Circumstances
Pairing: OC/Rebekah
Summary: As much as everyone thought they knew, Jacqueline always managed to prove them wrong. People claim to know who she is, what she's done, what's she's been through - and yet none of them can see all of it. What happens when she meets a certain Original Vampire who sees every little thing about her. From the way she walks to the way she acts... but will Jacqueline allow her supernatural mate to see her past as if they experienced it themselves. Elena bashing.
A/N: Google Translation is going to be used in this chapter! Sorry if translations aren't correct!
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"Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you'd drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It's more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories."
Ray Bradbury
DICIOTTO
Jaqueline = 20
Elena = 17
Jeremy=14
NEW YORK:
Jacqueline admittedly had never been on a plane before the one she took with Giovanni, Georgia and Braxton to get to New York. Of course, the Coven had easily developed a way to teleport but it required a lot of magic and and time to do so. Jacqueline had been excited when she heard that they were taking a plane... that is, until she got on the plane and was reminded of all the ways they could die trapped in the flying metal box in the sky!
Braxton had thought it was hilarious!
Jacqueline... not so much.
However, the fear had disappeared after she realised she could save herself if the plane ever did start crashing. It was a comforting thought, for herself, knowing she was gonna survive but had earnt them odd looks from the guy across the isle from them. It had also earnt them a reprimand from Giovanni for speaking about it so freely in a crowded place where they could be easily overheard.
It was worth it though, because Jacqueline realised quickly that New York is a beautiful place!
Skyscrapers.
Times Square.
The Brooklyn Bridge.
The Empire state building.
Radio City.
Broadway shows.
The Manhattan Skyline.
It was amazing and Jaqueline, Braxton and Georgia enjoyed going to see all of it in the free time that they had when not helping Giovanni with Coven business. Giovanni, of course, had been to New York plenty of times before and had seen all of those places more than once. Thankfully, Giovanni only seemed amused by their chatter about touristy things to do and didn't mind them going off on their own whenever they got the chance.
In fact, it had given Giovanni a chance to meet up with an 'old friend' who lives in New York while none of them were hanging around with her.
Jacqueline wasn't entirely sure why that was as shocking as it was, but she'd been at a loss for words for about 10 minutes after she found out. The sly smirk on Giovanni's face when she mentioned the man's name had not been lost on Jacqueline.
...Giovanni is Jacqueline's grandmother after all!
What had further surprised Jacqueline was learning that this 'old friend' of Giovanni's was a Blood-Witch who left the coven after his Bonded's death. That information had surprised Jacqueline for an entirely different reason though, cause she realised, that a loss that has potential to send someone crazy much leave them extremely lonely at best.
It was sad.
And a real shame.
But Giovanni manages by doing as much as she can to keep herself moving forward and busy. So, Jacqueline decided she wasn't going to comment or fault the older witch for doing what she has to do, in order to keep going everyday. Cause the look of utter heartbreak even 10 years after the fact was a testament to how strong those bonds are...and the effects of loosing them.
NEW ORLEANS:
New Orleans was one of the destinations on that they had been assigned to visit that Jacqueline had been looking forward to the most. It had been a place she was interested in visiting even before she knew about magic and witches. Once she had though... well, the place seemed all the more exciting to visit. There had been stories claimed as 'fictional tales' everyone knew about vampires and voodoo witches in New Orleans.
Giovanni had informed the three of them that New Orleans was a place that they'd have to be more careful in than most. This place was chock full of other supernatural individuals and not all of them got along.
Which was why instead of staying in a hotel like they had in New York, they were staying with Mrs. Nola Mason. The woman is as eccentric as they come but a sweetheart and a damn good witch. Mrs. Nola is descended from one of the first French inhabitants in New Orleans and was putting Jacqueline's French knowledge to the test.
Though she supposed that was good since she would be in France soon and it was one of the languages she struggled with the most!
"Morning, Mrs. Mason" Jacqueline greeted the woman with a friendly smile as she stepped out of the bedroom she was sharing with Giovanni.
Mrs. Nola Mason smiled in return, "Hello, hun" the dark skinned woman was beautiful for her age. Being older than Giovanni by a good 30 years the woman didn't look a day over 45. Though Jacqueline had learnt it was because Mrs. Mason is continually using sacrificial spells to keep herself looking that way.
And that's what voodoo is - sacrificial magic.
Though the teachers at the Coven hadn't mentioned any kind of spells to keep her young looking. Jacqueline figured she might have to look into that in few years. Cause she didn't particularly want to get old, but she would easily settle for just not looking it. Not to mention the fact that Mrs. Mason was - according to Giovanni - going on 100 years old with the help of sacrificial magic.
"What do you have planned for today?" Mrs. Nola Mason asked looking between the four of them in question. They'd only arrived in town a day ago and mostly spent yesterday reporting back the information Mrs. Mason had given them to the coven.
Jacqueline didn't know what today's activities would be - though they were either work or sightseeing.
"What do you need us to do?" Georgia asked Giovanni
Giovanni smiled at them, "Nothing. You youngsters go out and explore, alright? You must be careful though... Vampires here don't particularly like witches and the ancestral practicing witches don't particularly like us"
Braxton frowned, "What about the werewolves? I heard that there is a pack here too?"
Mrs. Mason smiled at Braxton as she answered, "Oui vous avez raison" the woman nodded approvingly as she confirmed Braxton's information. "Indeed there is a pack here... though you must wait for the full moon to speak with them. They have been cursed long ago and remain in wolf form on all days but the full moon"
Well shit!
"Why were they cursed?" Jacqueline frowned
"Because they went against Elijah and Klaus Mikaelson" Mrs. Mason answered with a shake of her head as if the idea of going against those two was simply stupid. "The Mikaelson's created a place where supernatural individuals could remain - especially vampires. They don't need to hide as much here than in other places. The wolves wanted to rule it"
"Well why couldn't they?" Braxton asked, having a small fascination with werewolves and wolf pack history.
Giovanni secretly swears it cause Braxton's future bonded will be a werewolf and Jacqueline tended to agree having seen how miffed Braxton gets at slights against wolves that don't even concern him in the slightest.
Mrs. Mason rose a brow a the offence Braxton clearly took to the statement but didn't question the reaction. Instead she answered, "Simply because Vampires live the longest - they have the most to loose if the leadership is done wrong. Also because vampires can do damage control like compel humans and the sorts. It makes the most sense that they remain in charge as long as leadership is fair" she explained
And that meant a lot when it was coming from a witch...
Especially since sacrificial magic is no small or weak power to have, especially not when it's wielded by am experienced 100 year old witch.
"Well..." Braxton sighed and looked to Giovanni in thought. "If we have to wait to the full moon then it means we have 1 week before we can talk to the pack"
Giovanni nodded in agreement, "In the meantime we will see to visiting the local Ancestral bound Coven. We don't need to worry about trying to talk to the local Vampires. They're too loyal to their leader to even think about giving us any information. Not to mention the vampires are of no concern to us anyway"
Jacqueline nodded and shrugged in response - she didn't care to argue with less work.
Not when she was being given more time to go and explore the New Orleans. It was a place she was very excited to go out an enjoy. Braxton, herself and Georgia had already discussed that the first things they'd do were touristy things and then they'd get the locals to tell them where the real local fun is at. Plus, Jacqueline had heard that New Orelean's parties were where it's at!
"Let's see if New Orleans tops New York!" Georgia squealed in excitement
Jacqueline and Braxton laughed as they followed Georgia out of the house and off to do as they'd planned.
The French Quarter.
The Markets.
Street Music.
Steamboat Jazz Cruise.
Air boat Bayou ride.
Costume Parades.
Seafood.
Gumbo.
They'd even manage to locate a real haunted house with the trapped spirits of murdered witches. Of course, unlike the humans, Jacqueline had actually been able to communicate with the witches. They were quite friendly to other witches apparently - old souls, but the trapped witch spirits seemed to enjoy being able to chat with someone about their experience on 'the other side' nonetheless.
That sure was an odd experience!
Nothing that Jacqueline had heard about New Orleans even compared to how great actually going there was, that's for sure. She loved the everything about New Orleans a lot more than she had Virginia and New York. There was something about New Orleans that made Jacqueline positive that she would be back one day.
Jacqueline stood next to Braxton and Georgia as Giovanni spoke to the Pack leader in private. Apparently with this Pack, they knew very little about anything that didn't directly involve them. Though she found herself unsurprised considering they only have one day a month in their human form.
It made her wonder what was so bad that they deserved to only get one proper day out of a month as a human?
It was sad.
Especially considering the fact that Sacrificial magic as powerful as this spell had taken a complete massacre to create enough power to pull it off. The curse had been in play for 80 years now and still no witch had been able to break it. Though they'd never sought help from a Blood-Witch before and Jacqueline wondered if Giovanni would be able to pull it off if she tried?
Surely she could.
"Let's party!" Luke, the Pack Beta, announced loudly as he emerged from the house now dressed in some old dirty clothing. "You're welcome to join" Luke threw in their direction with an easy going smile before he went to start the party.
At least they made good sue of their time as humans...
"How could someone curse a whole Pack like this?" Braxton asked with a low growl that had Jacqueline certain the person responsible never wanted to cross paths with him.
"I don't know" Georgia muttered shaking her head as a fond smile curled up on her lips watching the Pack interact.
Jacqueline could admire the sense of community that exists within the Pack despite the curse that had been place on them. None of them brooded or remained angry about something that was out of their control. Instead they took strength in just having each other by their sides and enjoyed life to the fullest - whether that was in human form or wolf form. It was truly admirable and Jacqueline found she could respect the group a lot for it.
They reminded her of the Coven slightly though.
The way they banded together to pass on stories or history to the children, the way they fully embraced who they are instead of viewing the gene as a curse like most werewolves. It was in their DNA and how could something that's in their very DNA be evil or wrong?
Well, Jacqueline didn't know.
She'd heard of werewolves call their DNA a curse but she much preferred this Packs outlook on their werewolf nature.
It reminded her a lot of when she'd first found out about her magic and the thoughts she had back then. Jacqueline didn't fully understand magic, it had hurt at first and she thought there was no good that could come of it. Then it exploded and she'd killed her parents and almost her sister and herself in the process. That had scared her and Jacqueline couldn't help but feel like it was something to be ashamed of... a curse or something like that. But then she'd met Giovanni and finally was taught by a bunch of great people about her magic, her history, her DNA. Jacqueline had only then been able to fully see that magic was a part of who she is and in doing so, in accepting that, she was a better person for it.
Now she couldn't be happier!
Jacqueline found that she respected anyone who could do the same thing. The werewolf gene is triggered by killing someone and while there seemed to be a price to pay for their particular abilities, overcoming that only made them better people.
Plus... they know how to party!
And Jacqueline could always get behind a good party!
Laughing, Jacqueline ran over with a smile in Giovanni's direction before she grabbed herself a beer and joined the fray. Music blasted on the bayou and bodies moved without a care in the world. Smiles were splitting faces and laughs falling easily from lips. Couples disappeared to their small little shacks leaving knowing grins on their friends faces.
They're a Pack.
A family.
"Can I have a beer, Uncle Mick?" A small whine drew her attention to a little boy crowded with the other kids.
A man, who she assumed was Uncle Mick, chuckled at the question from the boy no older than 10. "No, sorry kid, maybe in a few years"
"Can you tell us a story then?" The little girl asked
Jacqueline stopped dancing and approached the group, smiling and offering a small wave of her finders when the children noticed her approach. A small girl smiled shyly at Jacqueline before asking, "You're one of the magic witched, right?"
Jacqueline nodded, "Yeah, I am" she agreed nodding at the wide eyed and curious looks she got from the children at her confirmation. "I'll show you something cool if you let me stay while you tell a story?" Jacqueline offered with a smile
"Okay!" One of the boys grinned
Jacqueline nodded before squatting down on the floor in front of them and pouring the rest of her beer onto the ground. A small grin made it's way onto her face as she met the eyes of the man supervising the children. He grinned at her with eyes twinkling in amusement and Jacqueline smirked back at him in response.
"Ready?" she asked the kids
"Yes!" they all nodded
"Okay..." Jacqueline agreed holding her hand above the pool of beer and with a twinkle of her fingers she focused in on controlling the elements. Her magic reached out and while she was sure only to release a little of her magic, she knew the triggered wolves in close proximity took notice of her then. The beer started to rise in little droplets before it floated in the air.
Awes of amazement left the kids mouths as they watched the particles form the image of a horse and Jacqueline sent it galloping around them all in the air.
Jacqueline allowed her magic to control the liquid as it changes shapes again, this time becoming a scene of a puppet on a string dancing.
Jacqueline smiled to herself as she watched and focused on the dancing the magic around in the air. Her gift of magic was something that amazed her even years later. While Jacqueline loved the power she possessed and the various possibilities she was capable of... the true beauty of it was in the small things. Like making beer into a floating rose or something equally as effortless and small that managed to communicate the beauty of magic.
Once it was done she smiled at the giggles and wide happy eyes of the children who applauded and laughed.
"That was so cool!" one of them said
"It actually was" The man, Mick, said as looked at her again. This time his face had softened into a small smile as he watched the scene play out in front of him.
"I'm Jacqueline" she said standing up and holding out her hand to him
"Mick" he shook her hand, "You enjoying the party?"
"Oh yeah" she nodded her head in agreement, "I've always had a place in my heart for a good party" she chuckled
Mick laughed, "Me too. None of the other Witches every took the time to really stay for long" he told her
Jacqueline nodded, "Yeah, well, that's probably because they're old and past their partying days and also because they don't want to intrude on your Pack for too long"
Mick nodded in understanding before he shrugged, "Well lucky for you guys... I only transform on the full moon"
She rose a brow in confusion, "Really?"
"Yeah" Mick nodded, "Thanks to your coven actually. They weren't able to reverse the curse but they made sure that any children one of the others have... that the curse wouldn't apply to future generations"
"Oh, wow, I didn't know that" Jacqueline admitted with a small nod of approval for whatever Witch had done that. "Yeah well... now all we have to do is find the future Queen of the Pack and maybe we'll be able to reverse it fully"
"I'm sorry" Jacqueline said turning to him in confusion, "It's my first time travelling with the Coven... I wasn't raised by them. What's a future queen got to do with anything?"
Mick grinned, "Well, there's always a male and a female born into the pack that are destined to be the future leaders. The Alpha's. Our pack is an entire two bloodlines not just triggered werewolves helping each other out. Everyone in our pack either has a crescent moon birthmark on their shoulder or a sun - and the daughter, with the sun, was stolen from us" he explained
Oh!
"What happens if she'd not-" Jacqueline hesitated not wanting to offend him in any way with the implication of the girl not being alive anymore. If someone stole a baby to hurt the Pact... well, they might just be cruel enough to hurt the baby too.
Mick smiled slightly, "If she's dead? She's not or else the Alpha would feel it. He can feel she's alive and neither of them will ever truly be happy unless they find each other"
"Kinda like a Blood-Bond" Jacqueline guessed but when Mick's face showed no recognition she waved it off and nodded her understanding to his statement. It was the werewolves version of a Blood-Bond and even though it may be slightly different, she understood the basic of what he was saying; they're made for each other.
"I hope you guys find her" Jacqueline told him genuinely and then handed him a piece of paper with her name and number on it. "If you ever need anything... you can call me directly and I'll see what I can do"
Mick grinned and reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, "Well, for tonight I could use some company and a good time"
"Yeah?" Jacqueline leaned into his touch with a matching smirk of her own
"Yeah" Mick grinned back
WASHINGTON:
In Jacqueline's opinion, Washington wasn't exactly a place she would choose to visit often. It happened to be a place where they had to be extra discrete - which meant not too many vampires and even less witches. It was a human dominated city unlike the last two places she had visited. There weren't many places that Giovanni had taken them in a search for information, cause those supernatural's in town tended to stick together.
However, this time Giovanni insisted that she come along with Braxton, Jacqueline and Georgia on their sightseeing trip. They'd gone all over the place looking to visit all the important places. There were plenty of parks and water displays that were beautiful and nicely photographed.
Jacqueline was compiling a picture of every place she went to show Tyler, Jenna and Jeremy who she regularly spoke with. Though Jeremy's calls were beginning to slow infrequency as he got caught up in school and friend drama. Especially since Jeremy's got Elena's friends always at the house doing something to invade his space. Jenna asks almost daily for the newest pictures - always favouring the nightlife and drunken mid-bar-crawl taken pictures that were never too flattering but always amusing.
Enzo had enjoyed the one Georgia took of Jacqueline walking straight into the wall while drunk off her ass!
The four of them went to most of the war museums and paid their respect but Jacqueline found the art to be the best part of the sightseeing. She always had enjoyed painting or drawing something but rarely had the chance to do so anymore. Not that she was that great at it anyway...
Lincoln Memorial.
National gallery of Art.
Washington National Cathedral.
They were all interesting places but Jacqueline had found the small little hidden tavern on the outskirts of town to be where the most interesting thing in their trip happened. Cause Giovanni had met an newly transitioned Vampire sulking about how his career as Senator is going straight down the drain.
The man, Senator Rossi, ordered another beer as he sulked loudly. "I can't do this! What kind of life is this!"
Giovanni sighed, "The poor man"
Jacqueline shrugged, she'd seen plenty of vampires in New Orleans and New York who had thrived in their vampiric lives. Though she supposed having the choice taken away from you and the new life thrust so suddenly on you would be different - but still, if this man was willing to learn, he could live happily as a vampire.
Example 1 - Enzo living it up on some remote island being waited on hand and foot.
Though with that being said, Jacqueline had found Enzo a daylight ring and mailed it to him the second she'd been able to. So, technically that may of made a huge difference which is why Enzo is currently on some beach soaking in the sun and relaxing on the hot sand. But still, before he was captured he had gone a hundred years without a daylight ring and been perfectly content in his vampiric life.
...It's a better fait then death, Enzo had said.
Jacqueline couldn't help but agree with him on that, she'd rather see her loved ones as vampires than just dead any day of the week. She herself, can't become a vampire, but if she could... well, she probably would have.
"What am I going to do!" Senator Rossi practically cried in a shrill tone she'd never before heard come from a fully grown man.
"Maybe we could...?" Georgia trailed off not voicing the thought aloud but giving a look to Giovanni instead.
Giovanni sighed, "If you must"
Georgia grinned and stood immediately, before approaching the distraught vampire who barely even took notice of her approach as he drowned himself in yet another bottle of scotch. Jacqueline rolled her eyes as she watched on, wondering briefly if it really was as easy as it sounded to make a daylight ring. Of course, she knew how to do it but Jacqueline never needed to before.
"Uh, excuse me, Sir?" Georgia interrupted the man
"Oh!" The senator sprung away from Georgia quickly, "I'm sorry - I'm sorry, I have to go" he said looking more at her throat than her face as she spoke and made to quickly turn on his heel and leave.
"Wait!" Georgia quickly said, "I can help you"
That seemed to of caught his attention...
"What do you mean?" The Senator frowned and regarded Georgia with suspicion and equal amounts of hopeful curiosity. He seemed to want to dismiss the 21 year old girl from being able to help a grown man but he was so out of his depth here that he was hopeful for it nonetheless.
"You don't really understand what you are now, do you?" Georgia took pity on him.
The Senators shoulders slumped as he shook his head, the sheer desperation and fear showed on his face. The man must have been going through hell as he figured out what was happening to him. "I don't - I - One minute I was at the hospital recovering from my surgery and the next I was burning in the sun!"
Georgia nodded and gestured for him to retake his seat again, "How did you figure out you were a vampire?"
"It was kinda obvious once I drained the bloodbag and bit the nurse...but then I wandered around and eventually I found the guy who works here... a-apparently he's a werewolf of something. Did you know they existed? Are you one?"
"No - I'm a witch" Georgia answered calmly even though the man looked like he was just about ready to faint. "I can help you walk in the sun again, if you want?"
"Really?" Suddenly the Senator looked hopeful again
"Sure" Georgia nodded before looking around, her eyes landing on the Senators wedding ring as a smile broke out on Georgia's face. "Take your ring off for me"
"Uh - okay" The Senator agreed sliding the ring off his finger and hesitantly handing it to Georgia with a watchful eye. Georgia put the ring on the counter and with a wave of her hand, flicked open a nearby window enough to shine light on half of the table. Once the light hit the ring Georgia focused in on it and the air crackled with a little magic.
"Here" Georgia put the ring back on the Senators finger and then nodded for him to put his hand under the sun.
The Senator looked reluctant and very scared of the pain that would come if this was all one big joke. Though with an encouraging look from Georgia the Senator experimentally held his fingers in the sun and when no burning occurred he looked positively delighted.
"This is great!" The Senator grinned
"It is" Georgia agreed before she suddenly looked serious again. "But you know that you can never tell anyone, right? You can never tell the government, or the military or anyone"
The Senator looked confused, "But all this strength would help us protect people-"
"No!" Giovanni's loud yet firm and demanding voice rang through the room. Giovani's anger was palpable and the Senator had the good sense to shrink back a little under Giovanni's angry gaze. "This must never be discussed outside of other supernaturals. It's too much power for one to have over another"
"But-" The Senator began
Giovanni hushed him by grabbing the sides of his face with both her hands. Both the Senator and Giovanni looking like they were in a trance of something for a few seconds before they both snapped out of it again. Giovanni's face was stern and knowing but the Senator looked pale and fearful of what had happened.
"I-" the Senator stuttered before nodding quickly at Giovanni. "Yeah, yeah, okay... we can't let that happen"
"I know" Giovanni nodded, "Because some people like you might have good intentions but using these gifts would be a death sentence"
The Senator nodded grimly before he sighed, "I - uh, is there anything I can do to repay you?"
Giovanni handed him a card with her name and number, "If you ever have something to share of a concern then you can just call. Always remember what I showed you because the vision cannot be altered. It's why we exist... to prevent that from happening"
The Senator nodded grimly
Giovanni smiled at him kindly before ushering them all out the door and back onto the streets. Jacqueline, Georgia and Braxton all exchanged curious looks before Jacqueline looked to Giovanni expectantly.
The older witch smiled, "I shared a vision with him"
"You can share visions?" Jacqueline echoed in surprise
Giovanni nodded, "Those who get vision can share them... the same as one would with their memories. However-" Giovanni paused as she grinned slyly, "What I showed was not really a vision, more the inevitable if governments began using our powers for their advantage"
"Sneaky" Jacqueline grinned right back at her grandmother
GERMANY:
Berlin.
The capital of Germany is Berlin and one of the more interesting places for the supernatural to live. According to Giovanni, Germany as a whole, has the largest population of werewolves than anywhere else in the world. Berlin was almost like New Orleans in a way... the supernatural remained hidden from humans, just without as much effort as needed in other places in Germany.
Everything in Berlin was different to the places Jacqueline had experienced before.
Though it wasn't necessarily a bad thing, just a different thing. Not to mention it was a little difficult going so suddenly from full English to full on German. German wasn't even an easy language to learn but Jacqueline was once again thankful that the Coven had taught her so well or she might of been in a lot of trouble.
Since they had arrived the day before the full moon, Giovanni had given them three days to do whatever before they got to work. Cause of all the different Packs, Giovanni has reminded them that more work than previous, would need to be done. They had to check in with all the local wolf packs that are on good terms with them - which is most of them.
However, in the meantime Braxton, Georgia and Jacqueline had plenty to explore in this new place. None of it disappointed!
The Berlin Wall.
The Brandenburg Gate.
Museum Island.
The Berlin Cathedral.
The TV Tower.
The Sanssoucci Palace.
Fried veal liver with onions and apple sauce!
Kassler pork.
Roast Goose.
Konigsberger Klopse Meatballs.
Everything was new and exciting and Jacqueline was having heaps of fun attending the parties and gatherings with the locals. The music was great to dance along with and the people she had met so far were all welcoming. Georgia seemed to be loving Germany and all the new foods and traditions... the girl was basically obsessed and insisted that she return to Germany next time Givanni has a trip planned.
Jacqueline found the place nice and welcoming - though she'd much rather return to New Orleans or go somewhere new next time.
Braxton seemed to be in agreement... well he was, until they'd reached the largest Wolf Pack in existence and then he'd naturally changed his mind.
The Pack was an impressive sight, hell Jacqueline wouldn't even really call it a Pack - it's a village, a town. The Pack wasn't too fond of outsiders and did their best to remain as far away from the city as possible, keeping the regular humans away. The Pack was similar to the one in New Orleans as they viewed their werewolf DNA as a gift rather than a curse and they embraced it even more than the new Orleans Pack did.
...Jacqueline wasn't too sure how she felt about that, but she didn't dare comment.
There was roughly 1000 triggered wolves in the little town and probably 100 family members who remained untriggered. The town was fully functional as they grew their own crops, and sustained themselves without much reliance on the surrounding towns. It was rather cut off from regular civilisation and Jacqueline thought the effects of that were surprisingly more than she'd expected them to be. The town had televisions but that was really as far as their exposure to internet and regular 'human' things went.
Even the schools were different - kids were taught about their lycanthropy history similarly to how the Coven had taught Jacqueline.
The town provided a place where nobody had to hide what they were and due to the lack of humans who don't possess the gene there was no need or reason to hide it.
However, what didn't entirely sit well with Jacqueline was the mentality that leaving the town was forbidden. She imagined that, as much as she loved the Coven, she would have never been okay with being required to never leave again. Though she supposed it was probably different for these people since all their lives, families and friends were here. Jacqueline just couldn't help but think about what these people are missing out on by isolating themselves - they could travel to meet other Packs around the world, sight see, learn more about their community.
Most of them didn't even know what was out there in the world.
Granted, Jacqueline was still figuring that out herself, but at least she was given the choice to do so!
Nevertheless, these people all seemed to be lovely and kind. They enjoyed their lives and as far as she could tell, had no desire to leave it. The Pack was one huge family and Jacqueline respected them.
"Tonight's the night!" Braxton practically bounced on over to her
Jacqueline rose a brow, "The full moon?" she questioned not entirely sure why he was so excited for that. It wasn't like they were actually going to see the transformations cause they'd be in the secure hall with the other non-triggered or pregnant people.
"Oh, right! I forgot to tell you" Braxton was grinning ear from ear as he remembered whatever it was he was supposed to inform her on. "The Pack leaders invited us to run with them! Isn't that great?"
"What does that even mean?" She frowned in confusion
"It means... that we're going to perform a shapeshifting spell and transform with them!" Braxton looked practically giddy at the thought. "So? Are you in or what?"
Shapeshifting?
Jacqueline was stumped on how that was even possible - it took her a minute to think about whether or not he was being serious. She guessed it was possible. After all, she had accidently changed the Covens cow into a bunny when she'd been frustrated on her ability to get the damn cow to move back into it's field. Though Jacqueline had never considered changing a humans form she supposed, in theory, that it could be done.
It would be difficult.
Risky.
And take a lot of concentration to pull off.
"Of course I'm in!" Jacqueline grinned right back at Braxton who happily gave her a fist bump before rushing off again.
How could she pass up an opportunity like this?
They had all gathered around in the woods ready as the moon began to reach it's apex. There was a calmness to the group that Jacqueline hadn't expected - she'd thought they'd be worried or even in a little pain. She had heard about how painful the transformations were and knew there was no way that breaking every bone on your body could be easy!
But apparently they weren't worried.
Instead, the Pack had begun stripping their clothes... and Jacqueline wasn't sure where was a safe place to look at the moment. There was a lot of people here and all of them getting naked was as awkward as it sounded.
"You ready?" Giovanni asked, giving them something to do other than attempt to avert their eyes. Even though they were surrounded by too many people for that to be successful.
Jacqueline nodded her head, "What exactly do we have to do anyway?" she questioned
"Well, luckily, we can remain in our clothing" Giovanni smirked at the three of them before continuing. "All you have to do is wear this-" Giovanni handed the three of them a moonstone ring they they each took and slipped onto their fingers. "And use your magic to change your form just like you would when altering the state of something else. Okay?"
"Yeah" Georgia said nervously
"Cool" Braxton nodded, "So, what do the rings do?"
Giovanni smiled, "The rings protect us from getting stuck in the form and protect us from any injury we may get from transferring when we return to ourselves"
"Well what happens if we get a life threatening injury?" Jacqueline wondered, "Would the ring heal it?"
"Not really" Giovanni sighed, "It will keep you from dying. If you get a life threatening injury in wolf form then it will turn you back to your natural born form and you'll be healed"
"That's good" Jacqueline smiled a little as Braxton looked giddy at some of the triggered wolves began their transformation. Apparently, due to the fact that the wolves in this Pack use magic to trigger their lycanthropy at a young age, their bodies adjust to the transformation making it quicker and less painful than most others would experience. Not to mention the fact that they'd all been taught to embrace their DNA instead of fighting it and that was supposed to make a bug difference in the transformations as well.
...Jacqueline was just glad they weren't in too much pain.
Giovanni nodded at them to begin changing forms on their own and Jacqueline felt the flutter of nerves in her stomach as she reached out with magic. She could feel the air around them crackle with the magic needed to change forms.
It was a comforting feeling to be wrapped in a cocoon of magic.
Jacqueline held back a startled yelp as her body pushed her forward onto her hands and knees. She could feel her bones shifting out of place but with the use of magic it didn't hurt. Of course, Jacqueline could feel the movement but there was nothing painful about it. She watched her hands in fascination as they changed to paws right in front of her eyes. The fur sprouting in a midnight black colour across her arms as her body moved and bent, limps turning in directions that they shouldn't really be capable of turning in.
It was so weird!
And amazingly cool all at the same time!
Her face was elongated as she had to blink a few times to adjust to the new feeling. Everything seemed bigger than it had before - the trees were taller, buildings looked like skyscrapers. She could smell the meat that the un-triggered people were having for dinner in the secured hall even though it was on the other side of the town.
Her senses were sharper than she'd expected them to be. Her sight able to hone in on something she'd never of been able to see before at this distance. Her smell was stronger and more sensitive to changes. Her hearing was easily overwhelmingly good and everything was super loud at the moment... she could hear something flapping nearby and she wanted to figure out what is was.
Oh.
Jacqueline turned to see another chestnut brown wolf - one she instinctually knew was Braxton - who's tale was wagging and hitting the ground in his excitement.
There was this urge to bite his tail to get him to stop but Jacqueline quickly listened to the human part of her brain that reminded her that would be embarrassing if did that. God, nobody would ever let her live something like that down...
A howl drew her attention to the leader of the Pack as he, a white wolf, proudly howled at the moon and to his Pack.
Jacqueline howled loudly along with everyone else and it was a freeing feeling to do so. When the Pack started running around and chasing each other - well, she decided this might just be more fun than she'd predicted.
FRANCE:
(New language struggles sightseeing art skills something to do with hunters (is it okay to kill a hunter if they're human?))
The 2 hour flight from Berlin to France was the shortest flight they'd been on so far but was probably one of the most uncomfortable as of yet. She had gotten squished in between two people the entire time and they'd been chatting over her as if she wasn't there. It had grated her nerves the entire 2 hours and she had been thankful when she'd finally been allowed off the plane.
Of course, as soon as she'd mentioned it to Giovanni, Braxton and Georgia the three had gotten a good laugh... Jacqueline didn't happen to find it as amusing as they clearly did.
However, she found herself glad that they would be renting a car while in France instead of relying on local transport. They hadn't rented a car before at their previous destinations but Giovanni had explained that they wouldn't be staying in one specific part of France as the reason why. Jacqueline was perfectly fine with that answer knowing it meant they'd get to see and experience more sightseeing than they would have otherwise.
Georgia seemed to be on the same page with that too - in fact, Georgia was most excited about France than the blonde had been about any other place they'd visited.
Jacqueline didn't know much about France or French culture but she could clearly see why the destination had Georgia so taken. Everyplace they had been to so far was beautiful. There was a lot to be said about the intricate architecture in France that had Jacqueline stunned every time she got a look at one of the sights on their list to visit.
Georgia had taken the initiative at this destination to create a small list of everything they would need to see in order to get in their 'tourist' time in France. The blonde had been beaming as she excitedly relayed the food and locations they would be stopping at in between Coven business meetings.
Eiffel Tower
Paris-brest tart
Louvre Museum
French Cassoulet dish
Versailles Palace
Classic quiche Lorraine dish
Disneyland Paris
The French music was lovely to listen to during the trip as Giovanni drove, occasionally swapping with Braxton every now and then to get a break from driving. Jocelyn usually had some genres of music that she liked to stick to whenever given the choice - but there was something about music in another language that became the exception to that rule. Honestly, she found herself liking the way even pop songs sounded when sung in French.
The language had a certain finesse to it that English sometimes lacked when it came to certain music genres.
Nevertheless, listening to the music in French did wonders for warming up her French speaking skills. While Jacqueline had learnt a little bit of French back in High school, and more of it with the Coven - it was something she hadn't practiced much of during her studies. Jacqueline had found during her studies that BloodWitch history was lacking within France and so she had only needed to read a few documents written in French over the years.
However, when it came to weaponry, that was where the French translating skills had come in hand. Jacqueline had been fascinated by the history of some magical invented weapons. She was excited to see more of that during her time here for Coven business.
"Alright" Giovanni announced pulling the car up to a delicate looking stoned driveway. "We're here"
Jacqueline immediately looked around at the house they arrived at where a fellow BloodWitch and her family live. The house was exactly what Jacqueline envisioned when she hears the phrase 'old French country cottage' style house. The warm golden yellow hue of the house's exterior worked well with the dark brown stone of the roof and windowsills. The house had a warm and welcoming appeal to it that she automatically pictured a loving and inviting family to live within. The garden was sculpted with care as roses of all shades decorated the perimeter and only served to add to the appeal that the house has.
"Wow..." Georgia muttered
Jacqueline nodded in agreement, there wasn't much more to say in reaction to the place than that; wow.
Giovanni chuckled at their reactions but nodded in agreement, "It is a very lovely home, indeed, and filled with just as lovely people"
Somehow Jacqueline didn't doubt that - though she knew it was probably wishful thinking, but she just couldn't comprehend someone who wasn't a lovely person living in a home such as this. It seemed wrong to think anyone who lived here could be anything but kind and welcoming. However, Jacqueline knew better than to let appearances fool her like that...
These people may very well be kind, but in the face of a threat of any kind she doubted the kindness would remain.
They're BloodWitches after all!
Being as they are, with the powers they have, being able and willing to protect their family was basically a requirement of having one. If they used too much power or made themselves too obvious as to their powers then they could have some people after them and you can't be nice to someone who's trying to kill you.
Life just doesn't work that way.
Especially not for people living outside of a Coven location and without too many supernatural friends nearby to help out.
.
.