Notes and Disclaimers: I own nothing but the two characters Faren and Calypso…oh and Brie. I own nothing else. Sorry it took me so long to get something out. My life has been very hectic for the past several months and I had writers block for some of it. Well anyways, chapter 3 was turning out to be so long I decided to cut it in half. So here's the first part. Enjoy!!!!
Chapter 3
Part 1
The two Mages came out, and though Caly had mentally let the other know that she sensed someone out there, they were still surprised that said person had already drawn a wand defensively on them. As if they had done anything yet! They hadn't even been there long enough for any kind of mischief to take place, not that Faren would cause much grief as a result of troublemaking.
But even though that was the truth and both the women knew it, they were on unfamiliar ground and that could be considered trespassing. It was better to play it safe, and by safe, meaning to display enough magic that could possibly get anyone that came into contact with them to accept that they were not to be messed with.
So even as they continued to emerge from the cave, Faren moved in front of Caly, spells and pure magic ready to be used at her disposal. Caly glanced back behind her, finding the rest of their group, including Gandalf, following the two. Duo was actually in the lead, with Kurama close behind him. Soon after was Hiei, Heero, then Kagome, Inuyasha and lastly the elf and the wizard. Caly again looked at the one before them and raised glowing hands, bringing up a shield around the ten; she didn't want anything, even unintentionally, to happen to anyone. But even as she spun the shield around them, she lowered it to a very fine veil because she knew that she and Faren would be able to handle anything if a fight came to be.
"Who are you!?" the teenaged woman asked once again, brandishing her wand at them. Fear and bravado entered her eyes and voice, but so far she was good at controlling it and not letting it control her actions.
"I'm Calypso." The mage holding the barrier replied cheerfully.
"I'm her partner Faren. Now who you are?" the hazel-eyed mage said simply.
The witch before them considered their answers, and swallowed before answering in turn, "I am Brie."
As soon as she finished saying her name, loud pops sounded and numerous people now stood around the girl and formed a semi-circle in front of the cave.
"I was sure that you had gone off somewhere. Then I wondered if something had happened when Neville had been inside the cavern. Now we find out that indeed something happened." A firm voice rang out clearly. It was an old woman, but a woman who had aged well into her later years.
The entire Longbottom family drew their wands, the girl Brie pushed behind the other members to be out of line of fire. The instant the wands were drawn the remaining eight of the group from the cave all drew their own weapons at the same exact moment, bringing a slightly amused smile to Caly's face.
But even as this amused the two Mages, they were both reaching out for each other's hands, already drawing on their magic. In unison and with combined magics they spun shields around each individual person, in both groups.
Everyone blinked for just an instant before they heard, "Well shit, not again." Inuyasha and Duo said in unison. Once they finished, they looked at each other, grins on their faces, though their attention was drawn to Kagome, who had taken one look at the shield surrounding her and exclaimed in annoyance, "Damn it!"
Duo and Inuyasha couldn't help but laugh, the latter saying, "I'm really rubbing off on you."
Kagome frowned at this and looked at the half demon, "Sit boy." She said firmly, the annoyance and a touch of anger lighting up her brown eyes.
Inuyasha fell face first into the ground, his sword never leaving his hand as his body made a loud and hard impact. He groaned as he slowly lifted himself up, saying, "Damn it."
Duo burst into laughter, holstering his gun to hold his sides as he bent over double with his guffaws. Caly couldn't help but hide her smile behind a hand, trying to suppress her own giggles. A couple of the others smirked, but otherwise were quiet, weapons still drawn though lowering with the shields up.
Tension that had permeated the area began to slowly lessen with the hilarity that one of the newcomers was still in the fits of and that all weapons were beginning to be lowered. After several moments of silently looking around, both groups studying one another, Faren and Calypso glanced at each other in turn and both gave a small smile and a tiny nod. Together they each waved their right hand in sync and the shields slowly melted away.
"They will remain gone as long as the weapons and wands go as well. I'd rather not have anyone engaged in a fight." Caly said lightly, trying for a casual, yet completely honest tone.
"Magical or otherwise," Faren added, her gaze going towards Inuyasha, knowing that he would prove the most persistent and bothersome if he had the urge to be. She found that the eight were taking this time and using it wisely in examining their surroundings and any possible escape routes or cover if the need arose to make use of them. It was always a possibility that they would need to make a hasty retreat, but she dearly hoped that nothing came to be.
"Very well. A truce is issued forth in hopes that you offer the same." The woman said, barely taking enough time to exchange glances with her own group.
Faren nodded, "Truce accepted and offered in turn," she looked around her group, making eye with each of them. They all gave their consent to her words. She didn't need to exchange glances with Caly; they were usually in agreement when it came to the safety and welfare of others.
The lady half turned to some of her companions, exchanging glances, though for different reasons than Faren had. Some of the looks the witch received were curiosity others were suspicious. When she turned back to the mixed group and said, "We do have some concerns for our own safety and welfare…Questions will be asked and depending on whether you answer, what you answer or not will determine the future of your stay here." She was as careful as she could possibly be. She didn't what else these strangers were capable of and she didn't want to find out by being on the opposing end of them.
Faren nodded simply, words were not needed for this one. She nodded briefly in return and then searched her thoughts for the beginning of the questions. Finally she decided on one and ventured forth, "I am Minerva McGonagall, but who are you?"
"Faren Tashi and my partner here is…" she looked at her cousin. The moment she trailed off Caly picked up the rest, "Calypso Garris, Caly for short."
A moment of silence passed, looks exchanging among a few in the group before the redhead spoke up, "I'm Kurama."
"Hiei," the red-eyed demon said simply, not quite using an attitude.
The half demon, still gripping his sword hilt, which was still noticed by nearly everyone, glanced at the British group and said, "Heh. I'm Inuyasha."
"I'm Kagome Higurashi." The young woman said, giving Inuyasha a look that said he'd better behave. The half demon saw the look and for now tried to ignore some of the various threats behind it. Though he had an attitude problem and was stubborn to no end and would never lose a chance to argue with the girl he didn't want to be "sat" again anytime soon.
After that the elf took a slight step forward, closer to the two mages and said, "I'm Legolas."
With a slight sigh the wizard considered it for a moment and then said, "I am Gandalf."
Lastly the two pilots were the only one left to introduce themselves and it was Duo who spoke.
"I'm none other than Duo Maxwell and this loner is Heero Yui." He pointed at his blue-eyed partner.
Silence followed this last declaration, but what broken at the sudden question from one of the other wizards, "Why does he not speak for himself? Is he not capable of it?"
Heero didn't seem offended by this, but he straightened his posture a bit more, his hands clenched at his sides and stared straight at the man who had spoke. Carefully and deliberately Heero spoke, "Why must a solitary soldier like myself have to answer when he has a loud-mouthed energetic friend who would be more than willing to answer for him?"
Surprised glances were exchanged amongst the British group, some of them exchanging quiet words as well. Some of the group of ten exchanged glances, some of them directed at Heero. They didn't know what to make of him. Duo was about to say something to his companion but was interrupted by another question.
This time it was from a man with fiery red hair, a rugged look with broad shoulders with tanned and scarred skin that spoke of hard work. "What are you?"
Faren and Caly looked at each other, not sure what to make of it.
"Why do you ask this?" Gandalf asked, a white eyebrow rose in puzzlement.
The redhead met his gaze head on and said, "Clearly not all of you are human." He gave a slight nod to the silver-haired one with the dog-ears set atop his head.
Looks were directed at Inuyasha, who stared back at them defiantly, not wanting to appear self-conscious, though inside he was. Kagome could tell that he was and moved a little closer to his side. He looked down at her, his eyes seeming to warm at the sight of her. He was glad that she was here at his side.
Gandalf nodded slowly and said, "Indeed we aren't. I'm a wizard."
"Elf." Legolas said in a somewhat quiet tone of voice.
"Human." Kagome automatically said.
"Half demon." Inuyasha said in defiance, waiting to see if anyone would try to attack him for it. When none came his posture slightly relaxed.
"Human for both of us," Duo said, looking at Heero.
"Demon," Kurama said, though a touch of uncertainty entered his voice.
"Demon," Hiei said.
Out of the two mages Caly went first with her, "I'm mortal."
"As am I," Faren finished up. Her emotions were masked across her face, but her thoughts to Caly were a little worried. "They're going to be suspicious about that one. This particular little secret is going to come out sometime very soon and I have a bad feeling about it."
Without so much as moving her body but to tilt her head slightly to the side Caly replied, "I'm sure we can keep it up for enough time to become settled enough here that it won't really matter. But you don't have to keep dragging yourself down in this one."
"We are partners, you and I, and whatever judgment will be made of you I will be right there beside you. Besides, telepathically bonded as we are, my fate is going to be yours."
"And together we'll puzzle through this adventure." Caly's last words were tinged with warmth and companionship.
Faren glanced at her, a very faint smile on her lips before turning forward again.
"Where are you from?" an older redhead asked this one the same time an one-eyed old man asked, "Were you expecting to become engaged in battle?" his one eye (the other glass and for the moment assumed just fake by most of the group, kept darting from various weapons to others, lingering on the swords and bows.
"Please, just one at a time. We'll get to yours in a moment Alastor, just be patient."
"Minerva, they could be some kind of spies for all we know. We must make haste and find out why they are here." The one named Alastor retorted.
"Nonetheless, one question at a time." McGonagall said more firmly.
He seemed to consider this and reluctantly nodded his head.
Some in the group of ten wanted to burst out and say something when they were accused of being spies, but their partners kept them quiet. They were treading on dangerous ground and didn't want to tread any deeper.
A moment more passed before McGonagall turned back to the group and repeated the first question, "So where are you from?"
"Japan," Hiei and Kurama said in unison.
"I'm from Japan as well, but Inuyasha here is from the Feudal Era of Japan." Kagome said, tilting her head towards her red-clad partner.
Even more eyebrows raised amongst the British folk, more than they had already. If what these strangers were saying, then time-travel was possible for them. If it was, then all sorts of possibilities were beginning to open up.
"We're from the United States." Faren spoke up. No one knew that behind this she was masking uncertainty. It was true that she and Caly were initially from the U.S. but there were complications even for that.
Gandalf answered for him and the elf and said, "Middle Earth is where we are from."
That left Duo. He was a little hesitant and uncertain exactly what he could say, but after a brief look with Heero he said, "Well, in truth we are from the space colonies, but they originate from Japan for Heero and the States for me."
That caused some curious stares and frowns. Obviously this was a little new for most of the ones here, and for the others, they didn't know what to believe. Faren and Caly looked at the pilots and then at each other, knowing full well that Duo would have told the truth anyway, not matter how bizarre it would sound to others. Hopefully the two mages wouldn't have to reveal what they knew any time soon trying to help/save them.
For several minutes the questions ceased while the wizard group exchanged their own words and questions between them. Some of what could be heard was duly noted by a few of the ten, Caly one of them and informed Faren. Some of their words they were learning wouldn't bode well for the group of ten. The mages eased back into the midst of the group a bit more, trying to be as close to the others without crowding them and to position themselves as less-desirable targets if the momentary truce does not hold.
It was then that Caly noticed at the very far edge of the wizard group the one named Brie was still watching with avid interest. But now she spoke quietly to a newcomer that had recently joined in the last five minutes. It had to be Neville Longbottom, from the confused expression to the certain presence he had to Caly's magical senses. She had touched the edge of his thoughts earlier and would recognize him anywhere. She also recognized some of the other witches and wizards from descriptions in the books, and family resemblances to Neville and the matriarch went noticed, but Caly had no idea how this Brie was connected to anyone. She wasn't any of the named or hinted at characters in the books, nor was the mage going to pry telepathically, even if she was curious. Unfortunately her curiosity was going to go unappeased for the time being.
Then another thought occurred to her, making her turn her gaze to her partner, "Not that I'm itching for a fight, but I'm slightly worried about one of the questions we just answered."
"Which one?" Faren glanced at her, an eyebrow raising.
"When they asked what we were. It might pose some problems if they truly believed us. We know there aren't any kind of truth spells invoked. But I don't think it's settled in their minds that the word "demon" was used for three of our number." Caly said, concern in her mindvoice.
A frown now furrowed between hr brows as she considered that thought. She glanced around at the group, having to turn her body side to side a little to be able to get a look at all eight. Then she glanced at Caly and said, "Maybe it'll be later when it firmly settles in their mind. Or maybe they're just ignoring that tiny fact. But even then there couldn't be that much they could do to the three, that the three couldn't handle themselves. Even Inuyasha being a half demon would most likely be able to hold his own…or at least he should…" Faren said finally. Uncertainty laced through her words, but she believed what she said at least. Caly blinked and then slightly bowed her head in agreement.
"Your next question was if we were going to become engaged in battle, correct?" Faren then asked aloud, her gaze going to McGonagall, who looked at them and nodded just once.
"Well, we weren't; we carry no weapons, but that of our natural abilities." Faren held her arms away from her body as if to prove she carried no hardware of any kind. Caly did the same and even turned around in place before lowering her arms to her sides again.
Looks were directed to the others, some of the ten shifting uncomfortably.
"We're soldiers." Duo said simply and bluntly. The look in his eyes was form and would brook no argument on this fact; a little different attitude than he had shown so far, making a few of the others reconsider their thoughts on him. He wasn't just a laid-back goofball anymore; there were hidden sides to him others would bear in mind when dealing with him.
"We are but defending out homeland and peoples in a long war. There are a great many dangers and battles involved—we must always be prepared." Gandalf spoke softly, but firmly and clear enough for all to hear. Some of the people were a little surprised at the length of his answer, this being the longest one so far.
Kagome was next within the group and she was a little hesitant about answering. But at a slight prod from Inuyasha she glanced at him and said, "We travel all over the Feudal Era and encounter numerous demons. Of course we expect fights often." The last bit was spoken with a little arrogance she belatedly discovered was rubbing off from Inuyasha.
The redhead was last and as usual answered for his partner as well, "We help maintain the peace and balance between the Spirit World, Makai and the Human World. Our weapons are used mostly as an extension of our powers." He waved slightly at the sword on Hiei's back. Hiei gave him a small glare, but otherwise added nothing to the answer given.
"Makai?" someone asked in total confusion.
"Demon World." Kurama replied patiently.
Silence followed that before Moody asked another question, "Why are you here?"
Caly and Faren both blinked, speechless and looked at each other. Shrugging they exchanged looks with the rest of their group. None of them had an answer and all of them assumed the mages could handle the questions that weren't directed at individuals. Finally the two looked at the wizard who had asked and Caly answered with a shrug, "We don't know."
Despite it being a poor answer, they could offer nothing more for an answer. They didn't have a clue why there were there, just that they were.
"How did you get here?" Moody inquired.
Again Caly exchanged glances with Faren before answering, "We're not entirely sure, but we think it has something to do with an ancient spell set into one of the cavern walls. It has very recently been activated."
"And when did you arrive here? In this world?" McGonagall took over the questions, giving Moody a certain look. He stared straight at her before taking a single step backwards. It was as if he were backing off the questions, though for how long, McGonagall didn't know.
"Early evening?" Caly looked at Faren as she said it, her partner giving a nod. "But it was a little hard to tell being in the cavern," she added.
McGonagall nodded her head, understanding the difficulty in being to judge time when shut inside a place where light normally didn't penetrate. Then she curiously asked, "Then how were you able to escape the cavern? Neville Longbottom told us that it had caved in." a slight frown marred her face as she considered the thought.
"I used the roots of many plants to weave through and brace apart what was blocking the way out." Caly said, omitting Kurama's play in it. She and Faren agreed that for the moment to downplay on a lot of the powers among the group that all knew of. If any of them had to be targeted for power plays let it be them. They wanted everyone else to be safe; they could handle themselves in magic battles, being Mages and all.
Gandalf had to hide some of the new expressions that threatened to show on his face. He knew exactly what the two young women were doing and he didn't completely understand why. But he was impressed.
Caly even created a couple of small magelights, sending them to the cave to illuminate the entrance better; proving her words. The one who had asked the question nodded thoughtfully, their arms now crossed over their chest as he considered this.
"Any more questions for us Professor McGonagall?" Caly asked, turning back to the main interrogator.
Faren sent a small glare toward her cousin, clearly stating that Caly was revealing too much.
McGonagall was now very suspicious, as were several members of her group. She stared at Caly with an eyebrow raised and said, "I beg your pardon? I never informed you that I was a Professor or otherwise. How did you come to discover that?"
:I hope you have a good explanation for that one." Faren muttered darkly into Caly's mind.
With a faint smirk Caly carefully answered, "You hold yourself as if on a daily basis deal with minors. Some of the others here also revere to you as if you normally take some kind of authority over them." She held a hand out towards the ones standing behind as she continued on, "I also occasionally use Professor as a title of respect. It is hard to gain my respect in these kinds of situations, but you have. All the questions have been logical and purposeful—they haven't been stupid."
The witch stared at her as she considered her words, studying all aspects of the mage trying to determine if she should believe her or not. Finally after several long moments of silence she nodded and said, "Yes I am a teacher, and yes, there are a few more questions." She paused a moment before then asking what time of day they were taken from their own respected "homes".
"Late afternoon." Faren responded promptly.
"Morning." Was Kagome's response as was Kurama's.
Gandalf looked at Legolas, who met his gaze, a little curious and expectant expression in his eyes. It was the elf who replied, his voice soft yet firm, "Midday to late afternoon."
That left Duo, who scratched his head in thought and then said, "Lunchtime, so midday thereabouts." A nod from Heero confirmed it.
"So what had you been doing at the time?"
"Gardening," Kurama responded promptly and then cast an amused glanced at Hiei saying, "He was sleeping in a tree."
"Meditating." Hiei retorted sharply.
"If you say so Hiei, but I recall you sleeping." Kurama's smirk lingered on his lips. Hiei just gave his redheaded partner a glare.
With laughter in her voice and her eyes dancing in amusement Caly said, "We were on our way to Faren's house since our work shifts ended at the same time."
"I was about to reunite with some of my companions; we had gotten temporarily separated during our current quest." Gandalf said and then looked to his companion.
Legolas glanced at the elderly white wizard and said, "Two companions and I were tracking two lost companions through a dark, haunted forest."
Again Duo was the last to answer and did with a very slight whine in his voice, "We were getting ready to eat lunch. I had made grilled chicken with rice and a salad topped with my favorite dressing, which by the way is Italian. I had just sat down with my food when we were suddenly in a dark cave…And I'm still hungry."
That was also when several others of the group realized that they too were suffering hunger pains. But only Caly and Kagome spoke aloud, "Me too." Both held a hand to their stomachs as if to greatly empathize their point.
McGonagall looked slightly surprised at this development, blinking repeatedly as she glanced from newcomer to newcomer. "Well I guess this will conclude our questions for now. And since you are partly our responsibility now, I can arrange for your meals until otherwise."
A few in the group looked hopeful, though others were not entirely pleased that a promise was technically made for the interrogation to continue. Some knew that given time the questions would increase in numbers and become more intricate. Those kinds they were not looking forward to, especially the mages, who had more to lose.
Already the British group slowly and very reluctantly began to retreat, a couple of them lingering to direct suspicious looks directed at the strangers. With a flick of her wand McGonagall conjured a big enough table to hold a large platter of sandwiches, cups and two pitchers of drink.
"They will refill on their own so this will keep you satisfied till morning. I suggest you do not leave this immediate area," she said sternly. Another flick of her wand and some semi-subtle spells were set around the perimeter of the area. "And those will inform us if you wander off." A certain look in her eyes told them that the consequences wouldn't be very pleasant if they decided to be adventurous.
They nodded silently. The witch slowly turned to follow her companions, though she too was very reluctant to leave the strangers virtually on their own. She almost wished she could leave someone behind as a spy, but knew that wouldn't work. The two young women had proved to be powerful in their own rights, though whether they prove to be too powerful to remain here would have to be determined within the next 24 hours. The Ministry would arrive early the next morning and their questions, depending on how well thought out, should reveal more.
When the British group was gone out of sight (the darkening sky helping) Faren and Caly joined powers and created a shield just inside the spell McGonagall had set up. When they finished a light purple dome surrounded the large area around them and they turned to face the group. A few eyebrows were raised at them, but only Duo was the one who asked, "So what did you just do?"
Caly blinked, a slight mischievous smile gracing her lips, though Faren chose to answer, "We set up out own shield for our protection, all of ours. That way if they decide to do something against us while our guard is down, they will meet the mage-wrought barrier. If they do try something we'll know and be ready." Caly nodded her agreement, though the light in her eyes had dimmed little.
"Better safe than sorry," Duo stated simply.
"Exactly." Faren said with a small smile. Duo smiled back at her and then noticed Caly moving towards the food, deciding to join her. But it wasn't the actual food Caly went to. It was the pitchers. He made his way towards the plates all the while watching her as she peered inside muttering something under her breath. He couldn't catch what she said, but noted the frown that now crossed her face.
"Something wrong with it?" Faren asked, too joining them. The others followed to circle around the small table.
"What is it anyway?" Duo asked curiously. He wanted to taste and see what was in the pitchers but with the rest of the group there his way was momentarily blocked.
"Pumpkin juice. And I don't knew about y'all, but I'm not feeling that adventurous tonight." Caly replied simply.
"Then what are…?" Kagome couldn't seem to find the words she wanted to say.
Faren gave Caly a look that roughly said the same thing Kagome wanted to.
"Changing it would be simple enough," she glanced up to the others, for the first time realizing they had all joined her and more less already starting on the sandwiches. She blinked a couple of times, seeing that only a couple of the nine were even paying attention to her (Faren and Duo mainly).
"Just please, make it something normal. I've had my fill of weirdness to last me a good long while." Duo half groaned, half pleaded.
Caly giggled just as some of the others smirked. "I think I can manage that Duo, but if you think what's happened so far is weird, you're in for an eye opener." She said mysteriously.
He raised an eyebrow at her and then was distracted by quiet mutterings coming from Heero.
"Great; as if I didn't have to deal with weird everyday already," a very faint smirk of amusement played along his lips as he glanced at his partner.
Duo briefly looked surprised and then a bit indignant over what was actually said. He shot Heero a glare, not quite crossing his arms over his chest (he was already holding a sandwich). In return all he received was Heero's smirk. A sigh escaped Duo as he turned away form his friend and took a large bite of the sandwich.
Caly giggled at the two, her eyes briefly gazing around at the others before lowering once again to the pitchers. Holding her hands over them a small frown of concentration furrowed between her eyebrows.
Moments later her frown broke into a sigh of relief and she looked up with a small smile now dancing on her lips. "It's water now." She said. She slouched her shoulders slightly and slowly reached out for a sandwich. Before she could actually touch one, something soft and spongy nudged her hand. Glancing at it she accepted it and looked at the hand offering the food.
She found a bare forearm that led to short black sleeves that ultimately led to a man's body. Raising her eyes higher she met Duo's gaze.
"You look like you could really use this." He said, "You also look tired." He added, concern in his voice.
She bowed her head slightly, "Yes to both of your statements."
An eyebrow raised at her, his violet eyes alight with curiosity. Faren was also curious, her eyes turning to her partner.
"I'm tired not magically exactly, though that is part of it, but physically, mentally and emotionally I'm exhausted." Caly explained while nibbling on her what Duo had handed her.
"You should get some rest once you have eaten." Gandalf said gently, a small worried expression on his face.
She looked up at him and nodded, "We should probably all rest. It's a sure thing that the interrogation will heat up tomorrow morning." She said as she reached over for another sandwich.
Faren nodded at her words and added, "It won't be just the group that questioned us tonight. The Ministry of Magic will also come…and probably the Minister himself as well."
That caused a moment of exchanged looks and tension to rise. Some of those who didn't see a great deal of magic in day-to-day activities were a bit more uncomfortable than they had been to begin with.
"But we shouldn't worry. We'll be fine." Caly said quickly, noticing everyone's emotional status. "We'll all be able to handle this." She gazed around the group, meeting the eyes of a couple of them. They seemed to believe her for the moment and then all returned to the platter of food and water.
Notes: So yeah, anyone figured out anything about any of the various secrets? Any questions? Ask away…and I may just answer them. (grins)