Fox 30

"Why am I always walking in on this?" Mom's voice snarled dangerously.

With my eyes still closed I rolled over on the bed away from my already ranting mother. Thick, soft fur greeted me and I buried my face into my new soft pillow. Levi must have shifted during the night but he was currently taking up too much space on the bed. Not that I was really complaining it meant that I stayed incredibly warm and it was always comfortable.

"Levi shift back."

"I haven't shifted." He groaned.

"Well then..." I began and opened my eyes to  the white and black large cat lying on it's side, golden eyes staring down at me. "Why is Tommy in our bed?"

"I had the same question." Merula snapped drawing my attention to the fact there were officially too many people in this room.

It was certainly too early in the morning for this. With a huff I sat up in the bed, lightly shoving the large snow leopard away to give me space. My eyes were barely open as I took in our current situation. Standing at the door were my parents, Merula clearly pissed and Cano, with a smirk on his face. Levi had Alistair laid across his chest on the other side of me,both still not completely awake and Tommy was still in his familiar form laid out beside me.

Jason and Asher were wide awake and standing on the opposite side of the room, not wanting to be to close to my parents. For obvious reasons of course.

"Why are you guys here?" I questioned turning to Asher.

"We were hoping you could tell us that actually." He smiled bright, truly a beautiful sight to behold early in the morning.

"What do you mean?" Alistair questioned as he finally cracked open one eye to look at us.

"Late in the night or early in the morning we found ourselves pulled into a portal and dropped here." Jason explained. "Once here we felt the shift in your bond once we saw you. We figured you guys were tired so we just we were going to wait til the morning to talk to you about it."

"A portal just pulled you to us?" Alistair questioned now sitting up staring at them.

"Pretty much. We were just relaxing and then all of a sudden we were being sucked into a portal. Tommy shifted and climbed into the bed because Tae asked him to. I'm not sure why you guys don't remember any of this." Jason explained.

"Did you three just mate?" Merula questioned me and Alistair.

"Do I have to answer that question?" I questioned, my cheeks already heating up from embarrassment.

"Already answered." Cano chuckled. "But that would explain what's going on. You six have a bond that has recently been changing and then these three have just solidified their bond. They craved the three of you to share a part of that moment. So whether they realized it or not I believe that one of you opened a portal and pulled them here."

"Couldn't we sleep a little longer before this conversation?" Levi groaned as he rolled back over. Alistair looked over at him and rolled his eyes before shoving him with all his might off the side of the bed.

"So what were we talking about?" He questioned turning back around to us.

"So unnecessary." Levi groaned as he popped back up from the side of the bed.

"Levi!" Betty called from downstairs.

"Oh shit." He muttered. "It's Christmas morning you guys. Can we please discuss this another time?"

"We have no other choice." Merula replied with narrowed eyes as she glared at Asher, Jason and Tommy.

"We'll be down soon mom!" Levi called back before laying back down in the bed.

"So you three can make it back to your place? We can talk about all of this once we have some free time." Cano questioned.

"Of course. Come along Tommy." Asher commented as he poked the large sleeping leopard in his side. Tommy let out a loud huff in annoyance and rolled over off the bed, landing on his feet. He stretched his body out before walking over to where Jason and Asher were standing.

In an instant the three of them were gone and we were left alone in the room with both my parents; one who was glaring directly at us. Cano looked between his wife and us with a smirk on his face. Clearly he was enjoying this immensely.

"Betty will be expecting us all downstairs for breakfast soon. Get ready, get dressed, and meet us downstairs so we can enjoy our first Christmas together. Then once we can get away we can meet up with the others and figure out everything." Merula smiled. It was strange but I don't think that she was actually mad anymore about the whole situation. Or maybe it was just because it was Christmas Day.

With a nod from both Alistair and I, since Levi was trying to fall back asleep, they left us and went to get ready themselves. It took some time  to get ready with the two of us trying to get Levi to cooperate. When we went downstairs to get a cup of water Betty didn't even bat an eyelash when we explained that it was for a sleeping Levi.

After practically drowning him on his own bed he finally got up and we were able to get dressed for the day.  It was strange for me to be spending an actual Christmas away from the people that I called my only family for about eighteen years. It was even more strange to be spending it with people who seemed to actually enjoy being together with their families.

"Finally!" Alistair groaned once Levi finally emerged from the bathroom dressed.

"It takes a little effort to look this good." Levi grinned.

"Yeah whatever. Your mom has been calling for you for about fifteen minutes now." Alistair explained.

"I heard her." He laughed, "I was just ignoring her."

"Wait til I tell her that!" Alistair shouted as he sprinted away. Levi growled playfully before running off after him. Calmly I walked behind them as they ran down the stairs, Levi chasing a now giggling Alistair.

"Levi calm down so that we can have breakfast." His mom called out from the kitchen.

"Sure mom." He sighed as he finally caught up to Alistair. Our little mage couldn't contain his giggling fit as he squirmed in Levi's arms as he carried him to the kitchen. Betty stood on top of a chair on the tips of her toes looking in the cabinet for something as bacon and eggs sizzled on the stove beside her.

She had a whole breakfast set up for us including; pancakes, waffles, grits, eggs, bacon, sausages and hash browns. It was an all out feast that I'm sure she had been working on for a while. My heart warmed at the thought that we were all going to sit down together to eat breakfast. It was a Christmas first for me.

"I hope you guys don't mind some egg nog this morning. It's a little family tradition on Christmas morning." Betty explained as she tried to reach further up into the cabinets.

Levi looked over to his mother, scrunched up his nose and then released Alistair and gently pushed him towards me as he walked over to his mother. Without warning he snatched her off the chair just as several large bowls fell down towards the pan with the sizzling bacon.

Both Alistair and I ducked down as the pan was practically launched to where Betty was previously balancing on the chair. The hot oil burning singing the top layer of the wood before cooling down a little. Levi was already across the room with both arms wrapped tightly around his mother with his back towards the stove.

"Levi..." I whispered in awe as I looked over at him. He turned around to face us with his mom still in his arms, his eyes were shining a bright gold as he stared back at us. There was a deeper connection in that minute between the three of us and somehow I sensed that his kitsune had pushed forward more than usual.

'Take a deep breath. Calm down.' Alistair whispered over the bond. Although what he had just done was a feat worth boasting about now wasn't the time for him to get all riled up. His mother was out of danger so the next step was to get him to realize that and calm down.

"Levi, what's wrong?" Betty questioned as she pushed at his chest. He huffed in annoyance and tightened his grip around his mother. Her smothered curse words were hilarious to listen to and I struggled to not outright laugh at her predicament.

"Everything's fine Betty. A bowl dropped on the stove and the grease splattered everywhere." I explained.

"Oh. Well Levi let go so I can clean up." Betty sighed as she pushed at his chest again.

"No." Levi grumbled.

"Don't make me call your father."

'Levi just let her go. She's fine. You did good.' Alistair reminded him.

With a deep sigh he finally released his mother from his tight hold. She smoothed down her shirt and her hair before taking in the damage that was done. Immediately she ran to turn off the stove and began cleaning up.

"You three don't have to worry about this. But if you could go tell everyone that breakfast is going to be a little late that would be great." She dismissed us. Alistair and I moved quick and dragged Levi out of the kitchen and back upstairs to our room. Our task easily forgotten as we rushed to figure out what just happened.

Once inside the room Levi plopped himself down on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands. His breathing was heavy but it was tapering out as he took several deep breaths to calm himself.

"What happened out there?" I questioned.

"I don't know. I was holding onto Alistair and then something just sort of caught my attention. I looked up at my mom and it was like I was seeing a vision but in real time. I watched as the bowls fell while she was still standing there and all the hot grease splashed all over her legs, burning her. In that moment my instincts kicked in and I had to make sure that didn't happen." He explained.

"So you're saying you saw the future?" Alistair questioned.

"I guess so but it was only a few minutes before and it wasn't at will. It just sort of happened."

"Is this a new skill?" I questioned.

"It seems so but it didn't take any time to manifest like the last time or the time before." Alistair mused.

"Maybe because we...um..you know." I whispered, a warmth creeping up my cheeks.

"Oh yeah, I know." Levi teased, seemingly back to his old self.

"Could that also be why Jason, Asher and Tommy were pulled through a portal?" Alistair questioned, completely ignoring Levi and I. "One of us could have created a portal and called them to us."

"That would make sense. We would have to talk to them to understand everything though." I sighed.

"So what do we do now? We're not sure what sort of abilities we have and anything could happen and we would have no idea how to st-"

"Alistair you have a Christmas surprise downstairs!" Levi's father called up to us.

"A what?" He questioned in confusion.

We looked at each other and simply shrugged. If there was a surprise downstairs then we'd go down there and find out. With haste we made our way downstairs, Alistair's excitement and nerves leaking through the bond.

"Well we didn't think you'd be here this early to get the boys." Betty sounded excited but confused.

"We couldn't wait and we thought it would be great to spend Christmas together." A light, airy voice explained as we rounded the corner. Immediately Alistair was off like a light, launching himself at the couple standing before us. Without a second thought they wrapped their arms tightly around our mage and hugged him tightly.

I was tempted to tell them to let go of him until the male of the couple looked up at Levi and I. He actually bore a striking similarity to Alistair with the same blonde hair and bright, caring smile. The woman looked up and immediately I knew who they were by her eyes; the same large, bright blue I had gotten used to waking up to for months now.

"Levi! How are you? It's been so long since we've last seen you." The woman released Alistair and opened her arms for him. He walked up to her with a bright smile on his face and wrapped his arms around her in greeting as I stood there awkwardly by myself.

"It's so nice to see you again." He grinned.

"And who is this young man standing there waiting patiently for a proper introduction." The woman cooed, locking eyes with my own.

'Is it okay if I leave out the boyfriend part for now? They're not as open and understanding as Levi's parents.' Alistair got out through the bond.

'Don't worry love, it's fine with me.' I assured him. He knew his parents better than I did and if he wanted to wait a little while to explain everything to them he could. Besides it was Christmas and I wouldn't be the one to bring down everyone spirits on my new favorite holiday.

"This is Tae. We met in school." Alistair explained and I caught Levi's parents confused expression before they plastered the smiles back on their faces. They were probably concerned that we hadn't been truthful about our relationship but I was glad that they allowed us to make our own decision in the matter.

"Well it's very nice to meet you Tae." Alistair's father greeted me, stretching out his hand to me. Briefly I eyed his hand before stretching out my own to meet his. His fingers tightened around mine in a tight grip where he shook once or twice before releasing my hand.

"It's always lovely to meet Alistair's new friends." His mother smiled widely.

"Well since you're here let's get some breakfast and enjoy the rest of the day together. It's nice to have all three families here to celebrate the boys first Christmas together." Betty smiled as she ushered Alistair's family into the kitchen.

As they rounded the corner their eyes met mine in a sort of dead stare before turning back around to engage with Levi's parents as if it hadn't happen. My eyebrows pulled together at the unnerving feeling that was floating in the air.

"Alistair?" I called to him just as he was about to follow everyone into the kitchen.

"Hm?" He questioned as he turned around to me.

"You said that your parents are completely human?" I inquired.

"Yeah, they are. If it wasn't for Helion I would have been too. There is absolutely no magic in my blood naturally. The Academy did a test or two to make sure of that." He explained. "Why?"

"I don't know yet just give me some time and I'll explain it to you later when we're more alone." I whispered. "By the way, has anyone seen my parents?"

"Not since this morning." Levi replied.

"Well let's go eat something then we'll go figure out our lives afterwards." I remarked.

"Wait!" Levi called in a hushed whisper causing both of us to turn around to look at him. He strolled up to the two of us with a seductive look in his eyes. He stepped in front of me first, gripped the back of my neck and slammed his lips into my own in a bruising kiss that lasted for about a minute but felt like it was much longer.

He turned to Alistair and cupped both his cheeks in hands, running his thumbs along Alistair's bottom lip before leaning forward and attacking our mage with the same type of intensity that currently has me breathless. He pulled away and flashed us both a sweet, innocent smile.

"Merry Christmas loves." He smiled before walking past us and into the kitchen, leaving us to collect ourselves.

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"He wouldn't put on pants no matter how much we tried to put him in them. He wanted to just run around with his little peter hanging out."

"Mom!" Alistair shouted in complete embarrassment.

"What? I'm just reminiscing about your first Christmas." She laughed. There was something eerie about her laugh. A slight echo that bounced around in my mind trying to find a place to stop and attach itself. I focused back in on the conversation only to notice that it had moved on without me; and apparently Alistair's mom who was currently staring at me blankly.

"Tae?" Betty called to me snapping me out of the staring contest I had unwillingly became a participant of.

"Yes?" I answered, turning my attention to her.

"Where have your parents gone off to? I was certain they were here this morning." She mused.

"I'm not entirely sure. I'll give them a call in a minute or two. They probably went out for some Christmas quiet time." I answered with a slight smile.

"Oh, your parents have joined you for Christmas as well?" Alistair's father questioned.

"Yes sir, they wanted to spend as much time with me as possible." I explained.

"Interesting." He hummed before he turned to Levi's father and struck up another conversation. His actions were just odd.

'Do you feel it?' My dad's voice whispered in my mind.

'That dark, icky feeling that is practically pouring off of Alistair's parents?' I questioned.

'Yes.'

The relief that flooded my veins was instantaneous. Alistair and Levi didn't seem to notice what I did but I knew that I wasn't crazy. There was some crazy, intense magic seeping out of their pores and it was making the atmosphere around them thick.

'So what's going on?' I questioned Cano.

'When you get the boys alone ask Alistair if he knows anything about Mimics. Your mother and I are dealing with our own problem right now. If you absolutely need our help, call us but we're certain you can handle this one on your own. Your mother said that we might be late for dinner.'

It was nice that he had that much faith in me but now was certainly not the time to try and boost my self image. What the hell were mimics and if they were as bad as the mojo they were giving off how were we three going to handle them?

'Guys, please trust me on this one. We need to get Levi's parents out of the house.' I linked the other two.

'Why? What's going on? Should we get my parents out too?' Alistair questioned.

'No, once they're gone we need to make up some excuse to go upstairs so that we can talk and possibly prepare to fight.'

Silence filtered into the bond but I felt their trust and their confusion; especially Alistair. This whole situation was about to get very complicated for him. It also raised a few questions that I'm not sure we'd like the answer to.

"Hey mom." Levi called Betty's attention to her.

"Hm?" She turned to look at her son.

"Now that we have more people here on Christmas do you think you'll have enough food for the traditional Christmas dinner?" He questioned.

"Oh my! You're certainly correct." She exclaimed as she hopped out of her chair. She picked up her and her husband's plate, deposited them in the sink and rushed out the room telling us all to relax and that they'd be back in an hour or two.

"No worries mom, take your time." Levi called to them as his father got dragged out by his panicking mother. Had this been another time or another situation the sight alone would have set me into a fit of giggles but something seriously wrong was happening here.

"Hey mom? Dad? Why don't you guys get settled in. I believe that Levi's parents still have that one guest room on the bottom floor open." Alistair spoke up as soon as the sound of Levi's parents leaving faded.

"Yeah we do and everything is already set up for guests so make yourself at home while we go get a few last minute gifts from upstairs." Levi smiled warmly at them.

"That sounds wonderful." Alistair's mom cooed. "But make sure you come back down soon. We have a surprise for you three."

"Of course mom." Alistair grinned before I grabbed his wrist and dragged him up the stairs with Levi following us. As soon as we were in the room Alistair did the same spell to make the room sound proof like the night before.

"So what's this all about Tae?" Levi questioned, looking up at me.

"Alistair have you ever heard of mimics?" I questioned the mage as I paused from pacing back and forth in front of the door. Alistair and Levi had taken seats at the end of Levi's old bed as they watched me nervously walk the floor.

"I've read about them. They're demons forged from very black magic that can fluctuate their physical composition to mimic that of any creature, human or animal. When they shift they can absorb all the memories or attributes of the creature or human..." He explained the best he could before it seemed to click in his mind. His eyes found mine as I stopped pacing to look over to him.

He shook his head in disbelief as he rose from the bed and began some pacing of his own. He was muttering things like 'not them' and 'how' but I think that he knew something was off too. But even if he didn't know it was probably starting to seem very much like it right now.

"Tae..." Levi warned as he too rose from the bed. "You're not saying what I think you're saying are you? You have to be certain what you're thinking is correct before we can do anything about it."

"I'm pretty sure I'm correct." I sighed.

"You have to be absolutely sure of what you're suggesting because if you're correct we're dealing with some powerful magic and some powerful beings. We're still students, barely learning how to handle the power that flows through our bones, let alone how to use it properly against creatures that probably shouldn't exist."

"Levi, I don't think that those two are Alistair's parents. I think they're mimics. And I'm pretty sure we have to get rid of them."

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Sorry for the delay but I hope you enjoy the new chapter!

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