Ailsa was heading from the forest sanctuary to the village when she heard footsteps. She shrunk and flew up into the trees to try to hide, keeping an eye on who it was. Suddenly, a net was shot up toward her, wrapping around her and pulling her to the forest floor. She struggled against it but couldn't get free.
She was dragged off to the same building she'd been at to rescue Marrok. She was finally pulled from the net, strapped down to a table.
Tet swore as he witnessed her being brought into the building, calling the sanctuary for help.
Ailsa tried to get free against the restraints. Scientists surrounded her and began running tests.
After a bit, she heard them mention babies. She was confused and looked up at the screens, freezing as she realized what they meant. Her breathing quickened and her eyes began turning black.
Suddenly, darkness washed out around her and then she was off the table, floating. Darkness continued to spread. The scientists screamed before everything went silent.
Gaelin cursed and held Tet away from the front door. "Don't touch the knob. I think she's let the darkness loose."
More of the walls and ceiling disintegrated, Ailsa just continuing to float there with her pitch black eyes.
Gaelin brought his wings out, flying toward her. "Ailsa? Get a handle on the darkness before you kill me and Tet."
Her voice was monotone, "No one will hurt them.."
"Them?" He stared at her. "Who are you talking about?"
Her eyes began clearing for a moment, then went black again, "No one will hurt them."
There was a cut off cry below them and Gaelin grabbed Ailsa's shoulders and shook her. "AILSA! Stop this!"
She looked at him for a moment before her eyes rolled up and she began falling.
He quickly caught her, bringing her down to the ground.
She twitched slightly, her eyes opening weakly.
"Hey, are you okay?" He held her close, blocking her view of the surroundings.
"Sorry.. I messed up, didn't I?"
"No, everything is okay. Don't worry, just rest."
She frowned, "Wait... you mentioned.. Tet? Where is he?"
He shook his head. "Rest."
She tried to push herself up.
"Ailsa..don't look." He tried to keep her from seeing anything.
"Did I..?" she shook her head. "Is he dead?"
Gaelin averted his eyes, picking her up.
"I need to help.." she struggled against him.
"Ailsa.." Gaelin released her.
She looked around for any sign of Tet.
He lay crumpled near the destroyed building. His eyes stared sightlessly at her, his expression one of terror.
She closed her eyes trying to block out the sight from her mind. She focused and light began surrounding him.
He sucked in a breath, blinking his eyes at her. "Are you alright?"
She had tears in her eyes, "I'm so sorry.."
"Not your fault." He shakily pushed himself up. "Let's get out of here."
She nodded, standing slowly and beginning to walk away.
Gaelin ran after her. "Where are you going? The sanctuary is the other way."
She shook her head, "I don't know.."
He grabbed her arm. "Stop. I won't let you run away."
She sighed and looked up at him.
"Are you okay? Why did they grab you anyway?"
"Not sure why. Not sure I'm okay.. but I have to be, right?"
"No, you don't. But I want to help. Don't shut me out, please."
"Alright," she nodded slowly.
Gaelin swept her into his arms. He told Tet that they'd be back soon. Then he took flight with her.
She stayed quiet, resting her head against his chest.
He finally landed, shrinking and bringing her inside a tree and laying her down on a bed. "Rest."
She sighed and closed her eyes. The tiredness in her body overpowering her thoughts and pulling her under.
A while later, she woke, bolting up, breathing heavily.
"Shhh. Everything is fine." Gaelin approached with a teacup. "Drink this."
"What is it?"
"Chamomile tea."
She nodded and took it. After a minute of staring at it she took a sip.
"You were referring to keeping 'them' safe. Want to fill me in?"
Her eyes darted away nervously.
"Why won't you talk to me?" Gaelin sat on the edge of the bed.
"I'm.. pregnant.."
His jaw dropped for a second, then he stammered "I-I-I'm going to be a f-f-father?"
"Twins." She gave him a small smile.
He blinked, then tumbled backward as he fainted.
She straightened him out in the bed and waited for him to come to.
Several minutes later, he woke and gave her an embarrassed look. "Sorry."
She shook her head. "It's alright."
He stared up at the ceiling and exhaled softly. "Twins..Are you as frightened as I am?"
"Probably. But instead of fainting I went into protective mode and destroyed a building and killed someone.. so you're kind of doing better at this than me already."
"You had good reason to kill those assholes. I would have. And that was before I knew."
She nodded, "Will we be okay? I don't know what I'm doing."
"I think we'll be fine. Do you want to stay in the village? Or do you want to hide?"
"I don't know.. I figured we'd keep going between the village and sanctuaries?"
"What if those creeps show up again?"
"I don't know. But I don't want to leave our friends, you know?"
Gaelin sighed, then nodded. "Yeah."
She grabbed his hand and squeezed it gently, "We should probably get back. I feel like I need to apologize to Tet at least ten more times."
Gaelin chuckled slightly. "You know he won't accept them."
"Still."
"Alright. Let's go."
She kissed him gently before standing and spreading her wings.
He rose and spread his own, flying out of the tree and waiting.
She followed behind him as they headed to the sanctuary.
She landed before using her magic to grow to human size.
Daiki raced out, eyes frantic. "Are you alright?!"
She nodded, "I'm okay, don't worry."
Gaelin rolled his eyes at her brother. "I told Tet to tell everyone things were fine."
"Well, given the fact he fell asleep while saying exactly that..wasn't sure he was being truthful."
"I just kind of lost control.. might have blown a building to bits and accidently killed Tet.. but he'll be okay."
Daiki stared at her in shock as Gaelin facepalmed.
She winced, "That sounds really bad, doesn't it?"
"Just a bit." Daiki recovered with a headshake.
"Oh, I have some news for you.." she said quietly.
Daiki's eyes narrowed. "Good or bad?"
"Well.. what would your thoughts be on being an uncle to twins?"
He let out a small scream, turned and ran.
Gaelin burst into laughter.
Ailsa chuckled and headed inside.
Aubrey cocked his head at her. "Who screamed?"
"Just Dai."
"Oh." The Strigoi shrugged and kept walking.
Ailsa went and found Tet to check on him.
He took one look at her and shook his head. "Don't you dare say it. We're all fine and that's all that matters."
She chuckled, "Well, I wanted to explain anyway even if you won't let me apologize for it."
"No explanation required, but if it makes you feel better.."
"I found out I'm pregnant and didn't want the scientists to hurt the babies.."
"Babies? Plural? I would have destroyed the block."
"Yeah. Twins." She gave a small smile.
"Bet Gaelin fainted. And congrats."
She laughed, "Thanks. And yeah, he did."
"Damn, I missed it." Tet grinned.
"Dai screamed and ran away. So I better find him."
"Pussy." Tet laughed.
She chuckled, headed out the door, and yelled, "Sorry again." Before heading to find her brother.
He sat hyperventilating halfway between the sanctuary and village.
"Hey, it's alright, take deep breaths."
"I..I don't know why I ran.."
"It's okay." She sat down beside him.
"No, it's not. I should have been happy! Instead I act like an idiot."
"You can't always handle how you react."
"You're too nice."
She chuckled and nudged him, "Would you rather me be mean?"
His eyes went wide. " , nice is good."
She laughed lightly. "Good. Not sure I can handle mean."
He laid his head on her shoulder. "Twins, huh? And you're not afraid I'll corrupt them?"
"No. You'll be a great uncle."
"If you say so. Convince Gaelin of that and I'll believe it."
She chuckled, "I just hope I'm a decent mom."
"You'll be the best mom to ever hold the title."
"I mean, I know why mom acted like she did now, but growing up she seemed so cold.. I just hope to be more like the mom I wanted."
"Quit worrying." He looked at her. "You will be great."
She smiled slightly, "Thanks."