedly before she leapt into the air and tossed the toy up. She was waiting for it to come back down to catch it again.

[Aquila]

Aidan smiled as Tally bounced in place. His little heart swelling with love for the creature. She was so cute! His grin grew as she grabbed one of his toys and ran out of the den with it. "Hey you silly fox!" He laughed. Tossing the blanket off he hurried after the fox, emerging from the den with a bright smile.

He watched her zoom back forth excitedly, playing with the stuffed toy they usually played with, but it had also been somewhat special to him and his mother. The boy gave chase to the fox, not out right charging her, but enough to let her know he was ready to play her games. "You know my mama gave that stuffy to me!" He called to her with a grin. Yes, this is what he wanted. To run and be free! To play with his little friend and not have to worry about the trouble he'd been in when he got home.

His smile did falter, however, and his brow grew heavy has frowned and sighed. He wanted to shake off the fight he'd had with Luka but it was hard. It wasn't just Cohen they had been making fun of. It was him too. His Mama too, but they hadn't listened. Well, theu had when he'd shoved Luka to the ground. They sure listened then.

He gave his head a shake, to clear the bad thoughts away. Tally would make him feel better, and he'd just explain to Papa man to man later it had been honor that had made him pummel the other boy.

"Imma get you!" Aidan called as he darted after the fox. The grin returning to his face.

[Talia Amras]

This was such a blessing and a curse. All Talia wanted to do was rush down that incline and lift this boy into her arms but she knew she couldn't. It had already been so hard to leave once before, how could she expect to do it again? And where would they go? There was little escape off an island. And to leave Cohen again?

Malcolm? The look upon his face before it had turned to rage was something that killed her every time she thought about it. She broke her own heart that day.

Her throat tightened and she felt herself slipping away, the connection to the fox beginning to weaken. Eyes were already closed behind that mask, but she knew the tears would be leaving streams down her cheeks otherwise. She had to keep herself together, needed to be here for Aidan even in this sense.

'You know my mama gave that stuffy to me!' After everything, the child remembered her. After all of it, he didn't blame her for any wrongdoing because her husband had told him a lie. She was dead. The sad thing was, she didn't have to pretend to be. Every day that went by, Talia lost a little of herself and became this hollowed out, empty shell of a woman she thought she once was. It was only when she could become Tally did she feel any happiness, no matter how much her brother tried to console her.

Tally's big black eyes noticed the boy's smile falter. He seemed to be thinking about something, worrying about something, and she didn't have the ability to ask him what it was. All she could do was go on instinct and attempt to console him with gentle play bouts, swaying that bushy tail behind her, and darting back and forth as he gave chase. The fox picked up the stuffed wolf again and tossed it into the air for him to catch. She began to doing circles around him, squeaking in amusement (since foxes did not have the wolfish ability to growl or bark) as she attempted to keep Aidan amused.

Until the animal just stopped. She was blinking, looking confused, and became a little startled as the boy laughed and was chasing after her. Talia's connection on the animal had broken as she could not contain her own sudden breakdown. The fox was so startled that it began to dart up that little hill where the Kotori fell to her knees in sobs.

[Aquila]

Aidan laughed and reached for the stuffed wolf as the fox tossed it up for him. He leaned forward and caught it with both hands. He stood there then, watching the fox run around him, his giggles filling the air. Gosh she was just so cute!!! And he loved her. Really loved her. She stopped suddenly and Aidan looked at her curiously. Had she heard something? Or was she teasing him? She tended to let him get close some days only to dart quickly out of his reach in a game of tag. Is that what she wanted to play? 

Aidan was too preoccupied with the idea of a new game that he didn't noticed the startled look on Tally's face as he ran after her. They were going up a small hill, and he pushed his legs to chase after the fox. They never came up here strangely enough, so it was a bit exciting that Tally wanted to expand their play area. He laughed and hurried. Seeing her bushy tail go just up over the rise. He was curious though, new sites to see! He turned to look a the view. He could see his den! And the hunting trail he took to get home. "Wow." He whispered. It was a small hill but he could see quite a bit. To Aidan, it was like being on top of the world. 

He remembered Tally then, and turned to hurry after her. Not knowing what direction she had gone in, he charged straight up the top of the hill, and right into a monster.

He let a shriek of alarm out as he saw the dark figure with the skull mask. It was making strange noises, and it startled him as he stumbled backwards. Loosing his footing, he fell backwards and let another cry of alarm out as he tumbled down the hill. He hugged the stuffed wolf to him, as he rolled, one arm going up to protect his head as he rolled to a stop as the base of the hill. His back hit the back of a tree, and knocked the wind out of him. He couldn't breathe for moment, and there was a monster, and no Papa. "A-pa." He gasped. Tears began to form in his eyes. His chest hurt, why couldn't he breath? Was the monster going to come get him?He tired to get his bearings but he was dizzy, he couldn't make anything out. Where was Tally? What if the monster got her?! "Tally!?" He struggled to say. 

[Talia Amras]

Oh no. This wasn't good. Talia completely let down her guard and let the connection with the fox sever. Now, the animal was leading her son straight up that incline in her panic, and when she felt the creature brush passed her, Talia knew she was going to be caught. But instead of the boy seeing his mother's face, he would find the terrible skull lifting its face up to meet him- immediately frightening him and sending him backwards down that hill.

"AIDAN!" she cried out, desperately climbing to her feet to follow him down as swiftly as she could. Her heart was thundering within her chest, the sobs trying to steal every breath from her lungs as he hit that tree, racking her with guilt. Making her forget everything and only concentrating on him.

"The monster" was rushing to his side, falling back down to her knees as he was calling out for the fox. The animal had stopped and was peering down at them from the top of that hill, curious about what had just happened. "Aidan..." she said breathlessly, her voice muffled behind the mask. "I'm so sorry, mo ghille dàna. Please don't run..."

Lost between needing to run away herself and wanting to stay, Talia's heart was being torn in two all over again. She'd broken another Kotori rule by following him...but she had broken numerous years before. As far as she was concerned, she had been lost the moment Malcolm first looked at her.

[mo ghille dàna = my darling boy]

[Malcolm Harper]

Bright blue eyes stared at him, followed by a bright white smile. He could smell the wildflowers, the pine scent she always smelled like. He could feel the silkiness of her hair and softness of her skin. Her face came into view. She was laughing. It was melodic, and Malcolm could feel himself grinning, laughing along with her as he chased her through the trees. She was wearing a white cotten dress, her air was wild and unkpets, just how he liked it. She was laughing at him as she looked over her shoulder, and his legs just carried him faster. “C’mon Malcolm!” He heard her sing. They were in a meadow then. Laying on their backs as they stared up at the sky. Watching the clouds. Her head resting on his chest while he pointed out a cloud that looked like a deer. She’d grinned up at him, and he ran his fingers through her hair, rubbing his thumb agains the skin on her arm as he pressed his lips onto her head.

Another scene. This time snow, was coming down outside. He was entering the bedroom, and she stood by the window in her nightgown, her hair braided down her back. She looked exhausted but she was grinning down at the baby bundled in her arms. Singing a song he didn’t recognize softly. She noticed him. Grinning widely. “There’s Papa.” He heard her whisper to the baby. Kissing the baby’s cheek. She leaned into him just as he reached the two of them, and his arms went around them both. Holding them both protectively in his embrace.

She was running again. The Moon high above, as he ran after her. This time there was no joy in her eyes, no song on her tongue. She was running away. Quickly. The figure at her side was tall, looming, his hand on her arm. Malcolm could hear him urging her. Faster, faster run, he’s gaining. Go! Go!” Try as he might, she managed to stay just out of his grasp. No matter how hard he ran, she was one step ahead of him. Talia! Talia! He shouted. Talia!!! He roared as she was consumed by the darkness. “NO!” He cried.

“Papa! Papa wake up!” Malcolm’s eyes shot open to see a mop of straight unruly hair and tear stained cheeks. “Papaaaaa!” Cohen wailed. Malcolm sat up, running a hand quickly down his face to shake off the rest of his dream about Talia. Damn woman… He hadn’t dreamed of her in months. He’d hoped she’d finally stopped haunting him-no, taunting him. But apparently that wasn’t the case. “What?” His voice was hoarse as he reached down, and plucked the small boy up, putting him in his lap. Cohen was crying, his little body doing full on sobs as the big fat tears rolled down his round cheeks. Malcolm reached down using his large thumbs to wipe them away. “Hey, Hey. Use your words, what happened?” Malcolm told him. He glanced up wondering where Aidan and Grace were. Malcolm had gone on a late patrol the night before and had been sleeping in, but apparently sleeping in too late.

“A-aidan g-got in a fight wif uuka rock, a-and now h-he's g-on a-and I- coodn't fin him.” Cohen hiccuped. Struggling to form his words. Malcolm’s brow furrowed. “What?” He asked. “Uuka s-s-said I idn’t hab a Mama.” Cohen sniffled out as big tears began to swell in his eyes again, and Malcolm placed his big hands on either side of his sons head trying to make sense of what he was saying, but it was enough to understand that it felt like he’d taken a knife to the belly and someone was twisting it. Damn you Talia. He cursed. “Aidan s-said I deed, a-and that she w-was gone, and he said nuh-uh, and and made fun of me.” Cohen tried to put his head down in shame, but Malcolm wouldn’t let him. His lips pursed into a hard line as a heaviness settled on his brow. “Aidan beat 'im up.” Cohen said with big eyes. “Good.” Malcolm growled. He wiped Cohen’s cheeks clear of more tears, and then picked him up for a tight hug. Cohen’s little arms going around his neck. “You tell me next time if Luka Brock ever talks about your Mama, Ya here?” He whispered. Cohen nodded his head and sniffled before he leaned back. “Adults came and and pulled Aidan off.” He said. “Where is he now?” Malcolm asked. “Gone.” Cohen responded. “Gone where Cohen?” Malcolm asked again. The little boy shrugged, holding his arms up at his sides. “I dunno, I twied followeeng 'im but he's too fast!” He said. Dammit Aidan. Malcolm thought. He sighed heavily, Throwing his legs over the side of his bed, he picked Cohen up and then set him down on the floor, before he began to pull his boots on, and stood.

Grabbing his shirt, he pulled it on over his head and placed a hand on Cohen’s head as he moved past him. “Where ya goin?” He called. His little feet pattering against the floor as he scrambled after him. “To go find your brother, Where’s Gracie?” Malcolm asked, looking behind him. “She’s out back wif King.” Cohen called. “Good, stay here.” He ordered. “But I wanna come too!” Cohen pouted. Malcolm turned to look at him. “I need to find your brother, you stay here and be a good boy.” Malcolm told him. “Go help Grace with whatever she’s doing.” Malcolm told him. Cohen stuck out his bottom lip and tears began to swell again. Malcolm practically groaned. This kid was nearly as stubborn as his brother and there was only one person they could get this bullheaded from. He was getting a taste of his own medicine wasn't he? Two sets of eyes were better than one right?

“Alright fine, but you know the rules.” Malcolm said, pointing a finger at him. Cohen grinned and let a little whoop out before he rushed forward, and threw himself at Malcolm. Malcolm caught him easily and gave his belly a little tickle, receiving a shriek of laughter from Cohen, as he giggled and tried to coil away from Malcolm. He smiled and then lifted Cohen up, bending his head forward a bit as he lifted the small boy above his head and settled him on his shoulders. He grabbed his ankles then, holding him securely in place, and he could feel Cohens hands in his own mop of long unruly hair. “Where did you see your brother run off?” He asked. “Dat way!” Cohen said. Malcolm had to look up to see where he was pointing, but once he saw, he began to trudge off in that direction.

[Aquila]

The world was still spinning, but he could feel his breath returning, and he sucked it in gulps. He could see the Monster descending on him and he screamed, trying to scramble away. He froze though when it said his name. Why did the monster know his name? The voice was muffled, but he could make out the words. He frowned, looking at the monster suspiciously as he held tight to the stuffed wolf and sat up. Scooting back until his back hit a bush. 

He frowned, as he got a good look at the monster, and realized it wasn't a monster, but a person. A lady if he had a guess, from the way the voice sounded. She was dressed in dark clothes and had hood on. It was a mask she wore, and he could barely make out her eyes through the holes in the mask. mo ghille dàna. The saying. It was so familiar. Even if it had been three years he'd heard it, he'd know the saying anywhere. "H-how do you know my name?" He asked. He held the stuffed wolf close to his chest. Yes! That's right! He was a wolf! He didn't run away! He didn't need to be afraid! Even more, he was the mangy wolf's cub, as Lycus liked to inform him. His Papa was Malcolm Harper!, and Malcolm Harper was afraid of nuthin. 

Comforted by this knowledge, Aidan rose to his feet. Sticking his chin out defiantly. Aunt Gracie always said not to talk to strangers, but this was Wynfrid territory, they were all a pack. So who was this wolf behind the mask playing tricks on him? The person knew his name so it had to be someone from the clan right? Playing a prank on him? He pursed his lips, glaring at the person. "Take the mask off. You scared me, it was mean." He demanded, crossing his arms over his chest, and fixing the person with a look that he'd seen Papa give people all the time when he was annoyed with them. 

[Talia Amras]

Talia didn't advance on the poor child as he managed to scramble away. Remaining where she crouched, her shoulders were shrugging from every sob that racked her entire form. Runaway, the voice inside told her, warned her, threatened her. This was dangerous, she had already gone too far. What if there was another Kotori nearby and saw her there? Saw Aidan?

That only made the need to reach out for him stronger, because as his mother she should be consoling him. She should be gathering him in her arms and never letting him go. Every second she remained there, the more it killed her and the harder she cried.

Her son was talking and she was trying to concentrate, attempting to figure out what to do and where to go from here. She couldn't linger much longer, but she knew in her heart that it would be impossible to leave right now. 'Take the mask off.' There was a scared flutter in her chest and she said nothing; those bright blue eyes staring at him through the holes of the skull.

"Alright..." she finally said, her voice so low because she was afraid it was going to crack underneath the emotion. "But, you need to promise me...that you will not run, okay?" Talia hesitated then, managing to ignore the warnings in her head as she drew the hood back a little before lifting the mask up to rest atop her head, revealing her face to him. The face of his mother who was deemed dead, tears pouring from her eyes and a loving smile on her lips. Finally seeing him up close with her own eyes filled her with such warmth and longing that it was, once again, tearing her into two.

"It's me, Aidan...it's just me."

[Aquila]

Dark brows furrowed as he glared at the person. Preparing himself to see who it was under the mask. He tilted his head curiously. Why would he run away? Were they scary? He watched her movements like a hawk. His dark eyes followed her hands as she pulled her hood back a bit and rasied the mask up so it sat on top of her head.

It wasn't a monster, it was a Ghost.

It took him a moment to recognize her, her face was wet from tears, but the smile. He felt a pang in his little chest. He knew that smile. She spoke to him then, he knew that voice. He'd know it anywhere now that he could actually hear it and it wasn't muffled. He looked at her in disbelief, and then shock, and then confusion. Every emotion filtered across his face, and his arms slowly dropped down to his sides while he stared at his mother with wide eyes. His dead mother. Who was very much alive. Or who at least looked alive.

He didn't realize he was crying, until he felt the drip of tears on his shirt. Was this a cruel dream? Had he hit his head a little too hard going down that hill? He should run. Papa would tell him to run. The monster could take on appearances of the people you wanted to see most in the world apparently. Yes that was it! His bottom lip quivered and he faught himself. No! He couldn't cry. He had to be strong, and yet...Three, very long, very painful years since he'd seen her. And if it was a dream, he wanted nothing more then to hug his mother again. "...Mama?" His voice came out in a whisper. Cracking slightly before his face crumpled and he lunged forward, throwing his arms around her. "Mamaaa!" He wailed. His little body shaking with sobs.

[Talia Amras]

In that moment, Talia lost herself completely. The Kotori was gone and the mother was front and center, crying for what she had done and was currently doing to her family. She wasn't sure if Aidan would have remembered her- he had been so young still when she left, and she would have been easy to forget. This thought made her realize Cohen probably wouldn't have recognized her were he here, and she felt her throat tightening even more.

How could she have abandoned them? Had there been no other way? Now, it was too late. She knew there was no way to explain why she left, and Malcolm would certainly cut her throat if he saw her.

Now, she was panicking.

Watered blues watched as every possible emotion filtered across her son's face, fearful that he would run, that he would blame her, that he wouldn't accept her. All the while, she was struggling to get over how much he had grown in the last three years. Three years she had missed, only able to see him every so often from afar. He's was beautiful and perfect, and everything she knew he would  be.

"Yes...it's me, baby boy. It's me." The words were nearly inaudible as she nodded, her hands shaking, her sobs almost uncontrollable. It wasn't until Aidan flung himself at her did she truly cry. Her arms wrapped around him protectively, so tightly as she felt his own crying sobs against her chest. "I'm so sorry, Aidan. I wish...I wish I hadn't left." There was no way to explain it to him, even if she wanted to.

Talia fell back and drew him into her lap, completely removing the horrid mask from her head to toss it aside. She kept murmuring that she was sorry over and over again, kissing the top of his head. "I was with you whenever I could be, through Tally." There were so many things she wanted to say, to explain to him, but knew she was running out of time. Seated there mask-less was already making the risk greater.

[Aquila]

She felt real. Really real, and Aidan thought if this was a dream, then he never wanted to dream again and have this be his last one. His body shook as he just cried harder. He thought she had died. Papa had said she'd died, and that she couldn't be with them anymore. But Mama seemed very real to him right now so why?

Her voice was comforting even if he couldn't understand her words. Tally? She was Tally? "R-really?" He choked out. He pulled back to look for the little fox, who was watching from the top of the hill. As if she too wanted to see the reunion between mother and son. He tilted his head back to look up at her, and reached up to wipe her cheeks with his hands. Not wanting her to cry. "It's okay mama, don't cry." He told her, before he was hugging her tight again. He tried to wipe at his own, but they wouldn't stop. If she had been with him through Tally this entire time... She hadn't left him. Which made him begin to cry even more at the thought. He'd been so sad when she left! He'd seen Papa cry too, and Papa never cried.

"M-mama?" Aidan leaned back again, placing his hands on her arms. "Where'd you go? What's with the mask? Does Papa know?" He gasped suddenly at the realization. Mama. Mama was back! She was here, she was alive! Papa couldn't have known, he wouldn't just tell him Mama had died unless he thought she died too right? That would be really mean otherwise. No, Papa didn't know. Papa was going to be so happy! That thought, of seeing Papa really smile again, had Aidan scrambling to stand up. "We gotta tell Papa! He's going to be so happy to see you! And Cohen! Mama he's gotten so big, c'mon!" He took her hand and began to tug on it, they had to hurry! They had to go right now! Aidan didn't want to wait! They could all be together again! That thought had him nearly whooping with joy. Take that Luka Brock. His Mama was alive.

[Talia Amras]

Perhaps, this all would have been easier if it were a dream. Maybe her heart wouldn't ache so much, knowing that she would not be able to spend much more time with him, knowing she may not even be able to see him again. At least not easily. Every second she sat there with her son, the more it both eased her pain yet increased it.

It was going to be impossible to leave. She was afraid for it. She was dreading it.

Talia forced a gentle smile for him as he wiped her tears away, even if more continued to stream down her face. Even after everything, he was the sweetest and most caring boy there was. He was a protector, like his father. The thought of Malcolm made her body go rigid and the panic began to return. Especially when Aidan began to speak of him.

Everything suddenly felt like a blur, and he was attempting to pull her up to her feet. She only allowed him to drag her onto her knees, and from there she didn't budge. "No, Aidan!" she quietly yelled in exasperation. "No, please...you must listen. Papa can't know. He can't." How was she to explain this to an eight year old? How was she to break his heart all over again because she couldn't return with him, even if she desperately wanted to?

She grabbed his face gently within her hands so that he would look to her. "I need you to listen to me, sweetheart. Please. I cannot go back with you. Not yet." Talia decided to lie, because she could never go back. "Some day I will explain it to you, but there is no time right now. I cannot stay. I need you to be a good boy and go back to your father, alright? I need you to go home as fast as you can run." She was trying not to panic, but the fear was welling up inside of her and she was afraid the Kotori were watching.