Episode 7 Part One
It was decided that the Bishop sisters would be returning to Madison to see their aunts. There were many questions that they had in store for their hearts. The bags were packed and the helicopter was being prepped.
The sisters were currently having morning tea and wine with Ysabeau, Matthew and Thomas in the living room.
"I'm sorry for all the trouble I brought here," Diana apologised.
"This house has seen worse," Ysabeau assured. "Remember Baldwin cannot stall the congregation for long. This is your fight. Not his,"
"We know mamon," Matthew said. He turned to Thomas. "I know you want to join in this Thomas but I want you to stay here at Sept Tour for a while,"
"I want to help father. This is my fight as well and it's too late already for me to back out,"
"You've already done enough for me already," Diana said. "I'm forever grateful for how you saved me but I don't want you to get into any more trouble on our account,"
"I want you to stay safe here with Ysabeau," Matthew implored.
"It's my duty," Thomas said committedly.
"We might as well just let him come," Aurora said. "Even if we did leave without him, he'd follow us. Just like I would have,"
"Gerbert doesn't know it was me," Thomas promised. "And I was way too fast for that horrible witch,"
"He actually was," Diana said approvingly. "Even I didn't realise he was rescuing me,"
Matthew glanced worriedly at his son. "If you sure?"
"I'm sure," Thomas stubbornly refused to stay out of the upcoming fight which they knew would be approaching very soon. "First I want to go back to Marcus and Miriam and make things right with them in person. Also, I'm going to need some of your hair Aurora and a cheek swap,"
"Why?" Aurora asked.
"Because whatever it is that makes you different from us, it needs to be examined with immediate effect. Marcus gave me a call early this morning and requested it with immediate effect,"
"You should be traveling with us. It's not safe for you after what you did at La Pierre," Matthew hated for anything to happen to Thomas.
"I have to father. You guys just focus on getting to Madison. I'll be there in a few days with Marcus and Miriam. And Aurora, all will be made clear with what we find out,"
Aurora was beginning to turn rather pale. The blood was slowly draining from her face. Her emotions were becoming rather unsettled. Diana rubbed her back to soothe her.
"It's okay to be nervous," Thomas consoled. "But we all just want to protect you. To do that, we need to analyse your DNA as quickly as possibly. It's the only way to figure out what kind of creature you are and why it puts you in danger,"
"I promise you Aurora…we will not let it fall into the wrong hands," Matthew vowed.
"Okay," Aurora accepted. "Take what you need," She allowed Thomas to cut off a lock of her hair before giving him a cheek swap. He then packed up the items and prepared to leave in his car.
"You guys get to Maddison safely," he said. "And start planning for your next move as soon as possible. You have very little time left,"
Matthew approached him and gave him a warm embrace. He hugged him back. "Be safe my son," Holding one another's arms, they pressed their foreheads to one another as an acknowledgement of affection. "Call us when you get back,"
"I will," Thomas turned and he embraced his grandmother.
"Be careful Tom," she kissed his cheeks. Marthe gave him a peck on the kiss too.
Aurora gave him a warm hug. "You stay safe Thomas. And please give my regards to Marcus,"
"Of course," Thomas said.
Diana gave Thomas a gentle hug much to his surprise too. "Thank you, Thomas. I will never forget what you did for me. Be safe,"
Thomas entered the car and he drove away. His family and the witches watched a little worriedly.
"He'll be fine," Diana consoled Matthew. "He's strong and resilient. He'll make it back to Marcus and Miriam safely," she leaned her head on his shoulder and he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She turned her head to Aurora and saw how pale she was. "You okay Aurora?"
"Not exactly. All this time, I never realised how being so different would make me such a target for danger. Maybe Baldwin is right. Maybe I am a freak,"
"No. Don't ever say that about yourself," Matthew consulted. "My brother is known to say things that are wrong before he thinks. You're not a freak Aurora. Don't ever let anyone tell you any different,"
Aurora was a little solaced by his words but not enough to want to accept her insecurities much to their sadness. "We should get going," she broke the silence. "There are more important things we have to deal with," she walked away to gather her bags.
Diana and Matthew shared a worried glance and sighed. They both cared about Aurora deeply and hated her feeling so unconfident about herself. They approached the helicopter with its whirling propellers.
"Good luck you two," Ysabeau said.
"Thank you mamon," Matthew passionately kissed her cheeks earning a kiss back.
Ysabeau then kissed Diana on the cheek and surprisingly Aurora one as well. They shared heartfelt goodbyes with Marthe too before linking hands and escorting Matthew to the helicopter. As it took off, they waved to Ysabeau and Marthe through the windows before the aeronautic vehicle carried them further and further away from Sept Tour.
By the time, Diana, Aurora, and Matthew had arrived at the airport and were travelling by plane to North America, Thomas had made it to Calais and had caught a sea train back to England. He then drove the rest of the journey straight to Oxford right to his brother's house. He arrived there, in mid-afternoon.
Gathering the rest of Aurora's DNA samples in special containers, he marched to the door and knocked. It opened revealing Marcus in casual clothing.
"You got back quite quickly," he said.
"You know me brother," Thomas smiled back. He entered inside and Marcus led him to the living room. After he settled the containers down, Marcus gave him a big hug.
"I'm so proud of you brother," he said.
"You've already said that,"
"I wanted to say it to you in person. I'm really glad you came back,"
"I'm glad I did too,"
Miriam stood up. "It's good to have you back Thomas,"
"It's good to be back. I'm so sorry guys. For everything,"
"It's in the past now Thomas," Miriam assured. "We'd always have your back no matter what,"
"Did you get what I needed?" Marcus asked.
"Yes. I got Aurora's hair and a check swap. I'd like to help you two in the lab. If you'll let me,"
"Of course," Marcus said.
"Then let's get to it," Miriam spoke up.
The three made their way to their lab and they got to work. Marcus continued looking at the blood, Thomas did the hair and Miriam did the cheek swab.
Diana, Aurora, and Matthew sat together on the plane. Whilst Matthew was busy texting his sons, Diana noticed that Aurora was finishing a sketch of their parents.
"That's amazing," she said.
"I know it's strange but drawing them makes me feel like they're still with us," Aurora smiled and Diana smiled back. "They would have loved Matthew,"
Diana smiled, thinking of their mother and father.
"I'm sure Em and Sarah will love him too," Aurora said. "What do you think's gonna happen next?"
"I don't know," Diana confessed.
"You ever wonder if we'll ever get involved with the book of Life again?"
"I don't know either. I still think it has to remain hidden for a reason. It mustn't fall into the wrong hands,"
"Do you think there's anyone in the world other than Matthew who might know about it?"
"If there were, they're most likely in hiding,"
"You don't suppose those people could have the pages?"
"Maybe. There's nothing we can do about it at the moment,"
Aurora yawned.
"We should get some sleep," Diana said. "You can lie against me if you'd like,"
Aurora smiled and leaned her head against Diana's warm shoulder. Diana chuckled when she detected joy radiating from her cheeks. "Are you thinking about a certain someone?"
"Like who?" Aurora asked tiredly, keeping her eyes closed.
"A certain vampire doctor,"
Aurora chuckled. "I don't know what you're talking about," she fell asleep.
Diana smiled. She could not wait for their new friends to join them soon. She knew how much her sister seeing one of them would make her heart lift.
The next morning, they arrived in New York. They then rented a car and drove a long distance to Madison. Aurora informed the aunts of their arrival. Whilst Diana and Matthew sat in the front, Aurora sat in the back drawing a picture of Marcus. She put intricate detail into his hair and cheeks and as she drew his eyes, she blushed as if she was looking into his dark irises right now.
Soon after she had finished, they arrived at the Bishop's house. They exited the car and took their bags.
"Em and Sarah thought they'd leave so the house would get used to you Matthew," Aurora spoke up.
No sooner had they approached the door, than the house suddenly began to shake. They saw the outdoor shelves and the hanging trinkets jiggling around. Matthew was a little tense.
"You'll get used to it," Diana said. The door was open. They entered the kitchen where a black shaggy cat awaited them, perched on the table.
"Hello Tabitha," Aurora came forward to stroke it. The friendly cat meowed happily and purred as she stroked her soft fur.
"What's the house capable of?" Matthew asked.
"Slamming doors. Flickering lights," Diana remarked, pulling off her coat. "One time the entire floor disappeared for a whole week,"
"One time I was stuck in the bathroom for a whole day because the door had disappeared," Aurora said next.
Diana chuckled. "That story never gets old. How lovely to see you too Tabitha," she stroked her.
"Let's get ourselves settled in," Aurora said. "I'll make us some tea,"
"We won't be staying long," Diana reminded. "We're only here for answers,"
They waited a long silent hour until they heard the crunching of gravel outsider. Diana was the first to march out. Aurora knew she held a grim face and Matthew heard her muscles stiffen. They shared worried glances. They came outside just as Em and Sarah walked out of their car.
"Diana! Aurora! My darlings!" Em gave forward and embraced the unresponsive Diana. She then shared a warm embrace with Aurora.
"IT's good to see you Em," Aurora said. "And you too Sarah,"
"Did the house like him?" Em asked.
"It sure did," Aurora said.
"I said the house would like him," Sarah said happily.
"Tell me the truth," Diana demanded. "All this time did you know what was wrong with me?"
There was a bit of silence.
"Why don't we just go inside?" Em suggested.
"No! Tell me now!"
Sarah scrunched her eyebrows. "What's going on?"
"Did you know that I was spellbound?" Diana interrogated impatiently.
"Wha…" Sarah breathed. She stared at her partner.
Emily was stuck in her spot. "I…I guess you might be,"
"Who was it?" Diana demanded.
Em stuttered again. "Why don't we just go inside?"
"Who?!" Diana demanded.
Aurora tried to break things up. "Diana…"
Diana ignored. "Who was it?"
Emily couldn't hold back. "Rebecca and Stephen. Your parents,"
Aurora was flabbergasted. So was Sarah. The colour of Diana's red cheeks faded away.
They went inside. "No! I refuse to believe it!" Aurora denied. "Mum would never do that Diana!"
"She would never spellbound…" Sarah tried to object but the angry and devasted Diana exploded.
"Just tell me why! What is wrong with me?!"
"Honey. Nothing is wrong with you," Em tried to say.
"You don't get to keep secrets like that!" snapped Diana. "Not with a child! Not with anyone!"
"Look…" Em closed her eyes. She knew it was time to explain everything. "The Congregation would have tested your powers when you came of age. Just like with every other kid. But Knox, he wouldn't wait. He was obsessed with the idea that you would inherit your mother's powers. Rebecca and Stephen didn't want him to see you. That's why they came here. To get away from him. Look, whatever Rebecca's reasons were…" Emily was beginning to cry. "She only wanted to protect you. So did Stephen,"
"I was half myself for years," Diana bawled out. "And you didn't say a thing,"
"I had to trust that she wanted me to keep this secret," Em cried.
"And that's all you know?"
"Yes. It is. I promise,"
Diana turned around and walked off. Sarah tried to follow her but Matthew blocked her. "Let her go,"
Sarah frowned. "Excuse me?"
"Sarah! Em! I have my own questions," Aurora spoke up. "Why didn't Peter Know about my existence? Why did you shut me off when I asked you that question before?"
Sarah and Em hesitated.
"We can't tell you," Sarah said.
"Why not?!" She demanded. "Why won't you two give me answers?!"
Before the aunts could answer, there was a flash of colour lights. Aurora looked ahead and she saw a vision appears. A vision of her parents. They were cleaning things in the kitchen when the house began shaking. Powerful anxiety grew on their faces as they looked at each other.
"It's Peter Knox. He's found us," Rebecca freaked out. "The house is trying to protect us,"
"We have to hide Aurora," Stephen said. "And we have to spellbind Diana. It's the only way,"
The scene changed to a scene of the two girls in their twin beds. Stephen uttered a sleeping charm to make Aurora unawakenable. He and his wife then pulled the sheet over Diana and whilst Rebecca began telling a story to young Diana about the shadow prince and the rainbow ribbons which protected her from witches who sought her power, he cast a powerful spell that made lines of magic wrap around her, concealing her magic, spellbinding her.
The magic from his incantation bowl erupted in fire. They stared down at their eldest daughter.
"What have we done?" Rebecca breathed out. "Our magic is who we are,"
"She's safe. She's alive. We had no other option. One day if she really needs it, she'll find it again,"
"You really sure we can't do this to Aurora?" Rebecca cast a tearful face at Aurora.
"Our powers cannot be contained. That is why we have to hide her Peter Knox and anyone who seeks to be a threat to her," Stephen said. "You know the promise we made,"
Soon the scene changed again and Diana was dressed up in a pink nightgown. Aurora was tucked into bed again.
"Now remember, you have to be very quiet, okay?" Stephen asked.
Aurora nodded.
Stephen kissed her forehead. "We'll be back in a bit," Stephen waved his hands a magical invisible barrier formed over young Aurora. He and his wife escorted the young Diana downstairs.
Aurora was tear-stained as she watched that scene. Diana held her hand.
The five then watched the vision of a young Peter Knox with brown hair testing Diana. The vision flashed forward and young Diana was walking to her mother.
"All done," Peter Knox said. "Now…before I leave…I want to ask you both something,"
"What is it, Peter?" Rebecca asked.
"I've heard rumours…about a stranger coming to these parts. She's neither witch, nor vampire, nor daemon, nor human either…"
Aurora gulped as she watched the scene.
"We have seen no such thing," Stephen lied. "And you know as well as we do, there are only four types of creatures on this planet,"
"And even if there is, would they be a threat?" Rebecca argued.
Peter was sceptical. "If you two know of any such thing, you will know to report to me and the Congregation,"
"We understand," Rebecca answered quickly.
Giving them one last firm glance, Peter turned and left. Instantly the parents fled upstairs and Diana hopped onto the bed with young Aurora and they played together. Rebecca and Stephen watched with worried faces.
"We cannot let Peter get his hands on Aurora or Diana," Rebecca said.
'You know what we must do next," Stephen looked at his wife with tearful eyes similar to hers.
The vision switched again and it showed them leaving for a trip to Africa. They would be leaving Diana and Aurora in the care of their aunts.
As he embraced his daughters, Stephen said, "Look after each other. Okay?"
They nodded back.
"We love you both. So much," Rebecca sniffled. She embraced them tightly and kissed them on the cheeks. As she and Stephen drove away, the girls waved goodbye to their aunts with their fluffy toys.
And that's the first part of Episode Seven done. Very sorry for taking long. I've been busy but I hope you all enjoyed this.
