Rori was super excited, for today was the day that Ryan was going to be taking her through to Luna Cove. He hadn't said much about it, other than that's where he used to live and that the Campbell Coven was there. The fact that she might finally get to meet some of her relatives was what was exciting her the most. She knew that her great grandmother was dead, and of course her own mom, but her mother had a sister, it was possible that she was living in Luna Cove. Rori hadn't seen her aunt for a while, and the same with her aunt on her father's side. Ever since they had moved to Pandora, what with her dad not being able to get out of the gates like she could. Ryan could leave Pandora too, as he was also witch as well as Fae.
Ryan was driving them through and for the most part, there was comfortable silences between them. Sometimes Rori would even drift off to sleep. The motion of a car on a longer journey did that to her. They had stopped for refresher breaks twice now and they were about to stop again. “This will be the last one, we'll be there soon. I'm looking forward to introducing you to everyone, well, those who matter.” Ryan said and winked. Rori laughed a little, “Well, I look forward to it. Should I be prepared for some nasty people though?” She asked, with a slight frown on her face. She had no idea what the people in Luna Cove were like, heck, she didn't even know everybody in Pandora yet either and she'd been there a couple of months now. Ryan wasn't one to sugar coat anything. “Not gonna lie Ro, a lot of people might not be too happy, but you'll be safe, I promise you. Right now your main nemesis is in Pandora, so, you should be good with me by your side.” Not that he was like a king or anything in Luna Cove, but he was one of the higher Fae and witches in the male side and he was highly regarded. So, if anybody wanted to hurt Rori, they'd have to get through him first.
Rori smiled, she loved the way that he had called her Ro, nobody had shortened her name to that before. It was cute. It was like the name that a brother would call you. “I'm glad that you're going to be with me and I like that, Ro. You can have the privilege of calling me that, nobody else. It's like the kind of name a brother would have called me, if I had one.” As they vacated the car to head to the services, Ryan pulled Rori to him and hugged her in the way only a brother would, “I'll take that role on with pleasure kid sis.” He chuckled, and soon enough they were inside the fast food restaurant and had ordered a cheeseburger with fries each and a Pepsi Max. While they were eating, Rori struck up a conversation, “So, is Luna Cove different to Pandora?” Ryan smiled and nodded, “Yeah quite a bit. Some think it looks quite spooky to be honest. It's full of old style buildings and the woods always have a low level mist. Hardly anybody goes anywhere near them.” He chuckled and Rori shivered at the thought. Pandora had woods too, but they were quite green, normal and according to Nick there was a beach too if you wanted one, but she had yet to see it or go to it.
Ryan noticing how she had shivered, reached across and placed a hand on her arm, “Hey kid, it ain't that bad and I won't ever let you go there, at least not by yourself.” Luna Cove had a lot of female Fae suckers, but there were the ones who respected the rule and only drank from bottled essence that was willingly given by the Fae, but then there were the ones like Adam who couldn't control the urge and always wanted to get it from the Fae straight. This made Ro a high target and he was going to make sure that Adam never got his jaws anywhere near her again. She laughed a little, “Okay, anyway, after everything that I have found about Pandora so far, when I thought I was just a human and supernatural things were all imaginary, nothing should really shock me or scare me to be fair.” Ryan laughed, and nodded, “Exactly, that'a girl.”
Shortly later, they had finished and were back on the road once more. Ryan told her that it would be at least another couple of hours, so she closed her eyes. She must have fallen deep, for the next thing she knew, she was being gently shaken to wake her. She yawned, stretched and then gently rubbed at her eyes. “That us here?” She asked, getting all full of excitement once more. “Yep. Come on, there's someone I want you to meet first. This person will help you with your Fae side. I mean, I can, but this person was my mentor too. She's gonna love you.” He grinned, grabbed her hand and sort of ran in the direction of where he wanted to take her. A short moment later, they were stood outside a rather big lavish old fashioned mansion. “I want you to meet Athena, she is going to adore you, I just know it.” Rori wanted to question who Athena was, but as she was rushing to keep up with Ryan's long steps, she didn't have the breath to even ask, all she could do was to laugh at his excitement.
As they climbed the stairs, Ryan shouted out, “Athena, have someone for you to meet.” A voice, spoke out, but not visible yet, “I hope it's who I think it is.” For Athena knew all about Aurora, well, she knew that she was Fae and that she was a Campbell heir. She wasn't the only heir, but she was first in line to take over the Campbell Coven. Ryan laughed, “Yes, it is.” Athena made her appearance then, standing tall, and glowing like she had a million spotlights around her.
Introducing Athena Croft played by Angelina Jolie
“Well hello there Aurora. We finally meet. You have absolutely no idea how powerful you are, do you? Alone you are strong, but with Nick you will be stronger still. I would very much like to get you used to your Fae powers, if you will let me?” Rori looked up, eyes sore from the light, but the woman was stunning, and Rori seemed to fall under her spell. She said to Ryan quietly, “Who is she?” Ryan put his hand on her shoulder and squeezed it, “That kid, is the Queen of Fae, mother of all if you will. She will teach you all you need to know about your Fae side, and I will carry it on afterwards, if you will allow me.” Rori nodded, “Of course.” She then bent down, and did a little curtsey, because she was now in front of a queen. “It's an honour to meet you, Your Majesty.” Rori said, and Athena came closer, and put her finger under Rori's chin to lift her head, “Oh away, none of this nonsense. I'm not real royalty, you don't have to bother with all that. You can however, call me mother if you like, or if that's too strange, Athena is fine.” She then enveloped Rori in a hug and kissed the top of her head. “I look forward to teaching you everything about Fae.” Rori finally found her voice and said, “Why do you think I am very powerful? Everybody keeps saying it's because I am a Campbell heir, but it can't just be that, can it?”
Ryan stepped back to visit with some of the other Fae, and leave Rori to get acquainted with the queen and Athena wasn't sure how much she should tell her. Had her father not filled her in on everything? Then she remembered something that she heard at the Campbell Coven, that Rori's mother had kept all the magical stuff away from her, to keep her safe. Well, it seems as if it found a way to be unleashed. Just how much should she tell her? For she knew enough. “Well my dear Aurora, do you care to come to my lounge where we can be more comfortable and I will tell you all that I can?” Rori, still mesmerised, found herself nodding despite herself. “Yes please.” Athena smiled, “Very well, come on.” Tucking an arm into Rori's, she guided her into her lounge and once they were there, spoke, “Please, do take a seat. Can I get you a lemonade or something?” Rori smiled, “Yes please, lemonade is fine thank you.” Athena poured them both a glass of freshly made lemonade and then handed Rori a glass and sat down across from her. “Before I say anything, tell me, what do you think you are?” Rori thought that was a bit of a weird question, but she shrugged and answered anyway. “As far as I know I am Fae-Witch, Fae on my father's side and witch on my mother's, but I only found that out after we arrived in Pandora. Even my father never knew about our supernatural side.” So, she didn't know about the other main thing, the one thing that made her one of the most powerful creatures around, as well as stunningly beautiful. “You do not know that you are also a celestial being then?”
Location of Thread: Luna Cove Residential Area Characters Involved: Aurora Hanaway and Ryan Branson with Athena Croft Played By: Elle Fanning and Nathan Parsons with Angelina Jolie
Rori's eyes opened wide when she heard Athena mention being celestial. Didn't that mean that she was an angel or a god or something like that? Weren't angels and god classed as celestial? Realising she had been quiet for a bit longer than she intended, she slowly shook her head. “No madam, I did not, what does that mean exactly.” Athena thought she hadn't known. She sat forward then, hands together at the finger tips. “Please, mother or Athena is fine, not madam, I mean I know I'm old, but heaven forbid it makes me sound it.” She smiled brightly then and continued, “You are not directly celestial, your father however, maybe he doesn't know either then, but he's a blessing from God. That makes him celestial and of course yourself. Together Aurora, with your Fae powers and your strong connection to the Campbell Coven and your celestial essence, makes you a very powerful young lady indeed.”
Rori didn't know what to say. It had taken her enough to get to grips with being Fae and Witch, now she was celestial? She still didn't really know what it meant. “So, I'm like an angel too or something?” Athena laughed a little, “Sort of, I guarantee that you will have some sort of angel essence.” Rori thinking about this further, as she looked around the building that she was in, taking it in, was trying to let it sink in and what it meant. The room they were sitting in had a very friendly feel, but it was also rather old style. It had a coal fire, with a brickwork fireplace, even the walls the brickwork was visible. There was no wallpaper in place. Yet the room didn't feel cold in any way at all and the fire wasn't even on. “So, does that mean that my father is a sort of brother to, to, well, Lucifer and the other angels?” She asked, trying to make sense of it all.
Athena smiled, “In a way, which I am sure will please Lucifer, not.” She knew that the fallen angel was tired of all his do good siblings, but then, from what she knew, Lucifer wasn't doing a bad job of being a bit do good himself these days. “And that will mean that Nick, Lucifer's son, is sort of my cousin?” She asked, finding all of this a lot to take in, but the idea of being related to Nick in a way, comforted her somewhat. It kind of made sense that they had this connection that she could never understand. Athena nodded and smiled, “You like that idea, I can read your thoughts too, remember. Yes, it kind of does, though, he actually is your cousin from your mother's side.” Good grief thought Rori, this woman knew an awful lot about her. Wait, what? Her cousin on her mother's side? He was a sort of cousin on her father's side and an actual cousin on her mother's side? How was that possible and why did she not know about it or him before?
She then realised why, neither she nor her father knew what they were until they arrived in Pandora. So had their families been trying to shield them from it all? “You say my mother's side, how exactly?” She needed to know and Athena couldn't blame her for being curious. “Nick's mother, Lana was your mother's sister in law. She was once married to your mother's brother.” Wait, her mother's brother? She had no idea that her mother had a brother. She only knew about her mother's sister and she hadn't even known her. This was definitely a lot to take in, her head was about ready to explode. “I have a whole family in Pandora that I never even knew existed and by the look of it neither do they. Nick has never said anything about being related to me.” She said in an incredulous voice. “He wouldn't, he doesn't know and neither does Lana. However, I think it's time it all came out. You need as many people around you to protect you as possible, and once Lana and Nick and even Lucifer, or Gabriel as he refers to himself as, will make sure that you are protected everywhere you go.” Rori was feeling a myriad of emotions right now and not sure which one she liked the most. The fact she had more family or the fact that she was some sort of angel and why did her mother keep all of this from her and her father?
Tuning into Rori's thoughts, Athena began a telepathic conversation with her. “My dear, I realise that this is a lot to take in, but it's a good thing. I am just sorry that you weren't aware of any of this. However, it wasn't in my place to come and track you down to tell you. I had to wait until you and your father found your place in Pandora first. I hope you understand.” Rori looked up then, forgetting that Athena would be able to talk to her like that and to hear all her thoughts. “I'm just confused and excited and hurt all at the same time. How is it possible to feel so overwhelmed with emotions?” Rori asked and Athena moved towards her and took both of her hands and gave them a gentle squeeze, “Because my dear child, you have been shielded from what was your heritage for a long long time. It's not fair that happened, but I do understand. This life, it can be dangerous, your mother just wanted to keep you as safe as possible. My guess is that she didn't even know your father was Fae.”
Rori took that in and began to sniff, trying not to let the tears that had accumulated fall. It was unfair, it was wrong of her mother to keep all of this from her. The life that she could have had. She could have known Nick as her cousin from day one, she could have been a part of Pandora from the day she had been born. “Aurora, please, don't get upset. It's definitely not fair, but you know now and now you get to learn all about your powers and practice and get stronger and stronger, so that you can learn to defend yourself and you will, you will soon be the stronger than most people in Pandora and with Nick by your side, you will be unstoppable together.” Now that did sound good, but it also sounded a little scary at the same time. It did explain why the snow fell between her and Nick that day in the basement, so easily, when they joined hands together. Nick hadn't uttered a word, he had just thought about it and it had started to fall. “Yes, you don't have to talk to create magic, even you yourself, all you should have to do is to think and the magic should happen. Try it. The fire over there, turn it on, just by thinking about it.” Athena pushed to Rori, all this time, Rori not really saying anything properly back to her. Rori blinked a few times, “Okay. I'll try.”
She then closed her eyes, emptied her head as best she could of thoughts and kept repeating to herself, let there by fire, let there be fire, let there be fire. Nothing worked. Talking aloud now, Athena said, “You have to think of the exact right thing. Just saying let there be fire, you could set the house alight.” She laughed a little, “I suppressed that one for that reason. It's a coal fire, and you have to light the coal for the fire to start. Try again.” So Rori nodded, smiled and closed her eyes, and said to herself, light the coal, light the coal, light the coal and after the third time, the fire burst into life and she could feel the heat from it and opened her eyes and clapped her hands and laughed, “Oh my god, I did it, I did it.” Athena pulled her into a hug, “Yes you did, see, that's how easy it is, that's how strong you are.” She kept her in the embrace. “Now, how in control are you of your Fae powers?” Athena asked, and Rori gently eased out of the embrace and shrugged, “Not sure to be honest with you.”
Athena sat down once more after she shut the fire off. “Can you always hear everybody's thoughts for instance? Or have you been able to tune in and out of it?” Rori frowned a little and shrugged, “Not sure. Sometimes I feel like it comes flooding at me and other times, I feel like I don't hear anything at all.” Athena nodded, smiling, “That's because you haven't fully accepted your Fae side and also because you're only quarter Fae, your father is only half Fae, not full. That being said, your celestial essence should enhance your Fae powers anyway. Once you fully embrace what you are, you should find it easier. You just need to learn to concentrate on the sounds you want to hear, like people talking to you, vehicles, music and eventually the thoughts will become background noise, unless you want to hear someone.” Rori nodded and smiled, Athena made it sound so easy, but she wasn't sure she'd get to grips with it quite so quickly. “I'll practice.” Athena nodded, “And do you know about your energy blasting and how you can use it to create a shield for yourself?”
Rori smiled, “I sort of found out about the energy thing by mistake, sent my friend flying in error. But I've not been able to do it since. When I got attacked, it wouldn't work at all. Think I was too scared. Thank god Ryan turned up when he did.” Athena smiled and nodded, “Yes, learning to get in tune with your energy is a bit more difficult. It usually works off of your emotions. So if you're very scared, it might not work, but if you're angry or excited, it might work without you even realising. Again, it's all about learning to zone in and out of it. You want to be able to protect yourself, even when you're scared. Later with Ryan's help we will get you up to speed, a sparring work out between you both.” Athena winked and followed it with a laugh, especially when Rori looked quite shocked. “Oh don't worry, Ryan will go easy on you. I'll make sure of it. Now, why don't you come down to the dining room and we'll have some food?” Putting her arm around Rori's waist and guiding her in the right direction. “Sounds good to me.” She was already feeling like she fitted right in here.
Location of Thread: Luna Cove Residential Area Characters Involved: Aurora Hanaway & Ryan Branson with Athena Croft Played By: Elle Fanning, Nathan Parsons & Angelna Jolie
After they had all eaten dinner, Athena took Rori and Ryan to another part of the house and entered a room that you could only describe as an activity centre. One side had a mirror with a ballet barre in front of it. On the opposite side, was a punch bag hanging from a hook with gloves. The middle of the floor had a twenty foot square padded mat, there was also some gym equipment, like an exercise bike, rowing machine and weights. Rori looked around her and then laughed, “Does this get used often?” She asked, and Athena smiled and shrugged a little. “All the time, but what we are going to use it for, only when it's necessary. I need you to get in tune with your Fae powers. When Ryan throws a blast, I want you to be able to deflect it. I also want you to know when he is ready to throw one, or what his next move will be. You should be able to do it, what with reading minds.” To Ryan, Athena smiled, “Make sure she learns, but don't be too harsh, she's young remember.” With that Athena walked out and left her alone with Ryan.
Ryan rubbed his hands together and chuckled, teasing her slightly, “I'm looking forward to helping you with this, are you ready?” Rori looked around a little unsure, but then she needed to get better, so that if she was in trouble again, she didn't have to depend on a security team to step in on her behalf. So she smiled, “Sure, but yeah, be gentle.” She giggled a little, and Ryan smiled, “Of course kid sis. Make your way over to the padded floor, that way if you accidentally fall, you won't get hurt.” So they both made their way over to the cushioned floor. Ryan came towards her, “Now I'm just positioning you in a fight stance, you'll fare better.” With that, hands on her waist he moved her slightly to the side, and then asked her to put one out in front of the other. “Use that foot at the back as an anchor to keep you steady, it should work, but doesn't always if you let your guard down.” He then moved across from her and put himself in a similar position. “Now, remember to try and read my thoughts to find out what I am going to do. You can deflect any energy blasts I send, by letting out your own and crossing your hands in front of yourself.” Not wasting any time, or allowing for too many thoughts to be read at first, he sent a blast almost immediately. The white ball went through the air like the kind of speed of a golf ball soaring. Rori didn't even hear anything so she was completely off guard and definitely not quick enough to stop it and she fell flat onto her back. Ryan ran over and helped her up. “That's how quickly you can be knocked off if you don't have your wits about you, plus I shut my mind off to you, so you had no idea what I was planning.” He chuckled and Rori slapped his arm, “That's not fair.” Ryan winked, “It wasn't. I apologise. Again.” This time, he let some thoughts swirl around his head, as she was off to the left, he decided to sent the energy to the right of her. Rori had done what she could to close her mind off, and heard his thoughts easily this time, so when the ball came towards her, she put her hands up and crossed them, letting out a ball of energy of her own, which cancelled Ryan's. He applauded her, “Very good. Now, let's see if you can do it again.” This time he decided he would go to her left, even though she was standing that way, and Rori was waiting for it, however, at the last second he changed his mind and went to the right, but she was quick to realise and once more she blocked it. “Ah, you're going to be running circles round me soon enough.” Rori giggled, “I hadn't expected to be this good so soon.” He was impressed, and he was only too pleased to tell her. “Well colour me pleasantly surprised. Now, let's see if you can fire your own ball without being attacked.”
He stood back and Rori tried to zone into her power and put her hands out, but this time nothing was coming. She hung her head. “I can't just seem to do it unless I'm provoked or surprised. However, that doesn't really explain how I wasn't able to do it with Adam the other day.” Ryan shook his head, “You were scared out of your wits that night Rori, it's not surprising that you couldn't do it then. But hopefully if you keep practising you'll get better. Now keep trying until you able to conjure one.” He stood behind her, placing his hands on either side of her head. “Don't think of anything else, just think of the energy within you and that you're in danger and you have to protect yourself.” Rori nodded, “Okay.” So with Ryan's hands still holding her head, she emptied her mind as best she could, and thought about the other night, when Adam tried to attack her, and although she felt the fear of the night all over again, she counteracted it and stood her ground and instead, began to think about the energy ball and how it could save her life and seconds later, she had done it. “I've done it, I've done it.” Ryan moved round to the front and sure enough Rori was standing with ball swirling around in her hand. “Knew you could to it Ro. Now, with your other hands, start to move it between the both and use both of your hands to manipulate it, move it around and stretch it, make it bigger.”
Rori did as he told her and sure enough the ball began to circle around between her hands, and slow but sure, as she pulled at it without touching it, via telekinesis, the ball turned into more of a flare. “Very good Ro. You're a pro. Now, I'm going to blindfold you, to give the element of fright when you don't see me coming and see if you can still tune into your power like that. Okay?” Rori nodded, “Sure.” So Ryan took a scarf from pocket and tied it around her eyes. Rori was quick to pick up the scent of his cologne and it was lovely. She would always associate that with Ryan now. “Remember, clear your mind.” With that he quietly moved away from her and waited a few seconds and then ran at her from behind, so swiftly and quietly that he was almost flying and Rori feeling the draught, knew exactly where he was coming from, turned and blocked him as a blast of energy flew out of her hands and sent him flying. She pulled the scarf off and put her hand over her mouth in shock, “Oh my god, I'm sorry. Are you okay?” However, Ryan was already on his feet and chuckling, rubbing at his chest, where the blast got him. “I'm fine, but fuck me, you're powerful. You keep going like that and you'll have no problem taking care of yourself.” Rori laughed, and the two of them continued practising for at least another hour until Ryan said she'd had enough. “Time for a break and you're so good now, but don't worry, you'll still have a huge circle of people protecting you and looking out for you. But now you can better take care of yourself if we aren't around.” He enveloped her in a hug, “Proud of you Ro. Going to treat you to a milkshake with the works, you do like them yeah?” Rori grinned, “Sure do, strawberry is my favourite.” He grinned, “Mine too, come on then.”
He took her to the local diner, it was all done up like an aged fifties one. It had the old style booths, and a jukebox player, and the waitresses were all dressed in that decade's clothing style. It was great. There was even booths that were shaped like old fashioned cars and the seats were like car ones. “This is amazing.” Rori said as she looked around taking it all in. “Wait until you try their milkshake.” He winked and after taking them to a booth, Ryan went to the counter and ordered them both a strawberry milkshake and made his way to the table. A short moment later, a young girl brought over their order, however, as she put the tray down, she just stood there and stared Rori out. She hadn't seen this girl before, but she knew Ryan, he was in all the time. Ryan waved his hand in front of her, “You okay Tabby.” Ryan asked, and Tabby came out of her dream like state and then she made the movement with her eyes, that said she wanted to talk to him privately. So Ryan stood up, “Excuse me a moment Ro.” She smiled and nodded, and Ryan followed Tabby over to another area. “What is it?” He asked, completely oblivious to what had gotten her so shocked. She discreetly pointed to Rori, “That girl, I felt something, like, I should know her.” Ryan then realised what it was, and he was so stupid for forgetting. He knew who Tabby was, but she was clueless on who Rori was to her. “You should feel something, that's Aurora Campbell. Your older half sister. I had forgotten Rori had siblings here. Where's Ryder, is he about?” Tabby nodded and pointed to the back, “Wait, we have a sister we never knew about?” Ryan nodded and shrugged, “Yeah, but you'd have to ask your mother why that is the case. Want me to introduce you?” Tabby smiled, “Sure.” She then shouted on Ryder, “Ryder, come here, someone you should meet.” Ryder came out of the back and nodded his head once in Ryan's direction. “Alright mate?” Ryan grinned, “Yeah. I want to introduce the both of you to someone.” With that he made his way back to Rori with Tabby and Ryder following, “Ro, this is Tabitha, Tabby Campbell and this is Ryder Campbell. Tabby is your half sister, Ryder is your twin.” Rori's mouth fell open, with shock, “But, but, that's impossible.” The shock too much for her, that she fainted and almost fell to the floor, but Ryan caught her and stopped it from happening and instead sat next to her until she came around, with both Ryder and Tabby sitting across from them willing her to wake up as they were so excited to have a sister that neither of them knew they had.
Introducing Tabitha Campbell & Ryder Campbell played by Abigail Breslin & Alexander Calvert
Location of Thread: Luna Cove - 50's Diner Characters Involved: Aurora Hanaway, Ryan Branson, Ryder Campbell & Tabitha Campbell Played By: Elle Fanning, Nathan Parsons, Alexander Calvert & Abigail Breslin
Rori was taking too long to come round from the faint, so Ryan asked Tabby to get a cold cloth. He folded it and put it across her forehead. “Come on Rori, wake up.” He cajoled, as she began to stir at the coolness on her forehead. When she finally came to and remembered why she had fainted in the first place, she sat up properly, “This, this it's impossible. How can you be my siblings? How?” She turned to Ryan, desperate for some answers. Ryan raised his eyebrow, “Well, when a man and a woman make love...” He trailed off, winking when Rori slapped him on the arm. “That's not exactly what I meant and you know it. I mean, my mother died giving birth to me.” At least, that's what she was told. Had her father lied to her? Had her mother not died at all, and what was this about a twin? Surely her father would have wanted to raise his son? “I don't understand any of this.” She said, sounding exasperated and tears stinging at her eyes. Why would her father lie? Why?
Ryan took her hand and squeezed it gently, “I'm sure there is a perfectly reasonable explanation, you just need to hear it from the right people.” Tabby interjected then, “I had no clue about you, neither did Ryder.” Ryder nodded, “It's true, if we had, we'd want to know about you. We have the same mother. She's still alive. She never told us about you. Tabby is my half sister, but you, you're my full blood. Your dad is my dad.” Now he seemed to know an awful lot about this situation. “But if my dad is your dad, then why did he not know about you? Why didn't I?” She had always thought like a part of her had been missing all of her life but thought it was the absence of a mother, despite her dad doing a good job of raising her. Ryder and Tabby didn't know the complete truth, how could they? Neither of them had known about Rori. “There's only one person who can answer this and she's not in town right now.” Tabby said and sighed. “It means that we will have to call upon grandmother, she's the only person who can fill in the blanks here.” Tabby took out her phone, getting ready to dial their grandmother, but Rori put her hand out and to reach for Tabby's, “No!” She exclaimed. This was about as much as she could deal with right now. “I'm sorry but I can't deal with anything else right now. I have a sister, I always had a twin and I'm only finding out now? If my dad and I had never come to Pandora, would I have ever found out about you?” Tears were rolling down her cheeks now, she couldn't take any of this, and despite the fact that it was sort of nice, she squeezed by Ryan and ran out of the diner, leaving her siblings and Ryan stranded. Tabby shrugged and Ryder ran his hands through his hair, “I don't blame her for feeling like that. I'm just as pissed Tabby. I had a twin and nobody ever thought to tell me? It's not right.” Turning to Ryan, “And you knew? How could you not have said something?” He spoke in an accusatory tone.
Ryan put his hands up, “Hey man, I only realised when it became apparent that there was a Campbell back in Pandora. I knew she was in trouble when that bastard Adam went after her, my first thought was to make sure she stayed safe, not fill you in on your missing sibling. I had no idea why you guys don't know about one another, but you need to find out. Only once you do, can proper relationships be established. Now, I need to go after Rori, she's alone in a place she doesn't know. I don't like it. I'll come back with her when I find her and you guys can talk some more.” With that, he left the diner, and went on a search for Rori, who seemed to have completely disappeared from sight.
---------
Rori had ran without even thinking, forgetting that she wasn't in Pandora, but a place that she wasn't familiar with. Heck she wasn't even completely familiar with Pandora yet either, never mind wandering around alone in Luna Cove with no family. Then she realised how stupid a thought that was, and cried all the more. She did have family here, two siblings, a grandmother and a mother. A mother who was supposed to be dead. She was so busy with her own thoughts and struggling to come to terms with the shock, she didn't realise that she was getting ever closer to the misty woods of Luna Cove. Not until she fell over a fallen branch and she finally looked up, it was creepy. Ryan hadn't been wrong when he had said that about the woods here. It was like something out of a horror movie. She much preferred the green of Pandora's woods.
She should just leave, she should try and find her way back to the diner. She shouldn't have run out like that, but it was just far too much for her to take in. As she made to turn however, a voice from what felt like nowhere, spoke. A female voice and it wasn't Athena. This was a voice she didn't recognise. She froze as they continued to talk to her. “Well, hello, what do we have here? I sense a witch, a witch with strong blood. You're a Campbell, I can sense it and I haven't seen you here before young lady. Please, do turn to face me my dear, I don't mean you any harm. I promise.” Everything in Rori's mind was telling her not to turn, not to stay still but to run, run back to Ryan, but she couldn't, she was frozen, or at least that's what it felt like. So she turned, as the stranger asked of her and she was faced with a stunning brunette, tall woman, but one that looked almost menacing, or at least that was the aura that Rori was getting from her. She now felt even more uneasy than she had before she turned to face her.
Camilla Wells played by Mila Kunis
“That's better, now I can have a good look at you.” The woman said, as she lifted Rori's chin with her finger and turning her face to the left and to the right. “Yes, you are definitely her daughter alright. However, she doesn't deserve you. I on the other hand, I can teach you great things, all you have to do is give me your hand.” Camilla said, but Rori shook her head, and tried to think of something to say, struggling to form a sentence. “I, I, sorry, but I, I have to go, I have someone waiting for me.” She turned once more, but in one swift movement, the woman, Camilla, had put her hand over Rori's eyes and simply uttered the word, “Sleep.” And Rori fell into a deep, very deep, slumber and Camilla scooped her up into her arms and carried her off to her domain.
Location of Thread: Wells Occult Organisation Characters Involved: Camilla Wells, Aurora Hanaway & Ryan Branson Played By: Mila Kunis, Elle Fanning & Nathan Parsons
When Rori had come round from the sleeping spell that Camilla had put on her, she had no idea how long she had been out for, but as she tried to focus on her surroundings, she realised it was nowhere she'd classed as welcoming. It was an aged building by the looks, brickwork, with moss coming through from the outside to the inside. It had a cold feel to it also. The ceilings were ridiculously high, making it a very difficult room to warm up even if you wanted to try. She then focused on symbols, a lot like the ones she had seen in her own home that day. So it was clear to see that wherever she was, it was somewhere that dealt with magic. Why would that woman to that to her? She tried to say she wouldn't hurt her, even though everything told her that she couldn't be trusted. Now here she was in some strange place, after the woman had put a sleep spell on her? What else could it have been, last thing she heard the woman say was 'sleep' and now she was waking up in this strange place. She was so annoyed at herself for letting her defences down. What good had the sparring been between her and Ryan if she got caught so easily?
Then the same chilling voice from before, suddenly broke into her thoughts, “Ah, you have woken. How lovely of you to join me my dear. I do apologise for the whole sleep thing, but you see, I needed you to come here and it was pretty obvious that you weren't going to come easily.” She stood there, smiling, not one that Rori felt overly comfortable with either. She didn't feel as safe and sure in this woman's presence as she did the first day she had met Ryan for instance. She said nothing, instead just glaring at her. Her silence was annoying Camilla, “Oh come on now, don't be such a petulant child. You're almost an adult, act like one for goodness sake. What I did is to benefit you, trust me. You will be nothing without me and my witches.” She flicked her hair with her hand and tilted her head and smiled once more. “Your mother abandoned you, what mother does that? Me? I would never have done that. No, I'd have raised you and trained you to be the most powerful witch that I know what you can be.” The more the woman spoke, the more pissed off Rori was becoming. She wasn't abandoned by her mother, her mother had died. Then it all came back to her, that she had siblings she never knew of that were born after her, and that her mother was alive, somewhere. The rage within her was fuelling her and her hands began to form little fists, and her Fae essence was getting ready to explode out of her. “My mother did not abandon me. She died.” She couldn't even fool herself any more never mind that woman.
Camilla laughed, “Oh my dear. You don't know anything, do you? Your mother is alive and well. Not that I know where she is right at this minute, but she had more children. She kept your siblings from you all of your life. Surely that isn't the sign of a good mother?” Rori sat up, and the energy in her finally exploded out and a white blast shot across the room, however Camilla was quite and dodged it and laughed, applauding her. “Nice try child, but I'm too fast for you. Though, that was something that I didn't know about you. You're not only witch, you're Fae too. Interesting. Interesting indeed.” Rori had had enough, she stood up, though sort of staggered back onto the couch, she was feeling weak still from the spell. “Listen lady, I have no idea who you are, but you do not own me and you had no right doing what you did. Now, I suggest you let me go, as if you don't, it will not bode well for you.” Camilla shook her head and laughed and held a finger up, “It won't bode well for me? How ridiculous. You're the one that might find yourself in trouble. I am not out to hurt you, I just want you to come and join me and my girls. We will show you good things. You will learn the finest art of magic and you will be able to do many wonderful things that you otherwise wouldn't be able to do.” Rori wasn't sure what she was talking about exactly, but she wasn't sold on any of it whatsoever. The way the woman acted and the sleep spell at a second's thought, told Rori that everything about this woman was not a good thing.
“Let me take a guess. You want me to join in on some dark occult thing you have going on here? You want me because I'm a Campbell and my magic will be the strongest of all of you. Well, I'm sorry, I am not interested. My home is in Pandora and that is where I will be going, the soon as I am able to walk freely.” However, every time she tried to get up, she just kept feeling so weak that she just collapsed onto the seat once more, which made Camilla laugh. “Oh, you'll be going nowhere anytime soon. That spell takes a while to wear off the whole body. Look, let me start again. I'm Camilla Wells, this is my Wiccan Coven building and I have a lot of lovely witches who are just desperate to meet the oldest Campbell Coven heir. So, please, do let me introduce you to them.” Rori shook her head, “I said I wasn't interested in your Coven, I am a Campbell, therefore I should stick to my own, don't you think?” She was doing her best to stand her ground, but felt like she was getting absolutely nowhere fast, which was annoying the hell out of her.
Camilla said nothing, instead moped around, walking back and forth and chewing on a nail slightly, trying to think what to do next. She didn't want to get too heavy handed with her, she didn't want to frighten her after all. Should she get one of her girls to come and talk to her? That might work? “Don't bother trying to get any of your lackeys to help, I won't change my mind.” Rori said, pushing the words into Camilla's head, so that she would know that she could push thoughts and also read them. This made her snap around, “I forgot that Fae could do that. Blast it.” Oh well, if she had to hurt her, then so be it. Snapping her fingers, she said, “Crush.” Rori began writhing around in pain, as it felt like her body was being crushed by a snake, if that's what it felt like. She was struggling to breathe. Then the pressure eased as Camilla shouted, “Stop.” Then looked straight at her, “Changed your mind yet?” Rori shook her head, standing her ground. “Never.” Camilla sighed, “Pity.” Followed by the same word again as before, “Crush, tighter.” This was awful thought Rori. It felt like her chest was being compressed. Her breathing getting more and more difficult, to the point that she passed out, and only then did Camilla stop the spell. That would teach her, she thought.
------
Ryan felt like he had been looking for Rori for ages now, and realised that in order to find her, he was going to have to track her scent. So, zoning into his powers, and remembering what her scent was like, and also using their telepathic connection, he began to track and soon enough, he found the scent, and he followed it. She wasn't so far away, and as he continued to follow the scent, it didn't take long for him to realise that Camilla Wells had gotten her hands on Rori. That was all the girl needed, after the revelations she had found earlier. He couldn't have that. She would be trying to get her to come round to the dark side. He had to get to her. He was not going to lose her, not on his watch. Her father had entrusted her into his care for this trip.
Introducing Beth Rooney played by Dove Cameron
Inside Wells Occult Organisation, Rori was still passed out and Camilla had gone to get her most trusted younger witches, to see if they could talk some sense into Aurora when she woke up for a second time. So Camilla quickly made her way to the bedroom and knocked on the door. “Beth, can you come out please my dear.” Inside, Beth sighed and rolled her eyes. What did the mother of hell want now? No, she wasn't her mother, it was just the term of endearment she had for the head witch, as she just annoyed her. She opened the door, leaning against the door frame, “Yes? What do you need help with now?” Cam never bothered with her unless she wanted her to do something specific as she was the best out of her young witches. Camilla smiled, “Yes, always were perceptive, weren't you my dear. I have what I hope is a new recruit. I would like you to talk her around. She seems, very hesitant in joining.” Beth sighed, yes, all the new recruits were hesitant. It was the building, it was old fashioned and cold most of the time. She even wasn't happy being here herself, but felt like she had nowhere else to go. Her parents were long dead and any other family she had, were no longer interested in her because of the whole occult thing.
However, she was bored, so she might as well do something, she guessed. She opened the door further, “Okay, I wasn't doing anything anyway. Where is she?” Cam nodded her head, “Thank you. She's in the lounge. She's asleep right now, a little too much pain, just sit with her until she wakes up. I am sure she would prefer to see someone different.” With that, Camilla made her exit, to go and see to other important matters, leaving Rori in the careful hands of her the only young witch she saw as a daughter.
Beth made her way to the lounge room and sat down opposite the sleeping girl, legs crossed over and picking at her fingernails. After about ten minutes, Rori came round once more and sat bolt upright at the unfamiliar face that greeted her this time. “Who, who, who are you?” Rori managed to stumble out. Beth made her way over, and sat close to her, so close that it made Rori feel highly uncomfortable indeed. Beth then whispered into her ear, as quietly as she possibly could. “Help me.” She said softly and then pulled away, and louder added, “So, it would seem that Camilla wants you to be a part of our lovely little occult here. I'm not surprised you aren't in the least bit interested. I'd suggest that you just run.” Rori frowned and lifted up her finger, “You just asked...” But Beth shut her down fast, “Shh, not aloud.” Rori then used her telepathic powers, “Why do you need help?” And so the conversation went like this, with Beth replying first:-
“I've been here for far too long. She got me at a vulnerable stage in my life. I was only thirteen, my parents were dead. No other family to speak of. She made all of his sound like a very good thing. To a thirteen year old, it was. But it's awful here. She mistreats us if we don't do as she wants us to. She thinks I am her best young witch, and I am, but not to please her. I've been looking for a chance to get out of here for as long as possible and you might just be my key. Can you help me? Please?”
“I'm not sure that I can. I mean, that is to say, she's a witch, even if I brought you back through to Pandora, she could come after you. Though, I could try to amend the spell so that she can't get through, or even get you cloaked so that she can't find you, if that's what you want?”
“It is, I can't be here a moment longer, the woman is a nutcase and you shouldn't not be here. You're too good for this place. She might come back at any minute, and when she does, I have to make it look like I'm giving you a hard time, so just play along, okay?”
“Of course, to be honest, I'm waiting on my friend coming for me, I have every faith in him locating me. Just come with me, when he does.”
“Thank you.”
-------
Ryan finally made it to the building, and didn't waste a moment in running through the door, feeling quite surprised that there was no spell stopping strangers from getting in. That was a big failing on the stupid witch, he thought. He made his way to the lounge where Rori's scent was becoming stronger and when he seen the young girl with her he automatically went into fighting stance. Rori shook her head, sending the thoughts to him.
“She's good, she wants to get out of here, we can take her with us, right?” Ryan nodded, “If you're sure she's not lying to you?” Rori had been reading the girl's thoughts, and she knew she was sincere, “She's not lying, please?” Ryan grabbed Rori's hand and the other girl's and he ran, as fast as he could, and once he had the both of them far enough away, he stopped, to catch his breath. “Ro, don't you ever run away like that again in a place you don't know. I was so fucking scared, are you hurt?” He asked, not thinking to have asked her before he had run away with her. “I'm fine now, but she did try to hurt me several times.” She then realised that she didn't even know the girl's name. “Who are you?” She asked, and Beth smiled, holding her hand out, “I'm Beth Rooney, witch-fae, a bit like you as far as I can tell? And you?” She added, pointing to Ryan. “How come I haven't seen you around before?” Ryan asked, as he had heard of Camilla and the rest of her team. Beth shrugged, “I was never allowed out once she snared me, I was like fucking Rapunzel, man. So, are you going to take me back to where you're from?” She asked and Ryan nodded, “Well, I'm from here originally but I moved to Pandora to keep Ro safe, so, might as well add you to my charge. Ryan Branson.” Beth smiled, and gave him a hug. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
Ryan smiled, “No problem, come on, your siblings are going crazy Ro, they need to know that you're okay and you really do need to have a talk with them.” She knew that he was right, but it was still all very raw, especially with what the woman added about her mother having abandoned her. “Alright, let's go, I need to get away from here, it's giving me chills.” Ryan chuckled, and put an arm around her and with Beth walking beside them, they made their way back to the fifties Diner where Rori had to finally make peace with the brother and sister that she never knew existed.
Location of Thread: Luna Cove 50's Diner Characters Involved: Aurora Hanaway, Tabby Campbell, Ryder Campbell, Ryan Branson & Beth Rooney Played By: Elle Fanning, Abigail Breslin, Alexander Calvert, Nathan Parsons & Dove Cameron
When they got back to the Diner, Ryan took Beth away to a separate booth to talk with her, to allow Rori some alone time with her new siblings. He felt it was only fair to give them some much needed privacy. So, while Rori was talking to her new family, he was talking to Beth, to try and get more information on her. He found it quite disconcerting that she had been kept prisoner, for want of a better word, where was her family? “So, tell me more about yourself Beth. Why were you being kept captive in that place? Don't you have any family?” He was being as gentle as he could, because he didn't want to upset her. She shook her head, “No I don't. Parents were killed a few years back and nobody else. Witch found me and took me in. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I was alone, and vulnerable, and I needed someone to care for me and I thought she was going to do that. I was wrong.” She felt tears stinging at her eyes, and she quickly wiped them away. The last thing she wanted, was to get upset in front of a guy. She liked to think that she was made of stronger stuff than to collapse in front of a grown up man.
Ryan could see that she was struggling to keep her composure and he wondered if he should just drop the subject. “Sorry hon, wish that I could take away that pain away from you. Well, you're out now and that's the main thing, right? It's what you do with your life going forward that counts now. Have you thought what you will do once you get to Pandora? I was lucky that Ro's father was happy to put me up at his home. Think he felt he owed me for saving her life a week or so ago.” Beth shrugged, she hadn't. All she had thought about, was getting away from that damn Camilla bitch. “I'll sleep on the street if I have to. I don't care, just needed to get away from here and from her.” Going straight back into her tough girl exterior with that comment. Ryan chuckled a little, “I'm sure that won't be necessary. We'll find somewhere for you to live, of that I am sure.” The Hanaway home was massive, it once belonged to the Campbell Coven, so he was more than certain that they would have the room for Beth to live there also, but that wasn't his call obviously. Something needed to be done about that Camilla and her so called school of witches. It was a wonder that the rest of them didn't want to leave if that was the way she treated them. Unless, of course, she had only been like that with Beth and not the others. But why would that be the case then? Why only be like that with Beth? Then there was the way she had treated Rori too. Had she something against witches that were part fae too? Maybe that was it.
Beth smiled at him slightly and waved her hand, “Whatever man, I'll just be glad to get away from this place.” She honestly didn't give a stuff where she lived once she got to this Pandora, she just wanted to be away from Luna Cove and the sooner the better. Ryan had ordered them all cheeseburgers and fries with cokes and they were all eating and drinking at their respective tables.
****
Elsewhere, Rori was still struggling to come to terms with the fact that she had a twin brother and a younger half sister. Tabby was sitting across from her, and Ryder was sitting beside her, he was like the cat that caught the cream. He couldn't stop smiling. “You know, I always felt like there was a part of me missing, could never figure it out. Now I know it was you.” He nudged her, and she sort of smiled, she had had the same feeling, but had never worked out why either. “I still don't understand why mom would pretend that she had died, and then take you and raise you and then have another child, leaving my father, sorry, our father, to raise me alone.” She felt confused and sad, sad for her father. She knew how much a son would have meant to him. Ryder could completely understand why Rori was so upset, if the roles had been reversed, he would have felt the exact same way to find out he had a twin and a younger sister. “It sucks, and she needs to be able to answer these questions, it's not fair, to you, to your father, sorry, our father and not fair to me. Will you please let Tabby call grandmother to talk to us about all of this? It might help to make some sense of things?” Not that he couldn't have called their grandmother, but seeing how Tabby was all up for doing it earlier, he thought he'd let her go ahead now, so long as Rori was fine with it.
Tabby smiled, “Honestly, grandma is really sweet, if she knows about this, she'll explain it and there will be an honestly good reason for why mother did what she did.” Yeah, maybe there was a good reason, but it wouldn't matter what it was, it still wasn't fair that she kept her from her twin, and then went on to have a new child with a different man. It wasn't fair at all. Ryder, being part Fae also, was hearing all of this, he was far better tuned into his powers than Rori was. He could dip in and out of people's thoughts when he wanted to, and could shut them off when he wanted as well. Pushing his thoughts to his twin, “Aurora, I completely feel your pain, I feel like shit too, I'd have sooner loved to have known you all my life. This pain is not just yours. Let me carry it with you. Let Tabby call grandma, maybe we can make sense of it.” He really hoped that she would agree, and Rori slowly turned to face her new brother, a lovely smile that he had, reminded her of her father, their father. That was going to take some getting used to. She answered him telepathically, “Alright, alright, let's get grandma here to explain things, sure.” Ryder squeezed Rori's arm gently and then nodded to Tabby, “Go ahead, contact grandma, tell her where we are.” Turning back to Rori, he added, “Well, I've not got much reason to stay here, other than this one here...” He trailed off, pointing to Tabby, “...but if you'll have me, I'd love to come back through to Pandora with you. Get a chance to get to know my twin and to get to know my father, what do you say?” Well, as much as she would love that, would their father be okay with it?
She had left with Ryan, and now they were going to be coming back to Pandora with two complete strangers. At least they were both witch, they could leave again if they wanted to she supposed. “Well, I'd quite like to know you more, I can't deny it and I am sure that dad would love to get to know the son he never knew existed.” That was bound to be a kick in the teeth for her father. He loved her unconditionally, but like all men, she knew deep down that he had always wanted a boy to carry on the name. Though, Ryder was calling himself Campbell, but really, he was a Hanaway. It made her wonder if he would change his name. “So, you say you're Ryder Campbell, but you're really a Hanaway, would you change your name? Just curious is all.” Ryder shrugged, never having thought about it, by why would he? As far as had been aware, his father had died a long time ago. Now that he thought about it, he was getting angry too. Rori was under the impression their mother had died and he had thought his father was dead. Damn their mother had a lot to answer for. “I might change it. I guess it depends on your dad, our dad, if he'd be happy with it or not.” He chuckled, and Rori laughed too, “I think he'd be more than happy about it.” She knew that their father would be so happy to finally have a son to talk to about 'man' things.
Tabby having finished her conversation, butted in, “Hey, you can't go to Pandora and leave me. What do you mean you have nothing keeping you here.” Ryder chuckled, “I did say other than you. But come on sis, we have a new one, my twin no less, it be real sweet to get to know her more.” Tabby laughed and squeezed his arm, “Well, I'd feel the same, so can't say I blame you. Go for it, it's not like we can't visit one another, is it?” Rori smiled a little, “Well, since we're all witches, then yeah, we can, but if you were not a witch, then no, once you come to Pandora, you can't get back out, for the time being.” This made Tabby's eyes open wide and her mouth drop open, “What?” She asked, and Rori laughed a little. “Its a gated community, it's got some sort of powerful spell that out of any supernatural being that enters into the gates, only witches are allowed to leave again. That and, celestial beings.” Even Ryder seemed a little shocked at that. “No way? Why is that then?” He asked, and Rori began to feel all important as she filled them in on it. “Well, it was some truce that Lucifer made with the Campbell Coven because some of his demons had been causing trouble outside of Pandora. It was to keep them in. So, he and his celestial relations and any witch can leave, but others deemed dangerous, cannot. I want to try and change it though as right now, dad can't leave and he has relations outside of Pandora.” Damn, Pandora sounded really intriguing thought Ryder. “Well, now I want go go there more than ever. Wait, did you say Lucifer? As in the devil?” He asked, eyes wide, and Rori laughed. “Yes, as in the devil. He's not all that bad. I've spoken to him. He wants to have an alliance with me, as the new Campbell witch, like he had with the previous Campbell Coven. Scratch his back and he'll scratch yours sort of thing. I'm up for that I suppose.” She shrugged.
A short moment later, the door to the diner opened and in walked a tall blonde haired woman. Tabby ran up to her and enveloped her in a hug. “Grandma, so good to see you again. Come, sit down, you have someone you really need to meet and you really really need to fill them in on some very important information.” Celeste hugged her granddaughter and then laughed a little. “Okay, you better introduce me then, don't you think?”
Introducing Celeste Campbell played by Kim Cattrall
Celeste followed her granddaughter, but when she reached the table and saw the other girl, she didn't need to be told who she was. She could sense it. She didn't even have to look like her daughter Carolyn to know that this was the daughter that she had left behind for her father to raise. She bent her head a little, giving her a small smile, “Aurora.” She said and Tabby and Ryder both looked at their grandmother with frowns. “You know it's her? How could you know who she was without even us having to tell you.” Ryder and Tabby said between them and Celeste put her arms out, in that welcoming way for Rori to come to her. However, Rori was having none of it. It had been enough just dealing with a brother and a sister she never knew about, now a grandmother and the fact that her mother was still alive somewhere too. Celeste dropped her arms. “Aurora, I just know its you. Not only do you have a look of your mother, I know a Campbell when I see one and you would be the right age. I am sure you have plenty of questions. Let me do my best to fill you in, please?” She sat down next to Tabby, and Rori knew she had no reason to refuse, she needed to know. She nodded her head. “Please, do.”
****
On the other side of the Diner, Beth and Ryan were still talking and getting to know one another, leaving the family alone to get acquainted. He did feel for Rori, first, she comes to a place that she had never heard of, finds out a whole new part of herself she wasn't aware of and now she comes through here and finds out she has a whole extended family she never knew existed. Sometimes it really sucked being a supernatural creature. Then he glanced at Beth, and gave her a sympathetic smile, at least Rori had a family, poor Beth had none.
****
Celeste smiled, “I'll just get myself a coffee first.” So she did that, the family owned the Diner, so they could come and go as they pleased, get what they wanted. Once she had her coffee, she returned. “So, where do we even begin? When your mother discovered she was pregnant, she really wanted a boy. She wanted a boy because boys weren't so sought after in the Wiccan Covens. When a witch gives birth to a daughter, especially her first born, they are usually required to go through all sorts of rituals at their coming of age. It's not an easy thing to go through. When she found out she was having twins and that one was a girl, she made up her mind that she was going to do what she could to shield you from this world. So, she put a cloaking spell upon your brother, so he wouldn't be seen by anybody but the nursing staff who delivered him and faked her own death. She did it to keep you from this world. She never wanted this life for you, or for your father. I bet when she finds out that you've fallen foul to it after all, she will be devastated.” She took some of her coffee, and it wasn't Rori that spoke, or Tabby, it was Ryder, and he was not happy.
“Wait, you're telling me that she kept me from my twin because she wanted to shield her from all of this, but it was okay for me to be hit with it all? I was disposable, but Aurora wasn't? I mean, I'm not angry at Aurora, but why would mother think that it was perfectly okay for me to be brought up in this madness?” Rori took her hand and squeezed at Ryder's arm gently, trying to calm him down a little. Celeste sighed, “I just explained. She wanted to shield Aurora as she would have been snared into the full Wiccan lifestyle. Boy witches aren't as well known and not sought after. Have you been put through any nasty rituals? No, you haven't. You have had a perfectly easy life, Aurora would not have. That was why.” Rori was sitting quietly taking all of this in, her head reeling. Now it was Tabby's turn to talk, “But why have me then? Why have another daughter if she wanted to shield Rori from all of this?” Celeste smiled, “Nice nickname. Because my dear Tabby, you are not the first born daughter, you don't have to go through the rituals either. Only the first born female witch of a family is the most sought after, the strongest, the most powerful. So with your mother doing what she did, she saved Aurora from all of that, or at least she had. Now that Aurora has made herself known, it could come to bite her on the backside. You might have to be ready for a fight my dear.” Celeste said looking directly at Rori. Rori hadn't been saying a thing, but she had to admit hearing all this about rituals, she sure as hell wasn't sure that she wanted to be put through any of that.
“I'm not sure I am happy about any of this. The best thing about coming here, is finding out I have siblings I never knew existed, but I can assure you, I won't be going through any damn rituals to join any witch cult coven. I'm happy in Pandora, and that's where I intend to stay. Ryder has also said that he would like to come through to Pandora with me and I think it's only right that he gets to know me and our father.” She was defiant, sticking her chin out, showing that she was strong and won't take fools gladly on this. Celeste laughed a little, “My dear, I'm not going to stop any of that from happening. Of course you need to get to know your twin brother and he needs to get to know his father. You are all free to come and go from Pandora after all. In fact, I encourage that you get to know each other more. I'm just saying that when the ancestors are made aware of you, they might try to lure you into the depths of the coven. Fight them on it if you have to. You will have my backing and your mother's. She only ever wanted you to discover your magic by yourself and use it for your own good, not for a coven that will not give you anything back.” Celeste smiled over at her, finished her coffee, as it was rather cool by now. She stood up, and opened her arms once more. “Now, why don't you come and give your grandmother a hug, I'm on your side Aurora.” With that Rori got up and wrapped her arms around her and snuggled in, it was so good to have an older female relative who was a part of the mother she had never known. She lost herself in her grandmother's scent. It felt so good.
Finally, she broke out of the embrace. “So, where is my mom then, if she's still alive?” Celeste smiled, “She's out of town right now. But I will talk with her and make her aware of you being around and knowing who and what you are. I have no doubt she will come and seek you out in Pandora and talk with you. Now, I bid you to go, before the ancestors sense you being around here, if they do, I fear they will not let you go. Please, go.” She gave her another hug. Then looked across the Diner, and gave a nod of her head. For she had been the one to send Ryan after Adam when he had gone to get his hands on her granddaughter. “Ryan, now is the time, please take Aurora back to Pandora, and if you can take her brother Ryder with you too, that would be really good.” Ryan stood up and nodded his head. “Yes ma'am.” And with that Celeste left the Diner and Ryan came over with Beth, “So, you're good to go then? Room in the car for another person, but not so much any belongings.” Ryder laughed, “I'm sure I can buy more stuff when I get to Pandora. I'm ready. Let's go.” He gave his younger sister a hug, “See you around small-fry.” To which Tabby batted his arm, “Shut it long-legs. See you soon.” Then Ryan gave a final nod of his head, and his arm around Rori, and Beth, with Ryder behind, they all made their way to the car, so that they could go the long journey back to Pandora, not before he sent a message to Athena to let her know that he had to take Rori back home, but that they would both be back soon, when it was more safe for her.
