Well Here Is The Tea

The moment Isobel stepped out of the tube, she took ahold of Jayden and drew him in a hug. Jayden wrapped his arms around her tightly, bathing in whatever support she was providing. He needed it, and they both knew it.

"Tell me. Does he really die in nine years?" Jayden asked gingerly, almost frightened by the answer he would receive even when he knew it well.

Isobel knew she shouldn't have mentioned it, but there was no point in reminiscing or lying. Jayden would have summed it out later anyway, and it would have been even worse. Figuring out afterwards that the boy you saved died a few years thereafter and your friend was aware of it was just awful. It helped with facts upfront.

She nodded her head that was pressed to his chest.

"How?" he asked, the whisper of these words like a plea. Jayden's voice cracking at the end just made it worse. Isobel clenched her eyes shut and took in a deep breath. She really didn't want to say it, but Jayden deserved to know.

"Severe epileptic seizure," she answered.

These words finally broke Jayden, and a sob wracked his body. To realize that John would die the same way he was just moments ago pierced his heart. He couldn't stomach the fact that the boy would die at the age of thirteen. One part of him wanted to wail 'NO!' and protest that she was lying, but he knew her. He knew Isobel, albeit it hasn't been for long but he knew the girl. She never lied, and it was both a boon and a curse.

Isobel's heart hurt at the sobs. She didn't know what to say or how to comfort him. She realized that it wasn't just Jayden's pain. It was David's as well.

The guy had been dearest to John. David adored his brother and would do anything for him. He loved John a lot, and the affection was returned. In those flashbacks, she had seen John's and David's interactions. The love they shared made her jealous over the fact that she didn't have any siblings, but she wouldn't argue. They well deserved that love.

She wanted to tell Jayden that it was a parallel universe. Maybe John doesn't die in this one. But there was no point in giving false reassurances. If there were chances of him living longer, there were chances of him dying earlier than expected. She didn't want to take chances as well.

Finally, Jayden calmed down and peered at his surroundings. There were standing both Alasdair and Ry. Ry's claws were clutching at Alasdair's arm and they both were shooting them concerned glances. Jayden gave both men a watery smile and they let out a breath.

Isobel let Jayden go and stood by his side, facing Alasdair and Ry.

"The mission was successful, you'd be glad to know the world doesn't have an impending doom over it for now," Alasdair said, but he had a grim smile. Before they came back here, he had got the mission report and saw that the reason for the chain reaction was Prince John's death. Looking at Jayden crying, it didn't take him to connect the dots. After all, he was working in Patsova for a reason.

Alasdair had dropped everything and looked at the reports first. He had promised to look out for them. He fulfilled it and then he got a fair enough idea of everything.

Alasdair quickly ushered them to his office. Jayden and Isobel had taken this time to compose themselves. By the time they were there, their emotions were not all over the place and they could form some coherent thoughts.

Jayden and Isobel plopped on the couch whereas both Alasdair and Ry sat on the loveseat that appeared in front of them through the ground. Along with three cups of tea and a glass of blue liquid. Isobel did not question it. Enough had happened for her to bear she wasn't going to ask these things as well.

There was an awkward silence between them that Jayden decided to clear up. In retrospect, he should have just been quiet.

"You know the royal boy, our David?" he questioned and received a nod. "Not so royal in the downwards department," he stated the fact and leaned back.

Isobel sputtered in indignation, and Alasdair choked on air. Ry just full out laughed, clutching his sides as he wheezed.

"When the hell did you even check?" she demanded.

"The moment I landed," he stated as if it was the most basic thing, Ry nodded, supporting him.

Isobel had a baffled expression on her face. She just couldn't deal with him. She still thought to humour him. "So we land in a different universe in a different body and your first thought was to see what you're packing... there?" she said pointing towards where the sun doesn't shine.

Jayden looked at her and grinned, making her roll her eyes. She let it slide. One couldn't just reason with Jayden, it was impossible. Logic and Jayden were two different things that never collided together.

"I had some questions for you, Mr Marquez," Isobel said. Alasdair nodded for her to continue. "What happens to Mary and David? Will they have no recollections of their grandfather's funeral?" Isobel didn't want that to happen to them, she didn't want them to miss the last thing of their grandfather's.

"Mary and David, both will have memories but any crucial information exchanged between Mr Denton and you will be removed and that part will be vague and blurred," he said. Isobel sighed in relief. At least they wouldn't be completely at a loss. Knowing the future has helped no one.

"I have a question as well," Jayden said. Alasdair sighed, he knew what it was. "You both will see that your payment of $1,000 has already been deposited in your account," he said.

Both Isobel and Jayden high-fived. "But you see, that wasn't the question.'' Jayden grinned. "The company has transferred my mother to the branch of Merceville," he said.

"Where I live." Isobel piped up.

"My mom had put in the application for two years but they haven't transferred her to the head office because moving out is easy, coming in is almost impossible. And it just happened the week I started with you guys. And we think you have something to do with the transfer."

"Actually, we are fairly certain," Isobel added dryly.

"It's just highly suspicious, you know. So the truth?" Jayden demanded with a smirk, picking up his teacup.