The Ties that Bind

Hakurei's P.O.V.

I suppose I should tell my side of this tale. Mostly at my brother's urging. So here it is. Some of you may think I am a brute, but I do love my precious Siria, and I know soon my granddaughter will come for our heads.

I am very disappointed in my daughter, but I did understand that I could not expect her to live her life as a hermit as I have when her mother died or forsake her heart for duty like my brother, Sage, has.

I was more disappointed that her choice had been Thanatos. I knew this would end poorly for her. In anger, I shunned my only child, and I lost her forever. Alternatively, so I thought.

It was late April when I thought I caught a glimpse of her, but I figured I'd imagine her. I woke the next morning to find my Siria surrounded by The Cloths of long-dead warriors trying to attack her. I could see Siria struggling against them.

I looked closer, and I saw that my daughter is pregnant. Damn it foolish girl, but I was so pleased to see her again. My student Shion came to Siria's rescue, and Shion brought Siria to the tower. I went out and watched my wayward daughter for a moment. Shion took the hint, and he went back to the tower, leaving me alone with Siria.

For a long moment, neither of us said a word to each other. I could not help realize Siria was not a little girl anymore. I had come to terms with this even though I did not approve of my daughter's choices. I still loved her.

"Hello father, how are you doing and how is uncle doing? Assia is alive and doing well. Assia misses uncle greatly," Siria murmured, breaking into my thoughts.

It was then I realize my daughter had put her hand in mine. I did not pull my hand away. Instead, I pulled her into my arms and held her tight against my chest. I am overwhelmed with joy.

"Father?" Siria said in alarm.

"It is all right, my girl. I am just thrilled you are back is all." I answered softly, still holding her tightly.

"Um...father not so tight please," Siria said a bit breathlessly.

I eased up my hold on her and gently touched her swollen belly and smiled gently.

"I am going to be a grandfather." my voice breaking. I saw Siria's sad face, and I instantly knew something was wrong.

"Yes, you are going to be a grandfather, but you may not like what I have foreseen about my daughter. Siria said, " I should have listened to you, father."

I sat down on a nearby boulder and watched my daughter with keen interest who was fiddling with the hem of her left sleeve and looking at the ground. A cold chill went down my spine as I saw how deadly serious she was.

Siria told me how she foresaw my death and Sage's death at the hands of her daughter, and she said once her child is born that she will open a time-dimensional vortex, and she will be sending the child through it.

At first, upon hearing this, I was angry, but I also understood why Siria found it necessary to do this. Siria is only protecting myself and my brother. I sent for my twin and told him what has come to the past.

June 30, my only grandchild was born, and despite the danger to myself, I came to love my little Alessandra or as Sage, and I nicknamed her Alessa. It was upon my granddaughter's birth did Siria have another vision.

Out of time and space
A child shall journey to another time
To avoid a tragedy from happening.

Out of time and space
Death and Sleep shall seek for the lost treasure
Moreover, they find lost treasure.

Out of time and space
The child shall return
Moreover, the lost treasure becomes an instrument of destruction

Out of time and space
The child shall seek vengeance for The Oracle's incarceration
Death has lied for his lord and master's purpose
However, lo, The child shall not carry out its revenge once
The Ara and The Holy Guide tell the truth.

So now you know my side of the story. My brother and I are awaiting my granddaughter to come for us. After all, this is the time of a Lunar Eclipse.

It was after midnight, Sage and I came face to face with Alessa. I lit a candle. Sage and I saw she was wearing a Surplice. It looked like a dove. I saw disdain shining in her emerald eyes, but Alessa still hasn't struck.

Alessa fell to her knees, weeping to my surprise a dog came quickly to defend her growling in a warning. I smiled gently at the sad girl, but it was Sage who addresses her.

"Alessa, why do you weep?"

Alessa raised her head in surprise. I could see the confusion on her lovely face, and I just smiled and purred, "What has Thanatos told you to gain your faith in him?"

Alessa stood up and shushed the growling dog with a single word in a strange language and turned her attention to us.

"My father told me you both sealed my mother away in one of the pillars of Athena's temple, and you both wanted me dead. Just now, I heard my mom's voice pleading for your innocence, and she showed me images of how much my grandfather loved me and how my grand-uncle doted on me."

I looked at my granddaughter with sympathy, and I came forward, touching her left shoulder, smiling kindly.

"What your mother is saying to you is true, my grandchild," I murmured so I would not spook Alessa.

Alessa looks at me with a substantial confusion until Sage came forward with a smile.

" It seems you share your mother's gift of foresight. If you touch us, I am sure you will see the truth." Sage crooned.

Alessa stared in wonder and said, "Those weird dreams I was having were visions. Hmmm, I suppose I could try."

Alessa took our hands, and she gasps harshly.

Perhaps thirty minutes past, Alessa came out of her trance, and she was shaking with anger but quickly calmed herself. Alessandra's eyes told another story.

"Thank you both." and with that, Alessa vanished from our vision.

I hope whatever Alessandra decides to do with the information, she will be all right. Thanatos will kill her or use Siria to control her.

"Athena, please watch over my Alessa and make sure she is safe."

To Be Continued.