WITH HELD

Return.

"We need to follow..." I was sitting beside Fern, Abby had woken her up. She was holding the small metal cup in her hands, small sips of water. I had tried her hair back, she couldn't stop shaking. We live for many things in life, or life it's self. Some have a goal, or many. Some have none. Each to their own choice. Abby wanted Hector. Clark's sole choice was the mansion, and all things in regard to that.     My parents lived to make the Wiccan world better, stronger.

My goal, was to be more me. Not that I'd ever stopped. And, Ethan. 

Fern's world was Pixie.    Fern had been hand-picked to be in service to Abby.  To forsake all others, duties. To be at Abby's side through any tragedy. No matter what.    And, now there was Hector and Pixie.     Abby would drop the crown to just have him.   Fern would rip off her own wings for that child. Life choices. We make them, or do they propel us to the centre of all of madness.

Fern watched me, put the cup on the log beside her. She ran a hand over her braided hair, her hand suddenly dropped (Her hair was as neat as it was ever going to be at present) Like her, all things tidied on the surface - But, a horrid mess within.

Stella came and sat beside me.

"We gotta move. I can't just sit here like some maiden waiting to be rescued, or the tragedy to come to us!.." She looked at me, then Fern (Fern's hands couldn't stay still, she kept shaking) Abby walked over to us.

"We are so sitting ducks! Don't need magic to know of that.." Abby stood to her full height. "I know Clark and Benton said to wait here. Out of sight. Here is not safest. Especially considering, we are not doing a thing! Sitting fools to the slaughter.." Abby then moved, and bent down in front of Fern. "She is important to you. She's important to me too. The child is a gift to our people. We will get her back.." Abby then stood, gently pulled Fern to a standing position.

"We move. We go now. As a royal, that is my decision.." Abby glanced up at the sky, then looked to me..."The weather is telling a tale, that will bring a closure. Will we play a part, watch...Or..? I can't say.." Abby had pulled Fern close to her. Stella stood too. I stood, my hands moved, twirled. A scent was in the air, I could hear bones swinging in the air, the mansion was calling.

%~~+~~| }#{ |~~+~~%

Clark and Benton had hidden themselves by a tree, Clark was still mentally telling herself off for past promises.     Benton had assured her a million times, I would understand if victory hadn't been achieved.

"What in the devil's name is he doing?!   The child will never be returned.    The other boy, Hector?   Yes. Him.  Is going to end up dead.   Benton!    What the hell?!.."       Clark suddenly clutched at her rifle.     Benton laid a hand on her arm.

"He's doing something.   What we can't begin to gage at.    But, he's leading them..."      Clark's cold hand shot to his mouth.

"The mansion!    Of all the places!    Benton! The mansion!.."       Clark shot a quick look to the sky.

"Lucian!    At the mansion!    Of all places. The devil has found his fiery hell!      I knew it, ignored it.   Let it seep into my conscious, still kept brushing it aside!.."      Clark pressed her cold hands tightly over her good friend's mouth.

Benton just stared at her a minute, then slowly nodded.      Lucian hadn't finished.    No one ever "finishes" with him, oh no.      Benton then, gently peeled Clark's hand from his face, held them a second (Small squeeze) One hand still held her fingers, the other did quick hand pat to his rifle.    He then grabbed Clark's arm.     They had to move with some speed, no walking as one does.    Gliding.    Movement with a speed the human eyes sees, but won't believe.