Forbidden Love: Sisters' Secret - A Story of Praxis & Theory - [Xenoblade Chronicles 2] - FanFiction

Chapter 1: Shadows of Trust

  

In the bustling city of Rhadamanthus, where shadows whispered secrets and thieves roamed the labyrinthine alleys, Praxis and Theory once stood as loyal Blades to their enigmatic Driver. Together, they navigated the complexities of their existence—fighting, strategizing, and forging an unbreakable bond born of duty and trust.

Rain fell relentlessly in the forest just beyond the city's edge, where Praxis and Theory sought refuge. Praxis, ever resilient, approached Theory who lay on her back, wounded and weak from days without sustenance. Her eyes, once vibrant with determination, now mirrored the sorrow that gripped them both.

"Theory," Praxis murmured softly, her voice barely a whisper against the drumming rain. She gently touched Theory`s face, the weight of their shared burden heavy upon her. "We must keep going. We can't stay here."

Theory's breath came in ragged gasps, her strength waning with each passing moment. "Praxis... we can't.. We just can’t.. This is too much..”

"Don’t say that..," Praxis admitted, her own voice trembling with unshed tears. "We have each other. We'll find a way forward, together. We don’t need her".

Praxis pulled Theory on her shoulder and together, they ventured deeper into the forest's embrace, where the trees whispered secrets of their own.

In the quiet sorrow of their journey, the rain continued to drum a melancholy rhythm on the leaves above. Praxis pressed on, her steps steady yet burdened by the weight of their uncertain future. Theory, slumped against her, felt the damp chill seep through her clothes, matching the cold emptiness in her heart.

As they walked through the dense, shadowed forest, Theory's thoughts echoed with despair. "Praxis," she whispered, her voice frail and filled with resignation, "do you think... she ever cared for us? Or ..”

Praxis paused, the silence of the forest amplifying the weight of Theory's words. Her grip tightened around Theory, a silent vow of solidarity. "I don't know," she confessed softly, her voice barely audible over the patter of raindrops. "But what I do know is that we are strong. We've faced challenges before, and we'll face this one too. Together."

They continued through the night, navigating paths obscured by darkness and uncertainty. Each step forward felt like a struggle against the forces that had torn their world apart. Yet, amidst the turmoil, Praxis found solace in the quiet determination that flickered in Theory's eyes, a reminder of the resilience they shared.

Time passed in the solemn procession through the forest, where the trees whispered ancient laments and the night enveloped them in its embrace. The bond between Praxis and Theory, once anchored by their loyalty to their Driver, now forged anew with something that it just wasn’t there.

As exhaustion threatened to consume them both, Theory stumbled, her weakened legs buckling beneath her. She fell to the damp forest floor, gasping for breath, her body trembling with fatigue and despair. Praxis, startled by the sudden collapse, rushed to her side, heart pounding with fear.

"Theory!" Praxis cried out, her voice tinged with panic. She knelt beside her sister Blade, hands trembling as she tried to lift Theory's limp form. "Stay with me, Theory. Please, stay with me."

But Theory's eyes fluttered closed, her breath shallow and uneven. She looked up at Praxis with a gaze clouded by pain and resignation. "I... I can't, Praxis," she whispered hoarsely, tears mingling with the rain on her cheeks. "I'm so tired... I can't go on..."

Praxis felt a surge of helplessness and despair grip her heart. She was exhausted too, every fiber of her being aching from the relentless march through the night. But she couldn't let go. Not now. Not after everything they had endured together.

Just as Praxis struggled to gather her strength to carry Theory, a faint rustling sound echoed through the forest—a sound that sent a chill down her spine. Instinctively, Praxis turned, her eyes widening in alarm as a mysterious figure emerged from the shadows behind them.

Praxis turned, her eyes widening in alarm as she grabbed her megalance, hands trembling with fear, ready to defend herself and her sister Blade.

A figure emerged slowly from the shadows, hands raised in a gesture of peace. He was a conventional young man, his features softened by the dim light filtering through the canopy above. His voice, steady yet tinged with concern, cut through the tension like a blade.

"Hold on," said the mysterious guy softly, his tone gentle yet firm. "I'm not here to hurt you. Is she sick?" His eyes flickered with genuine concern as he gestured towards Theory's still form.

Praxis tightened her grip on the megalance, her eyes darting between Theory's still form and the stranger before her. Her heart raced with uncertainty and fear, the betrayal they had endured still raw in her mind. "Stay back," she warned, her voice quivering despite her efforts to remain composed. "Who are you? How do you find us?"

The young man took a cautious step forward, hands still raised in a placating gesture. "My name is Kai," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. "I'm a traveler. I heard something in the forest and came to see what it was. That girl looks hurt. Please, let me help."

 Praxis hesitated, torn between the instinct to protect and the desperate need for assistance. She glanced down at Theory, her sister Blade, still unconscious and vulnerable. Could she trust this stranger, this Traveler, who appeared out of nowhere with offers of aid?

"I... I don't know," Praxis admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. Her gaze flickered with suspicion and fear, her mind racing through the possibilities. "I.. I can't..."

Kai nodded understandingly, his expression softening with empathy. "I understand," he said gently, taking another slow step forward. Let me help you.”

Praxis hesitated, the weight of their dire situation pressing down upon her. Yet, beneath the fear and uncertainty, a flicker of hope stirred—a glimmer of trust in the midst of darkness. With a hesitant nod, she slowly lowered her megalance, allowing Kai to approach.

Kai knelt beside Theory, his movements deliberate and gentle. He pulled out a canteen of water and carefully lifted Theory's head, guiding the cool liquid to her parched lips. "She needs assistance," he murmured, his voice tinged with urgency. "If we don't get her help soon, she won't survive the night."

Praxis felt tears welling in her eyes as she looked down at her sister Blade, so frail and in need of aid. The realization of their vulnerability struck her deeply, pushing her past her initial reluctance.

"There's an inn not far from here," Kai replied, his tone steady as he assessed their options. "It's a short walk from the edge of the forest. We need to get her there quickly."

With a shaky breath, Praxis nodded, her fear giving way to determination. She wiped away tears with the back of her hand and nodded again.

Kai gently lifted Theory onto his back, careful to support her fragile form. Praxis walked close beside them, her eyes scanning the shadows of the forest for any sign of danger.

As they entered the city limits, the rain continued to fall softly, casting shimmering reflections on the cobblestone streets. Praxis walked close beside Kai, feeling the cool droplets on her skin as they navigated through the night. Not far ahead, the warm glow of night lights beckoned from an inn nestled among the buildings.

The journey to the inn felt endless, each step weighted with worry and the hope that they would reach safety in time. Praxis could feel her heart pounding in her chest, a mix of relief and anxiety swirling within her.

Inside the inn, warmth and light embraced them, a stark contrast to the cold uncertainty of the forest. Kai gently guided them through the door, careful not to jostle Theory, who remained unconscious on his back. Praxis followed closely, her eyes scanning the cozy interior for any sign of assistance.

Kai approached the innkeeper, exchanging quiet words with her. Praxis watched anxiously as he negotiated, her nerves on edge until she saw the innkeeper nod in understanding. They quickly arranged for a healer to tend to Theory's needs.

With a sense of urgency, Kai carried Theory to a nearby room, its door open and inviting. Praxis followed, her steps hesitant yet determined. Together, they laid Theory down on a soft bed, her form still and fragile against the covers.

Praxis hovered anxiously beside her sister Blade, watching the rise and fall of her chest. She felt a mixture of exhaustion and gratitude wash over her as the healer arrived, bringing with them a sense of hope that Theory would recover. 

As the healer began their work, Praxis felt a gentle hand on her shoulder, guiding her out of the room. Reluctantly, she left Theory's side and found herself standing in the hallway, alone with Kai.

After a moment, Kai broke the silence, his voice soft yet reassuring. "Here," he said, offering Praxis a towel he had fetched. "You should dry yourself."

Praxis took the towel gratefully, nodding in thanks as she wiped raindrops from her face. The warmth and kindness in Kai's gesture eased some of the tension coiled within her. She glanced towards the door where the healer worked diligently, her thoughts with her sister Blade.

"She's in good hands now," he assured her. "Let's go to the dining room and get something to eat. You need to keep up your strength too."

Praxis hesitated, torn between staying by Theory's side and taking care of herself. But the hollow ache in her stomach reminded her of her own needs amidst the turmoil. With a nod, she followed Kai out of the room, grateful for his presence and the small comfort of a shared meal in the midst of uncertainty.

Together, they walked down the quiet hallway of the inn, the soft glow of lanterns guiding their way to the warmth and respite of the dining room.

Once there, the soft clatter of dishes and the murmur of quiet conversations provided a comforting backdrop. Praxis and Kai sat at a corner table, a modest meal set before them. Despite the exhaustion etched into her features, Praxis felt a small measure of relief in the warm, inviting atmosphere of the inn.

As they ate, Kai's eyes met hers with a reassuring calm. Praxis noticed and felt a flush of embarrassment, shrugging her shoulders slightly, trying to hide her discomfort.

Kai's expression softened with understanding. “I don’t know what happened to you two, or how you ended up wounded in the rain without help, but I understand.”

“It feels like everything fell apart in an instant," Praxis said, her voice quiet as her head dipped down, eyes fixed on her plate.

“Why did you help us?” Praxis asked.

Kai let out a silent laugh of despair, the sound barely more than a breath. 

“Well.. all this situation reminded me of something similar that happened to me.

"There was a time when I was a Driver. I traveled with a Blade, one of great beauty and power. She was ancient, her wisdom unmatched." His eyes glazed over, lost in the memories. "Her name was Prism-A. She had eyes like the night sky, deep and full of secrets. Her presence was a comfort, her strength a shield. We were inseparable."

Praxis watched as Kai's expression shifted from fond remembrance to sorrow. "We journeyed together for years, facing countless battles and forging an unbreakable bond. She taught me so much—about the world, about myself. There was a calmness to her, a serenity that made everything seem bearable."

He paused, his hands gripping the edge of the table as if grounding himself in the present. "But one day, everything changed. We were traveling through a dense forest, much like the one you and your friend were in. Prism-A was ahead of me, her laughter echoing through the trees. And then... nothing. She was gone. No warning, no trace. It was as if she had never existed."

Kai's voice wavered, the pain of the memory still fresh. "I searched for her, called out until my voice was hoarse. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, but there was no sign of her. The bond we shared, the connection that had always been so strong, was severed in an instant. I felt like a part of me had been ripped away."

Praxis felt her own heart ache in response to his story, a deep understanding blooming within her. She knew the pain of losing someone who was a part of her soul. Praxis looked up, curiosity mingling with the sadness in her eyes. "What happened to her?"

Kai shook his head slightly, a shadow of sorrow passing over his face. "I never found out. 

Kai sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I had no choice but to move on. The world doesn't stop for our grief. But the not knowing... it’s a wound that never fully heals. It taught me a lot about resilience, about finding the strength to keep going even when it seems impossible."

Praxis felt a deep sense of understanding and connection with Kai. His words resonated with her own pain and loss, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, she didn't feel so alone.

There was a moment of silence between them, the weight of shared experiences creating an unspoken bond. Praxis found herself feeling a flicker of trust toward this stranger who had offered help without hesitation.

"We're all just trying to survive in this world, aren't we?" Kai said softly.

Praxis felt confused, her mind swirling with emotions she couldn't fully grasp. She couldn't take her eyes off Kai, the sense of connection growing stronger.

Later on, they finished eating and made their way back to the room, the weight of their shared stories lingering between them like a palpable presence. As they walked through the quiet corridor of the inn, Kai paused in front of a room, turning to Praxis with a gentle expression.

"Praxis, why don't you go inside and take a shower?" he suggested softly. "I'll go check on your friend and see if she needs anything."

Praxis surprised, then turned to look at the door behind her.

Praxis entered the room Kai had indicated, immediately struck by the comforting ambiance that greeted her. Soft, warm lights illuminated the space, casting a gentle glow over the neatly arranged furnishings. The walls were adorned with simple yet tasteful decorations—a painting of a serene landscape, shelves holding books and small potted plants—that added to the room's inviting atmosphere.

A small window near the bed offered a view of the quiet street outside, where the occasional lamp post cast pools of soft light on the cobblestone path below. The night air was cool against the windowpane, a contrast to the warmth enveloping Praxis as she stepped further into the room.

In the center, a plush bed with clean, inviting linens awaited her, inviting her to rest. Positioned opposite the bed was a bathtub, its edges lined with fluffy towels and a selection of bath essentials neatly arranged nearby. The sight of it promised a moment of comfort and relaxation she hadn't realized she desperately needed.

Taking a deep breath, Praxis moved to the bathtub, adjusting the water temperature until it was just right. She stripped off her damp clothes and stepped into the warm embrace of the water, drawing the curtain closed behind her. The sound of the gentle flow and the sensation of warm water cascading over her weary body was soothing, a stark contrast to the cold rain and turmoil of their harrowing night in the forest.

With each passing minute, Praxis felt the tension drain from her muscles, the weight of their recent struggles easing with each gentle wave. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to fully immerse in the moment of respite, a brief sanctuary amidst the uncertainties that lay ahead.

After a while, feeling refreshed, she stood up, water dripping down her skin as she reached for the towel hanging nearby.

She came out of the Bathup and she saw something and let her heart skip a beat. There, in the corner of the room, stood Kai. Startled by his unexpected presence, Praxis instinctively let go of the towel, which fluttered to the ground, exposing her body completely to him. Heat rushed to her cheeks as their eyes met—a mix of surprise and embarrassment washing over her. 

Kai, too, seemed caught off guard and instinctively his eyes roamed all over her body. He let go the clothes he had in his hands, and fell into the floor on his feet. His cheeks tinged with a faint blush, he quickly averted his gaze and awkwardly "I... I'm sorry," he stammered, his voice betraying his own discomfort. "I didn't mean to. I just thought you might need these..." Kai said

Praxis felt a rush of emotions—embarrassment, gratitude, and a hint of amusement at the situation. 

With a slight nod, Kai turned around, giving her the privacy. 

Kai only heard how Praxis approached him, and took the clothes on the floor on his feet, then the sounds of the clothes while she was changing.

"You can turn around," she said quietly, her cheeks still flushed with embarrassment.

Praxis slipped into the pajamas, feeling the soft fabric against her skin. Once dressed, she cleared her throat, feeling a bit flustered but also appreciative of Kai's thoughtfulness.

Kai complied, facing her once more. He couldn't help but notice the slight blush that colored Praxis's cheeks, a reflection of her own discomfort. "I... I hope these are alright," he said softly, his gaze gentle as he met her eyes.

Praxis nodded, a small smile playing at her lips. "They're perfect. Thank you, Kai," she replied sincerely, grateful for his kindness amidst their shared ordeal.

She then let go a gasp, as she saw an increasing bulge on Kai's pants and felt a lot more embarrassed.

Kai then said “what?” and noticed how Praxis had her eyes riveted on his low side. He then noticed and said “oh boy..”

As the awkward moment passed, Kai apologized again, his voice tinged with regret. "I should go now, give you some space," he offered, starting to turn towards the door leading to his own room across the hall.

Praxis hesitated, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. She didn't want to be left alone with the weight of their recent experiences pressing on her. Without fully understanding why, she found herself wanting Kai's presence a little longer—a silent plea in her eyes as she struggled to articulate her thoughts.

Sensing her hesitation, Kai turned back, concern etched on his features. "Is everything alright?" he asked gently, his tone filled with genuine concern.

Praxis bit her lip, her gaze dropping momentarily before meeting his again. "Would... would you mind staying?" she asked softly, her words hesitant but her body language speaking volumes.

Kai furrowed his brows slightly, surprised by her request but sensing the unspoken need behind it. Doubts crept into his mind—was it appropriate to stay, given their circumstances? Would it be intrusive? Yet, as he looked at Praxis, he saw the vulnerability in her eyes, the weariness that mirrored his own. He nodded slowly, his concern overriding his hesitation.

"Alright," he agreed quietly, his voice carrying a mix of reassurance and uncertainty. "I'll stay."

Praxis exhaled softly, a mixture of relief and gratitude washing over her. She managed a small, appreciative smile, silently thankful that he understood without needing her to explain further.

The Blade felt a small wave of relief wash over her. As Kai settled back into his seat, she offered a faint but grateful smile, thankful for his understanding without needing to explain further.

After a moment, Kai Kai looked around the room, his gaze lingering on the small bathroom door.

"I think I need to freshen up a bit," Kai said quietly, his tone carrying a hint of hesitation mixed with earnestness. He glanced around the room, his eyes briefly meeting Praxis's before drifting away. "I'll go take a shower in the other room."

Praxis nodded gently, appreciating his consideration. She sensed a momentary pause in his demeanor, a flicker of vulnerability beneath his composed exterior. "Sure," she replied softly, her voice gentle and understanding. "Take your time."

Kai offered a small, grateful smile before making his way towards the bathroom door, his steps deliberate yet tinged with uncertainty. Praxis watched him walk to the door, feeling a mixture of gratitude and a strange pang of loneliness as he moved out of sight.

Praxis hesitated before speaking up. "Actually," she began softly, her voice hesitant yet sincere, "there's a bathtub here too." 

She glanced towards the bathtub before looking back at him. "If you'd like..." she said.

For a moment, there was silence, the air thick with unspoken thoughts. Praxis could sense Kai's hesitation, his internal struggle with what just happened. Would it be too much to accept such kindness, especially after everything that had transpired?

Kai paused in the doorway, his posture tense as he weighed Praxis's offer. The idea of taking comfort in a warm bath felt foreign yet strangely appealing amidst the chaos of their night. Slowly, he turned back towards Praxis, meeting her gaze with a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability.

"Thank you," he said quietly, his voice carrying a hint of uncertainty. "I... I think I will." His words trailed off slightly, a faint smile crossing his lips as he stepped back into the room.

Praxis nodded in understanding, and bit her lips. She sensed Kai's doubts.

Minutes passed before Kai emerged from the bathroom, his demeanor more relaxed yet still marked by the weight of their shared experiences. Praxis offered him a small smile, silently appreciating his presence.

As he turned towards Praxis, who lay on the bed in her pajamas, he couldn't help but notice her beauty in a way he hadn't before. The soft, warm light of the room accentuated her delicate features and the subtle curves of her figure. Her hair, slightly tousled from the day's events, framed her face in a way that seemed almost ethereal.

In that quiet moment, Kai found himself astonished by how attractive she appeared in those simple pajamas, a beauty he hadn't fully appreciated amidst the chaos of their journey. He noticed the gentle curve of her neck, the way her eyes held a hint of weariness yet also resilience. It was a fleeting realization, a quiet acknowledgment of the unexpected allure she held even in their shared vulnerability.

Her skin looked to soft and attractive, and he didn't noticed before, but those pijamas showed more skin than intended to. Watching her laying down, he was able to see half of her butt, due to the loose shorts. He noticed as well that he didnt provided any underware for her. Therefore she wasn't wearing any.

As Praxis turned towards him, meeting his gaze with a faint smile, Kai felt a subtle warmth spread through him—a moment of appreciation for the unexpected beauty that had caught his attention in the tranquility of the room.

"Thank you for staying," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kai nodded in response, a small smile playing on his lips. "Of course," he replied gently.

They settled into the bed, and almost immediately, Praxis nestled against Kai's chest, seeking comfort and safety. Her breathing soon steadied into the rhythm of sleep, her form relaxed in his embrace.

As Praxis drifted off, Kai's gaze wandered up to the ceiling, thoughts drifting back to memories

In the quiet of the night, surrounded by the soft sound of rain and the gentle warmth of Praxis beside him, Kai found himself grappling with his own emotions.

The weariness of the day weighs heavily on their minds but a sense of comfort in each other's presence easing the tension. The rain continued to patter softly against the window, casting shimmering reflections of the city lights dancing on the glass. Beyond, the city slept peacefully under the night sky, a serene backdrop to their quiet moment of respite.

As they lay there, listening to the rhythmic sound of rain, Praxis found herself feeling grateful for Kai's unexpected presence, a comforting anchor amidst the uncertainty that had engulfed them. The night stretched on, enveloping them in its gentle embrace, offering a fleeting sense of peace in the midst of their tumultuous journey.

Outside, the night continued its quiet vigil, the soft murmur of rain against the windowpane a gentle reminder of the world beyond their refuge.