A/N: Thanks all of you. The story has hit 75 reviews and broke 1,000 hits. In addition, I have to mention Something Wicked has broken 7,000 hits, so I am extremely excited and thankful. I know most of you hate Gemma, but she's going to be back later on. In the very least, I think you'll like this chapter's little surprise lol. Anyways, here's the second successful Lee chapter, and this will be a lot of explaining not that much dialogue.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Covenant or "Beauty from Pain" by Superchick.
Chapter 10: Beauty from Pain
Leona's POV
I woke up as my phone vibrated loudly on my nightstand for the hundredth time. I had no intention of answering it as I sat up groggily in my bed. Softly, I heard something crinkle under my leg. My fingers probed the area under my thigh before crawling across the brittle old paper. I pulled it into my hands and swiftly drew it up to my eyes.
The writing was worn and faded, but the calligraphy was clear and precise. The paper was soft with age and must have been expensive when it was bought, so why was this letter destined for me of all people? There clearly on the outside of the letter perfect blood red letters glared up at me.
For the one to be called Leona,
To be opened on the Twenty third of May in the year Two thousand seven
I trailed the tips of my fingers across the swirls and loops of the writing. I was excited and afraid to open this envelope. Who knew what task might wait in store for me? Letters are rarely passed along through centuries without an extremely good reason, like saving the world. Maybe, it would be some magical solution to bring Caleb back. Even if he came back, I still had a lot to explain to him. He knew I was Guardian of the Watchtower of the South, but it's not like he knew what that entailed. I barely knew. We were to protect the balance of the world, but it is not like that was clear. Who were we supposed to defend against? Wicked witches, sadistic vampires, psychopathic werewolves, merciless witch hunters, and everything else in the Buffy arsenal. I guess I wouldn't know unless I opened the letter.
Slowly, I flipped over the envelope to see a pentacle embedded deep in the crimson red wax sealing it shut. Grabbing a letter opener off my nightstand, I broke the seal open and pulled out the letter. Astonishingly, the papers were still fairly new not yellowed and decayed with age. I breathed in deeply, smelling the pungent odor of blood masked by clove and cinnamon. Carefully, I looked at the tightly scrawled, red writing.
My dearest descendant,
I struggle to write this, but it is my duty. I am your ancestor, Abigail. I assume my reputation is quite infamous and unclean, but dear one, it is not true. I was torn apart by love, friends, and foes. I now fear you will be caught in your own struggle.
Well, isn't that just splendid? I guess I figured correctly on the whole you have to save the world scenario. On the bright side, this was pretty damn cool that I was reading a letter from my bunch of greats great grandmother specifically written for me. That never happens to normal people, at least.
I am sure you are wondering how this letter has come to you. A chailin bhig (my little girl), I write this letter in my own blood to bless and protect it until it can come into your possession. I hope it does not find you in sorrow and grief, for the news I bear is not entirely of happiness. Dearest lion, you were not the first to love one of the Covenant of Silence.
At least that explains that little detail, but a letter written in blood is definitely creepy.
I was sixteen years old when I first met Gabriel. He was the most beautiful man I had ever seen with his rich ebony hair and eyes the color of perfect cut onyx. His family and four other families had come to Salem to stay for a few months since they were known for being healers. All their families were mysterious, but I could not stop myself from being drawn to him. We barely acknowledged each other's presence in public, but that did not stop my infatuation. A few weeks of simple cordial nods ended when he spoke to Reverend Parris one night requesting permission to court me. Uncle Parris agreed, and so our love began. That night he left me a note eloquently telling me how I occupied his every thought and that he waited for the moment when I would be his. It is hard to believe two strangers could feel that way, but I refuse to question it even as I write this many years later.
Abigail had loved one of the Covenant. By her description, I could only guess Gabriel looked just like his descendant. Gabriel must be Caleb's ancestor. Maybe we were fated to be together as corny as that sounded. Ancient civilizations believed in Fate with unswerving devotion, so why wasn't it a possibility?
As I am sure you know, happiness has always fled our line, unable to withstand the Fire. Soon after our courtship began, Gabriel introduced me to his friend and brother John Putnam. Little did I know, he was the Black Knight Ann always spoke of. I always felt unease around him, but if Gabriel trusted him, John could not be terrible. Everyone believed he was related to Ann, but that is a fallacy. They were of two separate clans of Putnams, unrelated to each other. Somehow John found out about Ann's powers of Spirit. You could not begin to imagine how powerful our powers were. We lived in a time when it was necessary to hide our powers, but that did not prevent us from purifying our lines…
Wow, mom, your line sucked. Our ancestors were all about purifying the bloodline. Like normal, Gemma was full of self-righteous shit. Anyways, back to the letter.
…We could trace our origins back to the Druids even the goddess Hecate. Our only rule was to harm none. Leona, we are Guardians not just over the Watchtowers but all witches. It is our duty to protect our sisters and brothers from those who wish to destroy us. We sought to do greater good by increasing the magic in our blood, but evil has a way of finding its way even in the best of intentions.
Abigail was by far my favorite person ever. I had a question she answered it. I wondered how she knew what to explain. I didn't even know what my mother did with her powers, but I now knew what she was supposed to. How could you protect witches when they were impossible to find? What was I saying? Caleb was technically witch but in a completely masculine way. Maybe that was why we were all sent here. To protect the Sons from Chase.
John wanted more power for himself. By the time Gabriel and the others realized, it was too late. John possessed a greater weapon than they could imagine. Ann was under his spell. She revealed Gabriel's true nature as possessor of The Power and managed to portray him as a danger to our kind to the remaining Elders. I was forbidden from seeing Gabriel ever again.
The little bastard. I can't believe they did that to her. I could only begin to fathom the pain, but why did the Elders listen to Ann? I was almost afraid to keep reading.
Within months, two of the most horrible events occurred. Joseph Danvers announced to the surrounding towns of Ipswich that his son Gabriel Danvers had taken an unknown Rebecca Wallace as his wife. I had never felt my breath pulled from my body until the moment I heard that. I could not bear to eat or sleep, but it just fed into their evil plan. As you may have already learned, Spirit can only work through the cracks in one's own spirit. The evil couple destroyed each of the Guardians' lives until we were weak. Then, they began their witch hunt. The Putnams' fortunes amassed as we excused our friends and neighbors of crimes they did not commit, powerless to stop it. Soon, it had come time for John and Ann to bind their powers together in marriage and with a child. They did not expect the Guardians to enact revenge. We placed a lust spell on John Putnam so that the first woman he saw he would desire with the intensity of a thousand suns until she conceived his child. It just happened to be the Widow Pope. She conceived his first son, but Ann conceived his daughter. Luckily, the Covenant only pass on The Power to their first child, so Ann's daughter was not tainted with it. Not long after, the Widow accused John of witchcraft. I still revel in the fact that the man who took Gabriel from me died partially at my hands.
Way to go, great however many grandmother. Even back in colonial times, we Fire Guardians still kicked some ass. I really respected her for being able to live on. She had the one she loved taken from her, and she didn't let it cripple her. She fought back to punish those who took what was hers. Maybe, I needed to pay a little visit to Ann's descendant.
I have told you of my sorrow, but now I fear I must tell you of yours. Leona, I possess a rare gift. Lamia's gift. The gift of prophecy. Few in our family have ever had it. Fire is not known to be intuitive, but somehow I received this curse and blessing. Not too long after the chaos of the witch trials, I fled Salem and took some sailor as my husband. I do not love him, but I cannot let my bloodline die. Nevertheless, he blessed me with my precious Elizabeth. During my pregnancy, your prophecy came to me. I am sure you are wondering why you have received my letter, especially on this date. My dearest descendant, on this date, you are exactly one month with child.
The papers slipped from my hands, and my breathing stopped.
"I'm…pregnant."
The words felt stiff and unnatural on my tongue. How could that be? Mentally, I started thinking back in my head. The numbers matched. Damn it, Caleb. I'm so bringing your ass back to this world just so I can kick it back to the other one. I thought it was bad that Di may or may not pregnant, but I didn't expect to get a century old letter telling me I was. This just freaking sucked. I rubbed my hand expecting to feel a bump, and unfortunately, I noticed the slight swelling. Shit, my mother was going to kill me then Caleb's mom was going to, and of course, Mr. Comatose would get out of this. Stupid Golden Boy. Well, let's see what else I got myself in to. Quickly, I picked the papers off the ground and began reading.
I know you may not wish to believe me, but please do. Your child will be born a month early, so you have only seven months to accomplish what I must ask of you. I must also warn you that your sisters will soon follow as it is custom with the Guardians. I know not of the lineage of your sisters' children, but I know of yours. It makes my heart swell to know you were able to unite with the descendant of my Gabriel. I cannot tell you much about your child, but he will no doubt be powerful and most likely the first male Guardian. I hope this comes as good news.
Well, I guess Gemma got one thing right. I was going to have a freak child, but at least, it was Caleb's and mine's freak child. I love you already little demon spawn. I rubbed my belly gently before I continued reading.
Now I must forewarn you of the oracle and danger that awaits you. We are of the ancient race of witches, and our Goddess cannot protect us from all evil. A race known as the Venatores will come soon. If I could bless you with Lamia's gift, I would most certainly will it to you, but all I can give you is this oracle.
Before the progeny of the lion and the dog has come to birth, a clan of Hunters will arise. To protect your kind, three tasks must be performed.
Return the golden Sun to His rightful home.
Seek the truth from a stone that cannot be turned.
Burn the ashes that have yet to burn with the strength of the Sun and Moon, joined as one.
My dearest one, I hate to leave this burden to you, but it is for your generation to save our line. It is a grave responsibility to place upon you, but if you are anything like the brave woman I have seen in my vision, I am of the opinion you will prevail. May the Goddess bless you and your child.
With the greatest love,
Abigail
Wow, did my life suck? I just found out I'm pregnant, and some sort of Hunters are coming to possibly kill us all. What fun! I looked at the riddle, hoping maybe I could pull something out of it. Quickly, I got off my bed and grabbed my computer from my desk, waiting for it to boot up. First off, progeny of the lion and the dog. Okay, my name meant lion. Abigail had called me that. I guess Caleb must be the dog. Interesting name, hun. I typed his name into the always useful Wikipedia. Apparently, Caleb is always misinterpreted as meaning dog. At least it settled that little issue, so whatever would happen would occur before my little demon baby was born.
Right now, I needed to do one thing. I needed to visit Caleb. I grabbed my keys and headed out the door.
The lights go out all around me
One last candle to keep out the night
And then the darkness surrounds me
I know I'm alive but I feel like I've died
And all that's left is to accept that it's over
My dreams ran like sand through the fists that i made
I try to keep warm but i just grow colder
I feel like I'm slipping away
I opened the door of his bedroom slowly, hoping to find a different scene. My drive over to the mansion had left my face stained with tears. I was going to be a mother in a few months with no husband or support to speak of. In a few days, I wouldn't even have a home. I couldn't go back to living with my mother, and I didn't want to be a burden to my friends. Maybe, Caleb would make my problems go away like he normally did. The room was dark as the last rays of sun slipped through the window. With a flash of red, I lit the candle on his bedside table.
Gently, I placed myself in the chair next to his bed. Instinctually, my hands cradled the slight swelling of my belly. I had to admit it was amazing how things changed when you get hit with that sort of news. My plans were changing. I was set to go to college, but now I was worried whether I would live by the time that day rolled around or would I be too busy taking care of a child by myself to even go? My future had never been so uncertain.
After all this has passed, I still will remain
After I've cried my last, there'll be beauty from pain
Though it won't be today,
Someday I'll hope again
And there'll be beauty from pain
You will bring beauty from my pain
I realized that there was really only one important thing for me now. This child I was carrying would have power incomparable to Caleb's or mine. Maybe Abigail was right. This child would be a blessing. Each day would get easier if I had my little demon. I had funny feeling it would be a little rotten devil of a boy. Caleb's devilish side combined with my uncontrollable nature. He would most certainly be my little demon. Then again, maybe it would be a girl, but I wanted a little boy who looked just like his father. I'm sure Caleb would always disagree with me as always. I reached my hand over to brush against his cheek.
"Golden Boy, I wish you knew the mess you got me into," I chuckled out, refusing to let my pain overrule me.
My whole world is the pain inside me
The best I can do is just get through the day
When life before is only a memory
I'll wonder why God lets me walk through this place
And though I can't understand why this happened
I know that I will when I look back someday
And see how you've brought beauty from ashes
And made me as gold purified through these flames
"You know, Caleb, your speech was really sweet, even if it brought me to tears. I know you would probably be ashamed of the way I'm acting, but it's a lot harder than it looks," I paused to move his hair out of his face.
Despite his wounds not healing, it didn't stop his hair from growing. It was starting to get rather shaggy, but I loved it on him. It was funny how he never changed, but since I met him, I had transformed. An angry pile of ashes had become a beautiful phoenix. I felt stronger somehow being around him.
After all this has passed, I still will remain
After I've cried my last, there'll be beauty from pain
Though it won't be today,
Someday I'll hope again
And there'll be beauty from pain
You will bring beauty from my pain
I picked up his heavy hand and laid it on my stomach. I know there was nothing he could feel, but it didn't stop me from hoping.
"Hey, evil angel, we're going to have a baby angel," I whispered, looking at his bruised face.
"Why am I not surprised?"
The voice startled me, and I dropped Caleb's hand suddenly to turn around and face my other worst enemy. Caleb's mother. Evelyn slowly walked into the room. Surprisingly, she wasn't carrying her glass of whiskey or bourbon like normal. She looked healthy and awake for once.
"Mrs. Danvers, I, uh,…," I stuttered out, but she stopped me with a wave of her hand.
"Leona, I'm really not shocked by it, so you can relax. I hoped you had been spared the fate of a wife of Ipswich, but apparently not," she commented.
"You're not mad?" I questioned seriously.
"Why would I be? You're carrying my grandchild after all," she smiled, moving to sit down on the bed.
"Mrs. Danvers, I was under the distinct impression that you and I shared a mutual hate," I replied suspiciously.
"You remind me of myself when I was younger. I don't want to see you go through the same pain I did, but obviously, you are more stubborn and determined than me," Evelyn answered, looking me unwaveringly in the eye.
"How far along are you?" she asked staring at my general lack of a bump.
"One month," I answered, trying to fight back a small smile.
"I assume it's a boy," she continued.
"Don't know," I responded.
"What do you mean?" she questioned, obviously confused.
"Guardians always have girls, but the Covenant always has boys. I think it will be a boy, but Caleb would probably think it's a girl," I chuckled out.
"Well, it would be appropriate. My Golden Son completely controlled by his daughter," she joked, genuinely laughing.
Golden sun…golden Son.
Return the golden Son to His rightful home.
The riddle. It referred to Caleb. The Golden Boy and the Golden Son. It made sense now. How was I supposed to return him though? I had one idea. Sarah. She'd help because I'd make sure of it. I just had to find her. Sorry, Cyb looks like you won't be spending as much alone time with Pogue as you wanted.
"Mrs. Danvers…"
"Please call me Evelyn," she interrupted.
"Evelyn, I know this is a lot to ask of you, but could I stay here?" I asked cautiously.
"Yes, of course, but may I ask why?" she replied slowly.
"My mother doesn't really approve of me, especially not the Covenant or Caleb. In my world, they are considered evil, and my mother is very much a traditionalist. I don't think she would take this anywhere near as well as you are," I answered honestly, fiddling with a strand of hair.
"If you can forgive me for being so belligerent, I'd really like for us to start over," she suggested. She actually looked like she meant it.
"I think I'd like that, but right now I have to go do something I've put off for far too long," I responded, anger creeping into my voice.
"You're a lot different from the others," she commented as I got up from my chair.
"I do try. Stay with him. If I succeed, you might just have another surprise today," I hinted with a smile as I walked out of the room.
Now, I knew what I had to do. If I had to kill Sarah, I would. I couldn't believe I hadn't thought about her earlier, but I guess grief does that to a person. Regardless, I knew what I needed to at least try, and I had all but given up. Exactly what she wanted, but I will not bow.
A/N: I hope you liked this chapter even if it was fairly wordy. Next chapter has some action in store. I'm seriously psyched about tomorrow because well you'll find out when you read next chapter lol. Okay when you review (please do =) ) two things let me know if you guessed Lee was pregnant and whether you think it should be a girl or a boy. Before I forget, if you don't feel like answering the other two questions let me know if you like the new change in the plot. Thanks y'all for being amazing and reading, hopefully reviewing as well.