A/N- Technically none of this arc will take place in S7- this one starts pre S1- but it's referenced in S7 sooooo yeah. Also this chapter draws a lot of content from flashbacks in S7, but the arc gets more original over the next couple chapters.
Maya woke up with a frown. Ray rolled over to say good morning, but the greeting died when he saw the look on her face.
"What's wrong?"
"I...I'm not sure but something... something doesn't feel right about today. I feel like something's going to happen, but I have no idea what."
It was Ray's turn to frown at his wife's words. Like the river swelling from a storm upstream, or ripples in the ocean before a tsunami hit, Maya would sometimes get premonitions when trouble was brewing. More often than not they were accurate.
"Anything specific? Something to do with you know what?"
May shook her head, frustrated. "No, I think it's still safe. Just...just that I think it would be good for the kids to play away from the house today."
Ray raised an eyebrow as he reflexively glanced in the direction of their children's rooms. Maya caught the look. "I know, I know. But Kai's very responsible for a six year old. He's careful to watch out for Nya." Maya sounded like she was trying to convince herself rather than Ray. "And I'm not saying far, maybe just the meadow beyond the stream."
"You mean the one that's out of view from the house?"
"Yes..." Maya's voice trailed off.
"You're really worried aren't you?"
To voluntarily let either of the kids out of her sight like that, as young as they were, must mean something was off.
Maya buried her face into Rays chest, silent tears trickling from her eyes. "I couldn't forgive myself if something happened to them. Especially if it has nothing to do with them."
Ray held her tightly but remained quiet, thinking of their lives over the years they were active as the masters of fire and water. Maya's pregnancy with Kai brought about early retirement for the masters, but it was a change in profession they were happy to accept. Still, the past came with many enemies. Those who would love to exploit Kai and Nya's existence.
"If that's what you think is best I'd rather be safe than sorry." Ray gently stroked Maya's head.
"Thank you." She whispered.
They stayed in their embrace for several quiet minutes until the squeaking of hinges demanded their attention.
"Mommy? Daddy? I'm hungwy."
Ray chuckled softly as he rolled over and came eye to eye with Nya. "I bet you are. It's already 7! Sleeping in today I see." He reached over pulled her up onto the bed.
Nya giggled before pulling on his hand. "Pwease can we eat?"
Ray sighed dramatically. "Alright. Run on downstairs and I'll be down in just a minute."
"Yay!" Oblivious to the fact that her exclamation was directly in Ray's ear, Nya leapt off the bed and ran out of the room.
Ray's smile slid away as soon as she was gone. He couldn't imagine anything happening to his little water lily or fire cracker but Maya's worry was quickly becoming his own.
"I'll head downstairs to get them breakfast. Rest a little longer if you want to."
A door banged open down the hall and small feet clomped down the stairs.
"Don't think that'll happen now." Maya smiled ruefully, but honestly didn't think she could have gone back to sleep anyway. "I'll be down soon, I want to get a hold of myself before they see me."
"Take all the time you need."
Ray kissed his wife on the forehead before climbing out of bed. He walked into the kitchen and the ensuing chaos of two small children. Kai was running around with a paper airplane while Nya watched, clapping and giggling.
"Vroom! Vroom! See it goes high!" Kai exclaimed while stretching his arm up on his tippy toes.
"How about now?" Ray came up behind Kai and swung him onto his shoulders. Kai shrieked in delight. Ray ran around the table a couple times before running to the couch and plopping Kai on the cushions. "Alright who's ready to eat?"
"Me! Me!" Both kids cheered.
Two cereal bowls later the kids played contentedly on the floor with blocks while Ray loaded the dishwasher. Ray watched them out of the corner of his eye, not wanting to intrude but wanting to keep them close. Nothing was going to happen to them if he could help it. Maya came out of the bedroom, giving Kai and Nya a good morning hug before joining Ray in the kitchen. Even then her gaze lingered on the children. Ray put a soggy hand on her shoulder.
"They're going to be fine. They have two master parents watching out for them."
Maya shook her head but a small smile tugged at her lips. "I suppose." She gently lifted Ray's hand off her shoulder, looking at the wet print it left behind. She playfully raised an eyebrow. "You know water doesn't bother me, but this shirt was already washed."
Making sure that Kai and Nya were momentarily occupied Maya held her hand to her shoulder, pulling the water from the cloth. She stared at the small ball of water, watching it roll lazily in her fingers. So beautiful yet so dangerous. She sighed and deposited it into the sink.
Kai ran up to the pair, pulling on Ray's shirt. "Are you going to work this morning?"
Ray glanced over at Maya, who hesitated before nodding. "I think that's the plan. Do you want to watch me work today?"
"Can I? Please!?" Kai jumped up and down.
Ray would only occasionally let him in the workshop. He wasn't always the best at following instructions, and with a hot forge it could be dangerous. It was hard to say no today. Plus it would give Ray an excuse to keep a close eye on Kai.
"Just remember..."
"Do what you say and don't go by the fire." Kai finished.
Ray smiled and tousled Kai's hair, making it stand up in strange directions. "You got it bud. Go get your shoes on. I'll be there in just a second." Kai ran off and Ray looked up to see Maya watching him. "He'll be safe with me."
She smiled thinly. "I know. Just, please, be extra careful."
"You know it." Ray kissed her and walked to the door, stopping to give Nya another hug before meeting Kai outside.
The forge was about 30 yards behind the house, offset to prevent any potential mishaps from affecting the house. Thankfully between Ray's expertise, and the fact he could control fire itself, it had been so far an unneeded precaution.
Inside Kai found his perch on a table across from the forge. The fire and magic of shaping metal into something useful fascinated Kai. Ray secretly hoped that was because his own powers lay dormant in his son, but it could just be a way Kai liked to spend time with Ray. Only time would tell.
Ray stoked the coals and soon the room was stifling. A fact that bothered neither Ray nor Kai. Two tables were pushed close together so Ray could have the necessary tools and metal pieces within easy reach. A thick sturdy broom sat propped against the wall to sweep up any loose shavings between projects. Ray quickly lost himself in the monotony of hammering, pausing occasionally to make sure Kai hadn't moved. He had an order for helmets he needed to finish by next week. Half the morning passed quickly. Ray finally paused, wiping sweat from his brow.
Kai, seeing the action, grabbed a nearby water bottle and ran over to his father. Ray looked up to see his son's form closing in much too quickly for the cluttered work space.
"Kai no!" He shouted, but it was too late.
Kai tripped over the broom and fell headlong toward the forge. Screaming in fear Kai landed hard against the open faced forge, one hand landing directly within the flames.
"No!" Acting on instinct Ray shoved the fire away with his mind while simultaneously yanking Kai back.
It happened within the span of only a few seconds, but those seconds could do a lot of harm. Frantically Ray spun Kai to face him and pulled his hand up to look at the damage.
Only there wasn't any.
Ray froze momentarily, blinking hard in case he was hallucinating. Kai's hand was slightly warm, but it wasn't red or blistering the way a normal person's would after coming into direct contact with fire.
"D-dad?"
Ray shook himself. "Are you okay?"
Kai shakily nodded his head. "I-I think so. I'm sorry I didn't mean..." Tears trickled down his face.
Ray pulled him into a tight hug. "No- no it's okay. You're okay. That's the important thing. That's why I tell you to not move."
Kai nodded against Ray's shirt. Ray let out a shaky breath. "Nothing hurts?"
"No, dad." Kai pulled back and looked down at his hand confused. "I thought fire burned?"
Ray hesitated. "Did you feel anything when your hand went into the flames."
"No not really." Kai shook his head. "It kinda tickled but that was it."
Ray's pulse quickened. That was the same for him as a child before his powers matured. It wasn't definitive by any means, but it could very well be Kai would develop fire powers.
"Kai..." Ray trailed off unsure how to continue. The elemental masters conversation wasn't one he intended to have today.
"One day you might find fire to be a closer friend than you'd ever thought possible. I need you to remember though, Fire is a powerful thing. It can keep you warm in the cold, but get too close and it can burn." Kai scrunched his nose up, not understanding what Ray was trying to say. "It-it, ugh just, please be careful around fire. I don't want you to get hurt."
"I know. I'm sorry."
"I know. Let's head back to the house." Ray took Kai's hand and gently lead him out of the room.
"Am- am I in trouble?"
Ray shook his head with a soft smile. "No but I don't think I can focus on work again for a little while. You scared me bud. Besides mom has a surprise for you and Nya."
"Ooo!"
Significantly happier Kai let go of Ray's hand and ran ahead to the house. Ray rubbed the back of his neck. This was going to be a fun explanation to Maya.
She met them at the door, her face pinched and pale. A quick scan ensured they were both alright. Ray nodded to reassure her but he knew his body language already made her suspicious. Catching the narrowing of her eyes, Ray knew they would be having a conversation as soon as the children were out of the house.
"Here Kai I have a picnic for you and Nya."
"We get to eat outside!?"
Maya smiled and leaned down in front of him. "Yes I thought it could be something you and your sister enjoy together. You can go down to the meadow but I don't want you to go near the water okay?"
"Okay mom!" Kai grabbed the basket before waiting patiently by the door for Nya to put her shoes on.
"One more thing you two." Maya called before they could leave.
"Yes mommy?" Nya turned back toward them.
"I need a hug."
Nya ran over, arms outstretched. Kai followed more slowly. Maya held them both tightly to her chest until they started squirming.
"Mom!" Kai complained.
"Sorry." She released them but there was a heaviness her voice.
Ray gave them both a fierce quick hug. Kneeling next to them he made sure he had their attention. "Kai, Nya, we love you both so much."
"Love you too dad." Kai said quickly, eager to head out in their adventure.
Maya's lips twitched upward. "Kai, take good care of your sister. Watch out for each other." She looked them both in the eye, trying to impress the importance of her words.
"I will!" Kai wriggled out of their grip and headed back towards the door.
He took Nya's hand and together they walked away from the house. Ray and Maya watched until they disappeared beyond the hill. Maya turned into Ray's chest and started shaking.
"What is it?" In all the years he'd known her he had never seen her so upset.
"It's coming. Soon. And I still don't know what, but I'm scared we'll never see them again. That something will happen to them."
Ray rubbed her shoulders, unsure how to respond. "We'll just have to trust they can take what life throws at them." Not his best thought through advice but it was really all he had at the moment. "This might be the best time to tell you I have more confirmation Kai will take after me."
Maya shifted to look up at him. "What happened in the workshop? You were upset when you walked back."
"Ever so perceptive. Well... Kai may have tripped and put his hand in the fire, but he's fine!" Ray hurriedly finished.
"Ray!" Maya cried in disbelief.
"I know, I know. I'm a horrible father. In all our years of fighting I've never been so scared as I was in that moment when I saw him falling. But he was completely fine!" Excitement and pride were evident in that statement.
"That doesn't mean for sure..."
"Believe me I know, but that's how I was when I was a kid. Fire didn't hurt me."
Maya sighed. "If he can develop and wield his inner flame he'll be a force to be reckoned with. It can protect them... or make him a stronger target."
"Just wait until Nya develops your powers then nothing will stand before them."
Maya playfully swatted his shoulder. "We don't know she will any more than if Kai will."
Ray took her hand in his own. "Trust me on that one." He drank in her clear blue eyes. "Do... do you think we should have told them? About who we really are?"
Maya looked towards the meadow. "They're so young, too young for that burden. In any case it may be too late now..." She turned towards Ray and stiffened. Maya the concerned mother was instantly replaced with Maya the veteran master of water. "Ray." Her voice deadly serious. She pointed toward the road.
A black four door sedan cruised in their direction. Her grip on his hand tightened, but she stood straight and tense- a coil ready to spring. Following her lead Ray released her hand and took a step forward, placing one foot slightly in front of the other to prepare for a ready stance if necessary. His heart rate increased as the vehicle turned into their driveway, ominously snaking its way toward the house.
"Maya, I love you. You're the most amazing woman in the world. I hope you know that." Her hand squeezed his shoulder but she didn't responded as three of the doors opened to the car. Two men purposely walked up towards the porch, while the driver stayed by the car.
Ray recognized the driver, but didn't relax his stance. "Dr. Saunders. I didn't know you would be here so soon. I'm sorry to say your order isn't ready yet."
The German doctor smiled grimly. "I'm aware of that Ray. However I need your assistance in another matter." With a flourish he ripped off his mustache and wig.
Ray heard Maya gasp behind him and it took everything within him not to do the same. As it was he took an involuntary half step backwards.
Krux, half party of the twin masters of time, leaned casually against the car. He smirked, his accent gone as he asked, "What, no hello to an old friend?"
"That's not possible. You jumped into the time stream twenty years ago. You were supposed to be gone for good." Maya's voice lacked its usual strength.
Krux laughed, a harsh grating sound. "Twenty-three years actually, but who's counting?" He spread his arms wide. "Look who you're talking to. Time is fluid. Wibbly-wobbly. Though something can change as time moves." He gestured toward his two associates who began to close in on the couple.
Ray's hands burst into flames, but the two men didn't seem put off by the fact. They continued to walk closer. "What makes you think we'll go quietly?"
Krux crossed his arms. "It would be a bummer if we started making a lot of noise. People might hear and it would be a shame if others were caught in the crossfire."
"What people are you referring to? I don't see anyone." Maya's response sounded too rushed, even to her own ears.
"Do you really think that less of me? While I admit you two are descent masters, you don't stand a chance before me. However I still took special precautions. It's amazing what one hears being a fly on the wall these days. Oh and by the way congratulations on the birth of your son and daughter. From what I've seen they're angels." The fire in Ray's hands flickered sharply. "It would be a shame not to include them in my visit if I already made the trip."
"You leave them out of this!" Ray's voice was low and sharp.
Krux stalked forward until he was side by side with his minions. "I might be persuaded. If you two come quietly. The meadow would be a dreadful place to accidentally muck up."
Maya inhaled sharply. This was it then, their lives or their children's. It really wasn't much of a choice. "You touch one hair on their heads and it will be the last thing you ever do." The threat was weak, everyone knew it.
Krux waved his hand dismissively. "Why would I care about a couple ankle biters? They don't fit into the plans I have for the two of you."
"Ray..." Maya whispered in his ear. He was breathing hard. She couldn't see his face but she could imagine the emotions warring within him, the very ones tearing her own soul in pieces.
Slowly he dropped his stance and flame. "Swear you'll leave them alone."
Krux smile was that of a lion about to pounce. "Cross my heart." Ray and Maya stood stiffly as the men closed the distance. "Well then shall we be off?"
Firmly Ray and Maya were led to the waiting car. Without a word they slid in, squeezed together between the silent goons. Maya tried to ignore the nausea in her gut as she thought of Kai and Nya returning to an empty house. It was better than them not returning at all. The car began its slow descent towards the road.
"Just as a precaution I'll have to swing by from time to time to check in on them. Make sure they're doing okay." Krux cackled.
"You have us." Ray growled. "There's no need for that."
"One never knows the ideas that may come into your heads." Krux shrugged. "Can't ever be too careful. Speaking of..." Simultaneous clinks sounded as metal cuffs encircled both of their left wrists. "Vengestone is a marvelous thing I must admit. Very handy. Unfortunately it's rude to ruin surprises so the rest will have to wait until we get there."
Hoods were suddenly drawn over their heads. Maya found and squeezed Ray's hand hard. He gripped her hand tightly, trying to put all the words he couldn't say into that action. He started feeling dizzy and Krux voice wavered in his ears.
"I do apologize, but of course I can't have you knowing where we're going. Too much risk involved. Don't worry we'll have plenty of time to catch up later."
With those words Ray and Maya lost consciousness, allowing the darkness to ward off the heartache for a few hours. Unbeknownst to either of them, they would have many years to become closely acquainted with it.
"Mom? Dad? We're back!" Kai shouted as soon as the door was open. "Hello?" Silence answered his greeting.
"Mommy?" Nya's voice rang loudly in the stillness. After a few seconds she turned to Kai. "Whewe's mommy and daddy?"
"I-I'm sure they're in their room. Come on let's go look." Kai gently held her hand as they searched the house. There was no one else in the home.
"K-Kai?"
Kai didn't want to answer. The fear in her voice matched his current feeling. "Kai!?"
He looked down at her. "Whewe awe they?"
"I don't know."
"Will they come home?"
Kai threw his arms into the air. "I don't know." Nya stared at him wide eyed and took a step backward. "I-I'm sorry. I just don't know."
"I'm scawed."
Kai wrapped his arms around Nya. "I know. But I'll be right here for you. I promise."