When The Storm Hits

Chapter 18: Legacy of The Banshee

My brother slept soundly in the bed that the good doctor had designated as mine. Landon and I stood outside of the door, talking quietly about what was going to happen. Since I was not the legal adult age of 18 my brother could possibly be taken by the state, and I was not going to let that happen. I could tell that Landon was saddened by this, but there was also something odd about the way he looked at me. 

"Are we ever going to talk about what happened, on the night your mother died?" He asked me quietly.

"Landon, you know as much about the situation as I do..." I trailed off. I was exhausted and unable to think. 

"I know, but doesn't it freak you out that your mothers heart is what's beating inside of your chest?" Landon asked me.

"Yes Landon, it does freak me out. It also kills me that I'm here and she isn't." I spat. 

"Shit Lilly, I'm sorry..." His head hung low on his shoulders. I took a deep breath and moved forward to hug him. He was hesitant at first, but then slowly wrapped his arms around me. We stood there like that, for a few moments, and then his arms dropped back to his sides. 

"Maybe I should try to talk to Mr. Butler after James and I finish the paper tomorrow." I said. 

"Okay, but why him?" Landon asked me. 

"Oh, um, that's where I heard about the Dullahan a couple of days ago. Did you ever get a chance to look them up?" I asked Landon in return.

"No, I'll get on that." He said giving me a weak smile. 

"I need to head back to the school tonight, I have a lot of work to catch up on." I said pecking him on the lips. Then I turned around and walked down the spiral staircase. Since Mom had passed away, I got my car back. The little red bug sat in the driveway to the house, gleaming under the setting sun. After unlocking the car I slid into the driver's seat and began to drive down the long road towards the gate. 

When finally on the main road I turned on a playlist from my ancient iPod. The tunes blared through the speakers, as I tried to drown out the sadness. I missed my mom, and I was still so confused about what had happened. I just wish that she could be here to explain what the hell had actually happened. 

When I got to the school only a few lights were on inside of the building. The sky around me had already turned to dusk. I walked up the cement ramp towards the door, hoping that it was still unlocked. Just as I went to pull on the handle someone walked out. It was Mr. Butler, how convenient. I turned around and rushed after him.

"Mr. B! Do you have a second?" I said jogging up behind him. 

He turned around smoothly on his heel so that he was facing me. "Ah Lilly, what can I do for you?" 

"I need to know more about the Banshee? The Wailing Woman that we learned about in class?" I rocked back and forth, hoping he would be able to help. 

"Sure, what do you need to know?" He asked me. 

"Is there anything in your research that mentions anything about hearts?" I asked him nervously. 

"Hearts, hm, let me think for a second." He tapped his chin. "Oh yes, I do remember reading something about a ritual. I would have to check my notes to give you a correct answer, I can not remember them verbatim." 

"Well whenever you find them please let me know." I tried not to seem to eager. 

"If you have time we can actually go up to my office after I grab some dinner from the gas station." Mr. B said smiling. 

"Oh that would be great!" I said with a little too much enthusiasm. 

"See you in my room at about eight-thirty?" He smiled. 

"Sure thing." With that I turned around and ran back to the door, which was thankfully still unlocked. I made my way down to the dusty basement, using my phone flashlight until I was able to find a light switch. My hands felt along the wall until the familiar plastic was under my finger tips. I flipped the lights on in the newspaper room and then turned on my computer. Within the forty-five minutes that I had before my favorite teacher was back, I had finished editing the next edition of the paper. 

After turning everything back off I made my climb up the stairs to the second floor, and then slowly walked down the hall to Butler's classroom. His light was on, and his door was open. I knocked on the door anyways before walking in. My teacher was in the middle of biting into a huge sandwich. He waved me in while chewing fast. In front of him laid various papers with information about Banshees. There was a lot more on his desk than what was in his power-point, which made sense since there was so much here. 

"So while I have been eating this delicious sandwich, I think I found what you are looking for. It is called the Deasghnath na gcroi, which is translated into ritual of hearts. Essentially this is the passing down of banshee powers from mother to daughter." Mr. Butler said before taking another bite. 

"Oh, um wow." I said feeling guild fill my stomach. 

"It does not happen often though, only when a new Dullahan is called forth." Butler said. 

"Why does that happen?" I asked him.

"She is his ally, and partner. As he grows stronger, so does she." 

"Well, thank you. This was quite helpful." I began to back towards the door. 

"Everything okay Lilly? You look as white as a ghost." 

"Yeah, I'm fine Mr. B. Thanks again." With that I turned and ran towards my car.