A/N I know it has been literally forever, and I am really sorry but if you're reading this I don't want to waste too much of your time. Thank you so much for reading this story! Whether you began when it was first published or are tuning in now! (Though I seriously suggest reading all the previous chapters before this).

This is the 3rd to last chapter. All are pretty much written, just need a bit of editing. Tomorrow chapter 14 will be posted and the day after chapter 15!

Chapter 13: Secrets, Lies, and Trouble in Paradise

Emma's P.O.V.

'Emma'

"I'm sorry did you say something?" I asked my parents who returned my inquiry with a questioning look. I could've sworn I had heard my name though it seemed only a whisper … and it sounded a lot like … Lewis!

"No, why? Did you hear something?" My father asked concerned.

"Oh no sorry, I think it was just Lewis, he must be worried about me," I tried to explain, but then I realized how weird that sounded, "We kind of have like a psychic connection now I think, like we can hear each other's thoughts. Sorry this will just take me a moment."

I sat back and closed my eyes, trying once again to focus on Lewis. It wasn't hard since I could tell he was trying to reach me too.

'Lewis?' I said as his image came to me. He was sitting alone in his house, staring at nothing it seemed, just in concentration.

'Yes! Are you alright?' I could tell he was quite relieved.

'I'm fine, just sore, I woke up on the beaches of Sirenthia. … I'm with our parents now,' I replied happily.

'You swam all the way there, of course you'd be sore!' he smiled, 'I am just glad you are safe. We have yet to locate Hennings. It would probably be best if you stayed there until we do.'

'Stay here that long? Won't that be suspicious?' I asked, once again feeling like the damsel in distress when I knew with my powers I should be able to be much more.

'That's the safest option, you know that. Also I don't think it will actually take that long. Since he came after you it is very likely that he is still lurking nearby and eventually he will come out on his own. With you there, he has lost, and sooner or later he is going to figure that out.' He sounded so sure of himself, but I wasn't convinced this man would give up pretty much his life's work so easily.

'If you say so fine, I'll stay a couple days or so I guess, but you have to promise me you will cover for me. I can't let my adopted family or my best friends go on thinking I abandoned them, not after all they've helped me through,' I insisted.

'Can do,' he replied easily, 'Now get back to mom and dad, we can talk later.'

I opened my eyes to find my parents staring at me in wonder.

"You spoke to Lewis?" My mother inquired.

"Yes actually, he said they haven't located Hennings but believe he is still in the area, searching for me," I informed them, "He also said he thinks I should stay here until they do."

"Oh dear I'm sure it won't be too long, your brother is pretty sharp," My mother assured, "They'll catch him in no time. Then you will be able to go back and visit your friends."

Visit. Because this is my home now ….

We talked for quite a bit, it was nice and I definitely learned a lot. My mother was just going over holiday celebrations in Sirenthia when my father suddenly interrupted.

"My goodness, that's it!" He quickly went over to one of the book shelves and began searching for a particular volume.

"What's it?" I asked confused.

"Don't worry dear, he's always like this," mom explained with a laugh.

He soon returned with a thick, hard-covered, dark green volume.

"The stone you saw in Garry's hand; did it look anything like this?" He asked, after opening to a specific page he showed me a sketch of a smooth stone. It was black and white but otherwise looked relatively the right size and shape.

"Yeah, I think so," I replied, "What is it?"

"Cloch McCreery de Draíochta, McCreery's stone of magic," He translated, excited for this discovery, "I knew I had heard of a stone such as the one you described! As legend goes, it was discovered centuries ago by a man named McCreery in Ireland. There are many variations but generally he begins being the happiest and most powerful person in the world but by some twist of fates he begins to see the power as evil and is said to have either destroyed the stone or, if that failed, hiding it where no one could find it. I am truly curious as how Garry came about this legendary artifact."

"That's great dear, but what does this mean for us then? Given it's in the hands of an already formidable opponent?" Mom asked.

"Legend has it that the stone has no limits, it can do near anything from telekinesis to raising the dead! But there is a catch," He stated, Reading the text closely, I tried to read along but I think the text was in Irish. "It can only be used for one ability at a time and must be used directly. For example, with the force field, he would not be able to create more than one and if he wanted to, say teleport away, the force field would disappear the second he used the stone's magic for something else."

"So he's not invincible, that's great! We could … I mean Lewis could definitely use that, I'll make sure he knows," I guess I'm still not as comfortable as I thought staying on the sidelines. I just had a bad feeling about what was coming. I tried to ignore this nagging probably paranoid thinking and instead simply passed on the information to Lewis. From there conversation veered back to more lighthearted topics.

After we finished the tea and pastries my mother insisted I get prepared for the ball, against my father's wishes that I begin magic training straight away. I am glad to be honest, though I feel much better than I did when I first got here, I'm still pretty worn, and I don't think practicing my magic would do any good for me currently. Anyway, then my mother guided me to a room that appeared to be a sewing room. An older woman, a seamstress I assume, was sewing up an old dress.

"My queen," she said upon our entrance, getting up to make a polite curtsy, "What can I do for you?"

"I'm sure you've heard the rumors already Heather, my daughter has returned," The queen beamed, "And I fear she has nothing to wear for her welcome back ball tonight."

"Oh yes Christine, I will get right on it," Heather said, I smiled at hearing my mother's name for the first time. As Heather began putting away what she had been working on and bringing out form a cupboard a stool and a sort of measuring tape, I had a short memory/flashback to doing this same thing when I was much younger, and so was she, I could tell she has been with the family for a while. "Come here your highness."

This was directed to me as she took my hand and lead me to stand on the stool as she took all the measurements I assume she needs to make a dress.

"It should be ready by this afternoon," Heather assured with a smile as she was done. I was surprised because I didn't see her write down anything. I guess she has been at this long enough to have a pretty good memory of measurements and such.

"Thank you Heather," I stated before walking back to my waiting mother. Together we walked down the corridor.

"So what's next?" I asked, it's been a very long time since I have prepped for a ball.

"Now that your dress is in the making what do you say we get you cleaned up?" She smiled.

"I say that's a good idea," I replied sheepishly remembering that though I feel less worn than I had when I woke up stranded, I still looked the part, my clothes were torn and dirty from whatever happened last night and however long I slept on the beach, plus my hair really needed a decent comb through. Some cleaning up was definitely called for.

Lewis' P.O.V.

"Great job guys," Cleo praised scooting into the booth next to me, "my parents didn't suspect a thing."

"That's a relief," I smiled in return. It really was, these full moons were getting harder and harder to cover up. After we did all we could at Cleo's I got out of there ASAP, though we made plans to meet up at the Juicenet soon after. Cleo was the last to get here, but I was really relieved when she did. Rikki sat across from me but she was being strangely quiet around me, none of her usual teasing and sarcasm, and honestly it was getting quite awkward.

"So, has anyone heard from Emma? I've texted her twice … she still hasn't answered," Cleo asked.

"I haven't," Rikki replied, "And I'm starting to get worried. She should have contacted at least one of us by now."

"What about you Lewis? Have you heard anything?" Cleo inquired innocently.

"Actually yeah, she contacted me earlier, she's fine," I tried to assure them, it wasn't a lie.

"Really?" Rikki asked dubiously, "She jumped out a window how is she just fine?"

"Eh a little sore but nothing more, you know how the moon tends to increase your abilities on occasion," I excused, "She said she woke up at home this morning."

"Why did she contact you and not either of us?" Rikki inquired.

"I don't know, she probably just figured we'd all be together at some point," I replied, "you know with everything going on in her life right now I think she just needs to spend some more time with her family."

"Wait, she told you about what was happening?" Cleo asked confused.

"Yeah, why wouldn't she?" I asked, then I remembered that night in the Juicenet, she had seemed very reluctant to reveal anything to me and as far as Rikki and Cleo knew, the topic had never been brought up between us.

"She just didn't seem like talking about it with you before," Rikki stated.

"I've known her forever Rikki," I laughed casually, "I got her to spill on our way over from the Juicenet last night, I could tell it was bugging her."

"Still, wouldn't kill her to just text us back," Rikki sighed.

"Maybe she doesn't have her mobile on her anymore," I shrugged, "Look, I can confirm she is safe and happy for now, isn't that enough?"

"Yes Lewis, we're just worried is all," Cleo responded, putting a comforting arm around my shoulders I guess I was overreacting without really noticing.

"Yes I know, I just think we have to trust that Ly-, that Emma can take care of herself," I cringed slightly at my near mistake hoping it wasn't too obvious.

"Wait, what were you gonna say?" Rikki pushed.

"Ly-Lily" I stuttered, the first word I thought of that made sense, thankfully my brain was able to make some sense of this randomness as I was able to connect it to something actually relevant, "Those are like Emma's favorite flower right? Maybe we could get some for her or something. Peruvian lilies are known to represent friendship and devotion; it can be like showing her we'll stick with her no matter what happens."

While the facts were true and at least semi-relevant I was still super relieved to find that my rant of BS did lead to a semi-reasonable conclusion. Still it left Cleo and Rikki speechless.

It took me a moment to realize the actual reason they were speechless not because of my awkward rant about metaphorical lilies but because of the three very real lilies that had appeared under my hand, that I had been resting on the table, as I spoke.

"Aaand the reason I bring up lilies is because I already got some!" I laughed awkwardly holding them up, "Do you guys like my magic trick?"

I quickly pulled from my pocket the purple powder, the Dimenticum, that had become my crutch since I've gotten back, I can't believe I let my power get out of control again. I brushed off just a bit into their faces, willing that they just forget illogical appearance of the lilies, and when they sneezed I quickly tossed the lilies onto another table.

"Oh look we've been here forever and not even one round of drinks! I'll go up to get us juices now before it gets any longer, regulars for everyone?" After receiving a semi-dazed nod from both of them I headed up to the counter. The Juicenet itself was a lot busier than usual, it took at least 10 minutes for me to catch Ash's attention from tons of other hungry customers.

"Lewis hey, have you seen Emma today?" Ash asked, "She hasn't answered any of my calls or texts. She was supposed to come into work this morning but she never showed, it's just not like her. I realize the full moon was last night and I'm honestly getting worried."

"Oh Emma, no, she's fine, I talked to her this morning," I tried to comfort, though I could tell it didn't satisfy him, "She did get a little too much moon last night so she might be a bit out of it, maybe she forgot she had work. I think she is spending the day with her family so don't worry about it."

"Oh you know me, I love to worry, especially lately," he muttered before he left the counter and began preparing the juices he knew we would order.

"Lewis!" Felix approached, worry evident on his face, "There's trouble, we need you right away!"

He grabbed my arm and I let him pull me out of the line to a more open part of the Juicenet so we could talk without causing too much of a commotion.

"Is it Hennings?" I asked him.

"Yes, he is out by the beach right now," Felix reported, "He came to the house, he wants to see you. We tried to detain him, but he's killed two of our men already, Gerard and Patrick. He's too powerful for us."

I struggled to contain my emotion, Gerard and Patrick were two of the strongest men we had, they had been protecting me since I was a child. I could feel my anger building, but I had to suppress it otherwise things could get crazy, obviously I still haven't obtained complete control over my powers.

"Take me to him," I demanded, I could feel the anger building my power and I couldn't wait to release it on him.

When we got out there he was standing by the tree, sort of hidden in the shadows. I positioned myself to use my powers on him but before I could he waved his finger and I heard choking sounds behind me, when I looked back I didn't see Felix, that is until I looked up. He was being held about 10 meters in the air by some invisible hand. When I looked back at Hennings he had come forth and I could easily see him handling the stone in his other hand.

"Attack me and we all know what will happen to him," He smirked.

"What do you want?" I asked angrily.

"What do you think genius?" He sneered, "Where is your sister? Give her over to me and I will let him go."

"It's too late, or haven't your sources informed you?" I asked and gave him a smirk of my own when he looked confused, "It's over. She is back in Sirenthia taking her rightful place on the throne. There is nothing more you can do."

"Blast it!" He shouted angrily, releasing Felix midair, luckily I was just able to cushion his fall by materializing a mattress.

"You should come with us now," I told him, "If you try to run we both know it is only a matter of time before we find and catch you."

"You think it's over do you? No, my father didn't die for nothing!" He shouted, "All this means is I have to move on to plan B. You won't be so smug the next time we meet." Then he was gone. Disappeared, poof, not even with a puff of smoke. Kind of disappointing really.

"Are you alright Felix?" I asked, though I assumed so since he was back on his feet, just lightly rubbing his neck.

"Yes sir," He stated, "Thank you."

"Let's go back to the house, we need to strategize," I stated, sending one quick text to Cleo before walking off with Felix. I felt pretty confident we would get him no matter what, because what could he really do at this point, with Emma already safely in Sirenthia, that would get him the throne? Still a part of me was worried I really didn't want to know.

Emma's P.O.V.

After a nice long bath, in like the biggest bathroom I have ever seen. I felt much more refreshed. My mom had given me one of her dresses from when she was younger. It was nothing too flashy, but still beautiful and actually very comfortable.

"Come I must show you something," My mom said when she found me coming into the hall. She looked excited, quite a contrast to when I first saw her.

"What is it?" I asked nervously.

"Your inheritance, your magical inheritance," she stated, "A tome that's been passed down our family for generations along the female line. I had considered putting this off until later, but you deserve to know about it, you would have inherited it and began studying when you turned 16 if—well you know."

I didn't reply, I just followed her, super curious. We walked forever down the same almost never ending hallway until we came up to a door at the end. A big, brown, wooden door that creaked as my mom heaved it open.

"We've remodeled the castle a bit in the last century or so, but never this room," she explained.

The room was smaller than I imagined, much smaller than any of the rooms I had visited already. It was very dark too, no windows, and the walls seemed to be made of stone. It was like a small cave. In the center was a stone altar, surrounded with many lit candles and beautiful flowers. I could feel the great presence of magic in the room the moment I stepped through the doorway.

Centered on the altar was a giant and ancient looking book, the cover engraved with an intricate trident. On the right was a mortar and pestle, I assume it's for grinding up those powders Lewis had. On the left was a glowing jagged almost crystal-like rock.

"The pod," I recalled.

"Yes," she stated, "Be careful, it won't always tell you what you want to know, but it tells you what you need to know. As for the book, it contains a history of our family as well as several important incantations, spells if you will, that have been used throughout the ages. You are free to look through them; I think you will find it all quite interesting. I must do more in preparation for tonight so if you don't mind I will let you look through it all and come get you in a few hours or so."

"I think I can handle myself," I replied nervously, the energy the place held making me completely excited and frightened simultaneously. With a small smile she left me to my own. The door closed behind her, but it didn't matter, because out of the near complete darkness around the altar came a new light source, I was surprised to find crystals of all colors and from all around begin to glow and shine. They really lit up the room then.

I slowly approached the book and braced myself, nearly positive I would have a vision the moment I touched it, I just hoped it wouldn't knock me out like the past ones have. Taking a deep breath, I placed both of my hands firmly around the book. My eyes snapped shut but my mind was overwhelmed with visions. Quick, fleeting, flashing, hard to make sense of. Woman after woman inheriting the book, opening it for the first time, writing in it, adding to it. I realize after a while that there is an order to it, past to present, as the vision begins to slow so that I watch as a young woman I recognize as my mother is being passed the book. Then it shifts and becomes like my other visions before, from my own perspective, a memory. I'm standing at the threshold of the cavern I'm currently in, gazing with wonder at the magical tools and tome, eager to get a better look, held back only by my mother's firm grasp on my hand. She's explaining to me the significance of the book. How it's been passed for generations, and how one day it will pass to me. There's a pause, silence, and then the vision drifts away and I return to reality, more eager than ever to discover the secrets this book has hidden within its bindings.

Cleo's P.O.V.

"I can't believe Lewis bailed on us," I complained, after receiving his text explaining that something 'really important' had come up. He goes to get the drinks then, after we had been waiting half an hour wondering where he had gone off, sends me a measly text with barely an explanation, "It's just not like him at all."

"He's been acting stranger than usual since he got back," Rikki stated, "Hey, did Emma ever mention talking with Lewis while he was away?"

"No, except that one time we all called him together, why?" I asked confused.

"It's probably nothing, just forget about it," Rikki waved off the topic.

"Well now I can't, it's obviously something, just tell me!" I pleaded, but she still looked hesitant, "Pretty please?"

"You're not gonna like it," Rikki sighed.

"I can handle it," I assured, but I was getting worried.

"Well, it's just, don't you think him and Emma have both been acting weird lately? Together?" Rikki began, "Last night they cut the time super close to full moon, unusual for both of them, but they were both in fits of giggles when they arrived, and when Emma was moonstruck, he was the only one who was able to calm her down, even though she hardly seemed to recognize us. And don't you think it is weird that she would text him but ignore us? Something's fishy, and not in the good way."

"You don't think …" I started but didn't want to finish the thought. There is no way that Emma and Lewis would get together behind my back, right? I've known them both forever, trusted them forever, we've never had secrets between us.

"I don't know, I'm just telling what I observed," Rikki knew what thought had first come to my mind, "I think it is obvious they are hiding something from us, but I've thought about it and I don't think it is what you're thinking now."

"Hiding something else? Like what?" I asked curiously.

"I don't have a clue," Rikki sighed frustratedly, "I mean Emma has been very open these past few days, more than usual actually, especially before Lewis came around. But Lewis, I mean you said it yourself the day he came back he was acting suspicious."

"You're right, I mean he explained it but rather vaguely …" I conceded, "What should we do then?"

"Well, I think we should confront them the next time we're all together, I can't stand secrets," Rikki stated with a smirk.

"I'm with you," I replied, "If those two are hiding something, no matter what it is, we've got to get to the bottom of it."

Just then my phone beeped. I got a text, from Emma. I read: Meet me out back of the Juicenet, I have something very important I need to tell you.

"We don't have to wait long, Emma just texted me. She said she has something important to tell," I stated, "She's out back of the Juicenet."

'That's odd," Rikki stated, "Sounds like we are going to get the answer we were looking for."

I replied to let her know that we were in the Juicenet and would be out soon.

Out back there wasn't really much to see, it was a beach but there weren't really that many people at this time, the sun was already starting to set. We walked toward the ocean, I didn't see Emma yet, but I guessed that'd probably be where she wanted to meet me. We stopped by the pier.

"I don't see her anywhere," I frowned looking about, is she waiting in the water, she would have told us if that were the case right?

"Maybe we should -" She started but she was cut off. She had been standing at my side but in a matter of seconds without warning, she was on the ground unconscious.

"Rikki!" I screamed and fell to her side, I could hardly process what had just happened. And I didn't really get a chance to. I hadn't even heard anyone creep up behind us but I did feel as something hit my head as well. The pain vibrated through me as I began seeing stars. I could feel myself being picked up and carried away, attempting and failing to resist as I fell into an unwanted unconsciousness myself.

Emma's P.O.V.

It felt like mere minutes, though it must have been hours, when my mom came back and told me it was time to prepare for the ball. I was reluctant to pull away but my mom reassured me this wouldn't be my last look at it, after all, it's officially mine now.

Soon after I was all ready for the ball: dress, shoes, hair, makeup and all. I can officially say I feel like a princess. Time to officially meet my subjects.

As soon as I was ready they opened the gates. I stood with my parents as the people began pouring in, I'm pretty sure the whole country came out for the night, even though there was such short notice. I was impressed with my parents, they greeted everyone by name, even the little kids. I got a lot of smiles thrown my way, some greeted me directly, and still some introduced themselves and told me how happy they were I was back in one piece. It was too fast though, I'm embarrassed to admit I didn't remember any new names I learned in the introductions.

The first dance was easy; it was for the guests of honor. Clarissa danced with a younger boy I assume was the brother she mentioned on our walk, they were adorable. Mayra danced with a man she introduced as her husband, they were a beautiful couple. I took the first dance with my father, I just followed his lead and everything went very well, it was wonderful actually, but over before I knew it. I followed my father to the front of the huge ballroom, unsure of what to do next. Everyone immediately began finding partners and dancing to the upbeat rhythm that vibrated across the dance floor. I plastered a smile on and waved to everyone who greeted me first, but I've never felt more awkward in my whole life, among a sea of unfamiliar faces. While my parents went off to dance together in the middle of the ballroom, I stationed myself around the front, searching the crowd for familiar faces. Needless to say I was entirely grateful when I spotted Tobias coming my way.

"May I have this dance m'lady?" He asked, offering his hand.

"Of course," I replied, taking his hand after getting an approving nod from my father. From there it wasn't so bad, Tobias danced with me for quite a while, teaching me the steps. Then he introduced me more personally to his friends, other guards from the looks of it, who had gotten the night off, as well as some girls dressed up as much as myself. I was having a good time with them, though it made me wish that I could share this event with my friends and loved ones back home. I wished I could share just one dance in this glorious place with Ash. The thought of Ash in a suit made me smile, I'd never actually been with him in such a formal setting. I think he'd feel just as awkward and weird as I do now.

It was all going very well, I excused myself to the buffet table that had been set up, to get a drink. I wondered if her parents had considered my situation when they added straws to the drinks they had out, or if it was just how they usually served drinks, either way it worked for me! Straws meant that no matter what liquid was held within, and I didn't quite recognize whatever it was, there was little chance for splash and change in the middle of the ball.

"Are you having fun?" Clarissa asked, holding a half-eaten pastry.

"Why yes I am, what about you?" I replied, bending down a bit to get on her level.

"Yes, it's wonderful!" She twirled to emphasize her point, then took the last bite of the pastry, talking as she chewed, "I've never seen this many people in one room before! Everyone is dancing, and happy, I don't want it to end!"

"Aren't you getting tired?" I asked her, even as I said it she was rubbing her eyes.

"Maybe a little," She giggled.

"Do you want to dance?" I asked holding out my hand like Tobias had done earlier that night.

"Yes!" She giggled and took my hand, and I led her back onto the dance floor. Mostly I just twirled her around, but she was having fun and I was definitely getting a kick out of it, would put her at one of my top dance partners all night. Then I accidentally bumped into someone, I was about to apologize but was thrown into another vision.

This was different from the others, definitely taking place sometime soon in the future. I was staring at Garry Hennings, sitting across from him. In front of me the paper he'd wanted me to sign earlier placed in front of me, fiddling with the Sirenthian pen in my hand. On his side of the table within his reach was the Stone of Magic.

"It didn't have to come this far, I offered you the easy way out" He began, "Now you must make a choice. Your throne or your friend." A muffled screaming reached my ears and my view shifted to find Cleo bound and gagged in the corner. My heart broke at the sight, feeling powerless.

I turned back to the document, but came out of the vision before I signed.

"I have to go," I said to myself the second I came out of the vision, happy it was quick enough that I didn't faint or cause a scene. I looked around for the exits.

"Where?" Clarissa asked. I was surprised, having momentarily forgotten her presence, but glad she was there. My visions are triggered, and Lewis had mentioned Hennings had contacts on the island, I am betting whoever that was is the link.

"Clarissa I have a very important job for you, do you think you can help me out?" I asked in a whisper after pulling her to the side of the ballroom.

"Yes, I want to help," She nodded.

"Did you know the man who bumped into us?" I asked, she nodded, "I need you to tell my mother that I have had a vision, there is an emergency and I have to go. Tell her I think that that man is involved. And you have to be quiet, tell no one else, can you do that?"

"Yes," She nodded with determination, "You're going to come back right?"

"Of course," I stated, though I was hesitant, it all depends on what happens at the after that premonition.

I made my way out of the room and from recent memory made my way back to my room, my clothes thankfully still lied on the bed. Not only were they much more comfortable than my current attire, they would draw far less attention when I made it back to Australia. I dodged some guards while finding my way out of the castle, hoping not to raise any alarms, but once I did make it out I easily made my way down the hill, the village empty of people. I kept a steady pace as I ran toward the ocean for not the first, and hopefully not the last, time.

Did I know where I was going form there? No, I was relying on my connection to the moon pool to lead the way. It'd help that a partially full moon hung in the sky. Did I have a plan? No. A small part of me considered I could get there earlier enough to prevent that vision from even coming true, but the rest of me dreaded that that was not the case. I had no idea what I was going to do, but I knew I had the advantage, he wouldn't know of my visions, and I had to use it. I had to go.

A/N Just some clarifications: When I began writing this story I had very vague limitations on what their (Lewis and Emma's) powers were going to be. They're not all powerful of course, and with time and several re-reads I've come to a more clear conclusion on their abilities and limitations. Everyone in their family has advanced physical abilities (strength, speed, and in Emma's case her mermaid abilities), ability to make potions and cast spells, and a specialized ability. In Lewis' case this is object manipulation including telekinesis, teleportation of objects, and materialization, as well as a bit of a fire ability to counter Emma's ice. In Emma's case this is premonitions, or the powers of a Seer. As a twin thing, they also share a psychic connection, advanced on Emma's side because of her specialized psychological ability.

Just wanted to clear that up. Let me know what you think of this chapter/the story in the comments! And look out for the next chapter tomorrow!