Claire POV-

It was ridiculous.

The waiting.

At the same time it was a small spark hope. A shining beacon of light on something she had lost all hope in.

Going home.

Though she had told Stefan she would try to get back home herself, there was very little for her to work with. The world of Minaite thrived on magic, it never progressed on technology because it depended solely on magic.

She probably should have spend some time learning how to build her own circuits and systems, hell, she should have a t least learned how to make a wire.

She had basic resources to work with but the most technology she had was her electronics which would be of little help.

But she was a physicist. She could get through it, figure it out.

Jordan had seen all the machines on the other side of the 'portal', meaning it would take just as much tech for her to achieve what that guy had.

So instead of lamenting the lack of earth tech, she brought a few blankets, tea made from the priest's personal garden, and some fish Ezra had left prepared before heading back home. Once all that was settled, she hurried herself in a blanket embrace and stared out into the now well lit hallway.

Oh, she learned her lesson after the spider incident.

The ends of her short brown hair brushed against the edges of the blue blanket around her arms, tickling her neck.

She would have tied her hair, but it provided warmth for her neck against the cold coming in from the windows nearby.

Instead, she crossed her legs, brought the mug to her hands, the only part of her body she dared take out of the warmth of her blanket, and let out a big sigh.

"Hey Stefan. I know you probably can't hear me but I wanted to check in with you. Its been a relatively boring day, by Mianite standards I suppose" she said into the cool air of the hallway

"I wanted to tell you something though. While I was farming crops today, I thought of something, remembered something..." Jordan said "Its a story about a young girl who didn't have many friends growing up"

She took a sip of her steaming mug, letting the heat from it warm her face.

"Consider it a bedtime story. Anyways, the story starts off in a quiet town, nothing special about it. A little girl within that town, around 5 years old, was equally as invisible" she added

"Her siblings were distant and parents always busy, so she kept to herself. Early on in her life, she realized that being alone left her with an uncomfortable feeling, a whole in her heart. Therefore, she filled it up with knowledge to keep herself busy"

"When she read or studied, she was accompanied by that knowledge, no longer feeling so lost. Problem was, the more she secluded herself, the harder it was to interact with others once she started school"

Jordan let out a small laugh

"The other kids hated her because she wasn't like them. While they went out to play she always had a book in hand and a shade to sit under to read in peace" she continued

"Funny thing is, one day while she read during recess, her bookmark got swept by the wind behind the tree she sat under" she said "When retrieving it, she noticed a little boy just as inverted in his book as she had been. She vaguely remembered his face from class but not enough to pinpoint a name"

"All she could think about was how odd the kid seemed even though he was probably the only kid like her. He dressed funny, like an adult. While his clothes were perfectly pressed and ironed, not a thing out of place, the little girl wore colorful dresses, always a bow on her hair to match. One serious, the other sunny and bright."

The image flooded into her memory. Her yellow dress flowing with the wind, her pony tail held together by her new golden bow. She retrieved her purple bookmark and placed it in its rightful place before turning back to see the boy.

"When their eyes found each other, she expected him to be like all the other boys in her class. To give her a fake smile and extend a meaningless invitation to join them. But this kid yelled at her that she was blocking the sunlight" Jordan took a bite of her fish and cringed at the taste but ate it anyway.

"She realized that it would be very easy to hate that kid, probably would in time. But she also noticed the pain in his eyes, he had been crying" she said, a bit more quietly "Despite being so young, the girl knew much in that department. So the little girl went over, knelt before him, and wiped his tears"

It had been an instinct to do so at the time if memory served.

"The boy didn't push her away but his frown and anger remained. While still near him, she noticed the book he had on hand. It was a superhero comic book, the page folded to mark its place. So, the girl removed her new golden bow and have the ribbon to the boy"

The fire from the torches began to glow a bight brighter, its flames moved by the winds from outside. It made her shiver momentarily. Perhaps she should have bundled up better. She continued anyways, needing to get the memory off her chest.

"The boy said nothing as the girl went back to her spot, but she saw the ribbon had been placed between the pages of his comic book on the way back to class. It was a small gift, nothing special, but the little girl though the boy could use something bright to enlighten his day" she said "Thats when she realized why she was unfamiliar with the boy, he sat all the way at the front of the classroom while she was at the back. That distance seems small compared to how far apart they would be later."

"Still, as all young kids are, she forgot about the crying boy the next day. That was until he yelled at her a few days after and she thought perhaps he didn't like her, but she didn't remember much about him. Until she saw him again one day, when they became friends, when he left. As she saw her new friend leave forever, she noticed a little golden ribbon neatly tied to his school bag"

She said it then. His retreating figure, slowly making its way to a fate he didn't seem to want but couldn't escape. The ribbon swishing back and forth as he moved.

"She remembered that day then. She cried that night too, just as the little boy had once. But their promise kept the tears at bay the following days. Instead, she found a golden ribbon amongst her things and tied it to her backpack, to remind herself she had a friend somewhere in the world....until she grew up....changed backpacks as she grew older and fairies were no longer designs of a acceptable backpack. Like all kids, she forgot her earlier schooling days but held on to that promise in the back of her head"

"Now, the little girl is all grown up and far away from home. She misses her first friend miserably and hates that she couldn't remember him when they finally found each other again, against all odds. The girl wishes she could talk to him, catch up, ask him how on earth they ended up in the same college and never ran into each other" she said

"She...she wants to know If he still remembers her from when they were kids. Most importantly, she wants to thank him for being her friend when no one else would, for letting her know that she wasn't the only one who loved knowledge and spied on adults. Now both are separated once again, worlds apart....thats where today's story ends. It's not the end of their story...not at all, something tells me thats the beginning of a blossoming friendship"

Jordan sat there in silence until her eyelids grew too heavy to leave open and her food vanished. She painfully made her way to her bed and sent a silent goodnight to her family and the boy who gave her hope once again.

*******

Stefan POV-

He sat there, staring at the screen for what seemed like ions.

Claire had spoken to him often these past few days but mostly about her day or the things troubling her mind.

She had no idea he could listen, that the whole world could.

Claire was entrusting him with private matters that the whole world tuned in to hear.

But he cherished those talks, stayed up late, not working, just listening.

He always waited until she finished talking and headed to bed.

Sometimes while she spoke, he answered back. Of course she couldn't hear him, but Stefan couldn't help himself.

But today...when she remembered him.

He felt something run so deep into his emotions from her sweet words that he still stood there staring at the screen before him.

Claire knew he sent her there, yet she still believed in him. Wanted to see him. Missed him.

Though he had hated seeing her locked up in her house, he couldn't help but feel a small amount of happiness that she did it to wait for him. For the chance of them talking, of coming back home.

"Now both are separated once again, worlds apart....thats where today's story ends. It's not the end of their story...not at all, something tells me thats the beginning of a blossoming friendship" she had said

That sentence alone threatened to bring him to his knees.

He wanted to tell her just how much he was sorry and how badly he wanted to see her safe and happy.

Her kindness, some part of Stefan knew he didn't deserve it.

So he would work to be worthy of it, to bring her home.

"Something told me you would still be paralyzed here. You know, the one sided conversation has already gone viral. I wouldn't be surprised if it actually becomes a popular night time story one day." His father said

Stefan turned around to find his father leaning against the door frame, eyes bright with amusement.

Stefan willed himself to repress a scowl at his father.

Instead, he composed his posture, straightened his lab coat, and looked him dead in the eye.

"Father. What an unexpected visit. I assumed you had returned to Portland" he said, turning back to arrange stray objects on his main desk. Not that they needed organizing but Stefan needed to do something with his hands, keep busy.

"There are two dozen reporters blocking the entrance of this place, it was very difficult to get here and all I get is a cold dismissal? Have you no manners?" His father said, with the same cold tone he was currently complaining about.

Stefan had enough sense not to point it out though.

"There is an easier entrance through the underground parking lot. You're the one troubling yourself, but my question still stands...what do you require of me now?" He said, trying his best to sound pleasant

"I came to see if Mason was here with you. I've heard he spends most of his time here" he said

Claire's brother?

"He left to retrieve brunch with his husband, should be back in a few minutes" Stefan said, turning to the main computer of his giant machine, focusing all his attention on calibrating the main systems.

"Why do you care where Claire's brother is anyways?" Stefan added after a few minutes of debating with himself on asking.

"In case you were unaware Mason Johansen-Bradshaw is the Vice President of my company" his father said. Apparently he had chosen to make himself at home by taking place in one of the plush arm chairs Sonja had brought to 'bring more lively colors and comfort to the lab'.

Vice President..... should Stefan even be surprised at this point?

"Small world, right?" Cloyd added,

"Claustrophobic" Stefan replied, no longer bothering to hide the snark in his voice

"Stefan Reiner Sinclair! Correct that tone immediately" his mother screamed, emerging from the hallway

The emphasis of his full name struck him enough that he decided to do as he was told.

"Mother" he said....politely.

"Much better. Did you hear what your girlfriend said on TV! What a sweet young girl, I wish I would have met her that day during Parent's day instead of sending your father"She said, arranging her blindingly white pearls in place before giving him a small hug and a kiss on each cheek, smearing red lipstick on his skin.

Great. His parents ignored him all his life and now they were all over it.

"She is not my girlfriend mother" he said

'You wish she was' his mind screamed

"You broke through space to a far away world just to see her, if she doesn't love you after that then there is something wrong with her" his mother said, settling on the armchair next to the one his father currently rested on. "Your father doesn't even open the car door for me anymore"

His mother sighed at his direction. She then straightened her grey dress and a thought caught her mind to which she began laughing at. That cold calculated laugh she used when something or someone displeased her.

"Honestly, what is that girl thinking...fighting, killing, dating the spawn of Satan. She's a troublemaker that one. You should get yourself a proper lady my son. For instance, I heard the daughter of the Vanderbilt's is single, I could arrange a meeting....." his mother began ranting before he cut her off

"First of all mother, I'm not interested in dating any of the daughters of your wealthy family acquaintances to gain you more status and wealth. Secondly, Claire IS a lady, but she is also a warrior and a brilliant woman. While your abilities are limited to parading in expensive attire and charming your way to power, Claire can survive the harshest conditions while fighting for herself and others. Have care how you speak of her" Stefan said. That small thread of self control snapping at last

She let out a surprised gasp.

"Now, if we are done faking formalities can you tell me why you came and what it is you want? In case you weren't aware, I'm busy trying to save a life and break the laws of the universe while I'm at it" Stefan said

His father looked like he was one move away from pouncing on him and his mother pretended to be surprised and offended at his comment.

"You're coming to Oregon with us to see the Vanderbilts" his father said, anger heavily lacing his tone

So this was about setting him up with some wealthy brat for something. Money, lands, who knew.

They never change.

"No" he said, turning back to his machine, cleaning off some oil on his lab coat.

"It's not up for debate. Pack your things" his father said, slowly this time as if he was a child in need of help to understand common speech "You have gained quite a lot of popularity son. After I fixed your public image that day of the interview, people love you"

That's why he had gone. To spread the story of him and Claire to get the world to love Stefan again and use that new image as a bargaining chip.

Pathetic yet brilliant plan. Just like his father to do something like that.

"I already said no. I left Claire behind once because of you two, never again. I wont let you guys separate us once more" he stated, a command not up for debate.

There was no way he would leave his work, leave her. His parents were delusional if they thought he would leave Claire behind.

Not that he was just staying for her of course. He needed to finish his schooling and was now employed by the American government physics department. He had a life here, a life he would fight for.

Before his parents could begin screaming at him, Adelina (Claire's little sister) walked in with a steaming bag surely filled with food.

Paying no mind to his parents, Adelina rushed over to him and embraced him. He had long since stopped flinching at the feeling of an embrace and now hugged the girl back. Granted he still wasn't very good at hugs.

"Guess what we brought you! We made Chinese food!" the little girl said enthusiastically

"You did? How was that?" He said, ignoring his parents completely and smiling down at the girl

"Fun!! I saw what my sister said about you too! How romantic was that! When you guys get married can I be the maid of honor?!" She asked casually

Stefan felt his cheeks heat up.

"Lina! Stop pestering him about his future wedding" Claire's mom said as she walked into the lab, more bags in hand.

His future wedding? Was she ok with that?

What was he thinking! He hadn't even spent time with Claire and her family surely hated him and...

When he went to help Claire's mother with the bags he turned to look at the plush chairs, preparing to kick his parents out so Claire's family had a moment of peace.

Thankfully, his parents were leaving at last, leaving without a word.

Thank whatever gods existed for bringing the Johansens along.

Still, he knew they wouldn't drop the subject of going home to life of enslavement for money. He knew how persistent they could be, they never took no for an answer. Hence his father's large and successful business.

"Let's eat shall we?" He said, at last with some semblance of peace, turning to who he considered him family more than his own blood.

********

Ianite POV-

It took all of his energy to create a communication summon, granted he wasn't at his full potential yet.

If he were fully healed and had his heart restored, it would have taken half a thought to do so.

It was important though, he had to communicate with him.

After a few seconds of reaching in to his remaining power he managed to summon enough to tap in to his End connection.

Magic began to swirl before the god of the end, swirling in various shades of purple and green, circling around each other.

Then it happened, the communication came to life and he let a bit of soul fragment step into his champion's home.

She was fumbling over a steaming mug, eyes strained from just waking up.

It was around midnight it seemed.

Once his image settled into a more solid form, Jordan dropped her mug and stumbled a few steps back.

"Oh my god! A ghost!....wait, Ianite?" She said, rubbing her eyes awake.

"There is no time. Did someone open breach here? In this home?" He asked, already feeling the strain of his magic tightening.

She was shocked, but to her credit, she calmed down enough to focus.

"Um yes, once right in the middle of the hallway to your left" Jordan said

Ianite knew his time was limited, but he couldn't help it.

Jordan looked well, tired and perhaps slightly thinner than last time he'd seen her.

Not a wound or scratch though, Dianite hadn't hurt her.

It had been eating him alive not knowing whether she was alright after his power failed him all those nights ago and was forced to return his soul to his body.

Something told him his brother would never hurt Jordan, but they were both unpredictable in some sense.

Yet there she was, unharmed.

There would be time to talk later though, right now he had to focus on what his vision revealed.

"I need you to go to the priest and inform him to prepare for the high tide, the dark moon is upon us my champion. Go, please." He said to his surprised champion.

She didn't hesitate, Though she bore thigh length black shorts and a lose black shirt, she rushed out into the cold night, not even bothering to put shoes on. Just grabbed her sword and left.

Good.

Though he did need to inform the priest of the darkness upon them that wasn't why he had sent her away.

Ianite couldn't let her witness what he was about to do and say.

He sensed the remaining energy of the end in the hallway his champion had pointed out.

Though Ianite's non material body was screaming in discomfort, he gathered his magic and opened it up.