Episode Twenty-Three Part Three

The aeroplane landed at London's airport. As the five men were walking through, Wrolf observed humans walking past them. It felt strange being back in England again. But so much work was needed to be done. As they exited the airport with some knights close by, another vampire came by.

"What is your business?" demanded Matthew.

"I am an associate of Father Hubbard," said the vampire. Jack eyed him carefully; he knew him. "He has requested that Jack come over,"

"And why is that?"

The vampire associate offered Jack a phone. "You're the only one to read it," he ordered. And young vampire saw a clear message which Hubbard had written for him to see.

"What does he want?" Marcus asked.

"He says he wants me to come and speak to him about something,"

"Then I'll have to delay my meeting with Baldwin," said Matthew.

"No. He says it has to be me alone,"

"I don't feel comfortable letting you go by yourself,"

"I'll go with him," said Wrolf reassuringly. "You need Baldwin's approval to form this scion and it can't wait any longer. We'll meet you guys back at Fernando's house,"

Still, Matthew didn't agree. "They'll be fine," Marcus assured. "They can take care of themselves and they've got each other,"

Still, he wouldn't agree. "They're not kids," Thomas said. "Sometimes you've just got to let them take on the first step by themselves," His father knew he was right. Jack and Wrolf weren't kids. They were vampires who needed to learn to fly solo.

"Be careful," he said.

"We'll send knights to keep careful watch," Marcus promised. "And then you must both come straight to the house,"

"We'll be fine," promised Wrolf. "Good luck with Baldwin,"

The three women, the two sisters and Agatha made their way to Timothy's house and slowly approached the open doors. The fretful daemon was awaiting them. "I won't have magic inside my house," he blabbered out.

"Mr Weston…we mean you no harm," Aurora promised. "We just wanna talk,"

Agatha showed herself. "It's alright. My name is Agatha. I'm a daemon too. And I trust these two unconditionally. Will you please let me speak?"

Weston wanted to refuse. But seeing the kindness in their eyes, he stepped back and they entered the house.

Aurora spoke again. "We understand completely how much that page means to you. And I know especially what it feels like to be alone, to have everyone hold unjustified bigotry against you for being who you are. But we are trying to change the way creatures are treated,"

"What my sister tells you is true Timothy," Diana promised wholeheartedly. "We have seen how the Covenant has done more harm than good to creatures, how the Congregation has used it to force other creatures into submission. It has to stop. How they've used it to treat all creatures is wrong and we seek to put an end to it,"

"You are not alone Timothy," promised Agatha. "We can look after each other. This is our chance to show the Congregation that daemons do matter, that we don't deserve to be treated as lesser beings,"

"But in order for us to do that…you need to give us the page," Aurora implored as gently as she could. "If we can use it to complete the Book of Life with it, we can stop the Congregation and finally put an end to the Covenant's cruel ways. You will never have to be forced into loneliness again. We will make sure all daemons are treated as equally as they deserve to be,"

Timothy stared at her. "You are different,"

"I know I am," said Aurora. "And I'm proud of it. I always used to think that being different meant I wouldn't fit in, that I didn't deserve a place amongst creatures. But this past year everything has changed. I've realised now we are not defined by what we are but by who we are and what we choose to do. And we are choosing to make a stand against anyone who dares to threaten us or any other creature,"

The daemon moved towards his papers and searched through them. Then when he found what he was looking for, he pulled out the final missing page. He showed it to the women. It was a beautiful illustration of a tree with a moon and a sun by the side.

Diana's palms glowed as she sensed its magic. She took it slowly from the daemon who cried as he was letting it go. "Thank you," she said with deep gratitude. "I will not break our promise to you,"

Aurora formed a small tree of ice and offered it to Timothy. He took it gently. "Thank you. Your kindness will always be appreciated,"

Jack and Wrolf were walking quietly to Hubbard's place. Hubbard waited outside, wearing glasses. "It is good to see you are doing well, Jack,"

"It is good to see you, Father Hubbard," he greeted, exchanging a handshake.

His sire stared sceptically at Wrolf. "I specifically requested you'd come alone,"

"This is Wrolf," Jack introduced. "I trust him. Unconditionally. He's family. And Matthew didn't want to come alone,"

"Very well," Hubbard accepted. "It is a pleasure to meet you Wrolf. If Jack trusts you, I should as well. But what I need to tell you both is something that must remain hidden,"

"Why does it need to remain hidden?" asked Jack. "Who has this got to do with?"

A dark look crossed Hubbard's face. "It is do with Diana's sister: Aurora," the boys became scared.

Matthew, Marcus, and Thomas were waiting at a green space just outside London. It would be well hidden from any spies. Baldwin appeared into view. His dark eyes glared at the boys who had slipped from his grasp before. "I will handle him alone," his brother said to his sons. "Wait here,"

He led Baldwin away but the de Clairmont patriarch still glowered at Marcus and Thomas, facially threatening them. "You do well to remember whose sons, both vampire and adoptive you're threatening," warned his brother. "And family too,"

After Agatha promised Timothy she would come and visit soon, the three women left the house. "Thank you, Agatha," Diana said gratefully. "I'm so sorry for how all daemons have been treated,"

"This once again proves that the Covenant has done more harm than good," said the heartbroken Congregation member.

"If we're gonna win, we're gonna need more than a fight. We need a revolution," Aurora swore to herself she would never see daemons, especially her close friends treated badly ever again. Her sister suddenly gasped and panted against the gate. "Sis, what's wrong?"

Diana clutched her belly bump. "I think they're coming,"

Aurora turned pale. "Oh no. Not now. We've got to get you back," quickly she helped her sister-in-labour into the car and they sat in the front, Diana resting against her shoulder, clutching her belly bump. Agatha drove them off, going as fast as she could to get back to London.

"Can you not at least respect my request to build a scion?" Matthew implored Baldwin.

"I cannot," his stubborn brother refused.

"Why?" Matthew marched upon him. "What are you so afraid of? You think we're trying to ruin our family?"

"Your rebellion is endangering all creatures,"

"No, it is providing them an opportunity to start a new beginning. A future where we are no longer controlled by a council who serve their own interests,"

"You dare accuse me of…"

"I do," said Matthew with a straight voice. "And without or without your permission, I will make my own choices for Diana and the twins and every vampire I have sired and they have sired. There is nothing you can do that will change my mind," he turned his back on Baldwin.

"Do not assume this is over Matthew," he warned. His brother wouldn't answer.

Sarah, Fernando, Gallowglass and Phoebe awaited for the sisters and Agatha anxiously. They saw the car pull up and instantly held up brollies. Once the car screeched to a stop, Aurora helped the shallow-panting out of the car. "Five minutes between contractions! Come on! Inside sis!" they helped her inside and Fernando pulled the phone out.

Marcus and Thomas were waiting anxiously when they heard ringing. They saw their father coming towards them with his phone. "How's Diana?"

"She's in labour," Fernando's voice echoed through the com. "You need to get here,"

The brothers were alarmed; the twins were about to be born. Quickly Thomas fished out his phone desperate to call his son and Jack.

Jack and Wrolf were inside, bewildered by everything Hubbard had told them. "You're really certain?" asked the panicking ward.

"Yes," said Hubbard grimly. "I am afraid if Benjamin were to get his hands on her, it would be very grave indeed,"

"She has to know. What he did to her," said Wrolf. "No secret like that should be kept,"

"If there is anyone who must tell it must be Diana," said Hubbard. "Only she can tell Aurora the truth in a way that will allow her to heal from that knowledge,"

"Then I will tell Diana first," Jack swore.

Ding. Ding. Wrolf fished out his phone. "Dad?"

"Wrolf, listen. You and Jack need to head straight to the house now," Thomas ordered. Marcus was pulling the car towards the main roads to get back into London. Matthew was in the back, panicking. He couldn't bear to miss the birth. The elder son's eyes focused ahead when… "Look out!"

His screams echoed through the phone. "Dad?" Wrolf cried out. "Dad!"

Marcus stopped the car. Metres in front of them was the fiery creature who had come to Sept Tour. Matthew stared threw and he saw the dark eyes of their attacker. And the cold irises were focused on him. A fireball activated in his palm. "Out!"

The fire creature threw a fireball at the car. Quickly the vampires leapt out. Boom!

The call was cut. He shared a horrified glance with Jack. Quickly they sped out the room before Hubbard could stop them.

Matthew helped Marcus and Thomas stand up. But they heard the flapping of wings and saw the creature staring at them. Horrified as they were by his magic, they saw his metal collar, beeping red. Benjamin had sent him.

"Easy," Matthew tried to usher. "This doesn't have to be a fight,"

"They don't have to die," snarled the being. He narrowed his eyes. "But you do,"

"No!" Thomas in front of him.

So did his brother. "He hasn't done anything to deserve this!"

"He's the reason I was tortured for years!" a bony finger was pointed at Matthew. "He created Benjamin! In retaliation, he made me into this! Through torture! Experimentation! All because he wanted revenge on you Matthew de Clairmont, a maker of monsters! A vampire who can't even see he is the true monster himself,"

"Please," Matthew implored. "I'm sorry for everything Benjamin has put you through. It was never…"

"Why should I let you live?! My mother was killed…because of you," pure hatred spat from behind the tortured flier's lips. "And now I have to kill you to be free," fire was shot from his palm again. The vampires dodged. They knew they had no option now but to fight. Even Matthew who had been blown to guilt by his words knew they had to as well. He would not leave his sons. If he missed the birth, it was better to do that than abandon his vampire sons to face that creature alone.

Diana was making noises as she unbuttoned her shirt. "Will you please stop making that noise?" Aurora begged from the other room.

"The book said to do that,"

"Babies don't read books sissy,"

"She's right honey," Sarah agreed from the next room, near a bathtub. "Now come get in the bath. It'll help with the pain,"

"Let's get you inside," Aurora came over to help her.

"Where's Matthew?" Diana panted.

"He'll be on his way by now," Aurora assured.

"You really sure you wanna help?"

"Rebecca and Anna were together when I came into this world. Now I want to be by your side," she said.

Diana was warmed by her committed sister. "Thank you,"

"Come on. Into the tub," Aurora helped Diana to the tub. She pulled off her long shirt and she assisted her older sister into the tub. Diana leaned her hands over the side and took deep breaths in and out whilst Sarah sprinkled spices and chanted incantations into the water to soothe the pain. To comfort her until Matthew came back, Aurora held her hand, promising her she would stay with her by her side and never leave her.

Miriam and Jason arrived at the house, greeted by Gallowglass. "Where is Matthew?" asked Jason. "He and the boys arrived at the airport an hour ago,"

"I called him earlier," said Fernando. "He should have been here by now,"

Thomas and Marcus tried to leap from trees but the creature was too agile. "Don't make me hurt either of you!" warned the flier. Matthew leapt at him from below but he dodged it. "Nice try Matthew Clairmont, but I am too strong for either of you,"

"Just let us help!" begged Marcus. "I'm a doctor! I can…!" but his attempts of reason distracted him from leaping off the branch. He was blasted to the ground, landing with a painful thump to the chest.

"Marcus!" Thomas roared and managed to grab the being's wings and they plunged to the ground, landing with a thud. He grabbed his collar, trying to pull it off to free him but it was so strong. And when he did, the flier screamed in pain. He was hurting him.

"Thomas! Get away from him!" Matthew begged. Before he could help, Thomas's skin on his neck and chest was charred by magic fire. He fell back, cringing in pain.

"Thomas!" Marcus rushed to help but a ring of fire engaged him. Matthew roared in fury seeing his sons like this. He attacked but fire was thrown at him. He managed to dodge but before he could react, he was grasped by the neck and pinned to a tree. He tried to break free but Benjamin's son was too strong for him. He roared in his face with white sharp incisors. "Please," he begged. "Just don't hurt them,".

A fireball was formed. "Every breath you take is forgiveness for what you did to me," his grandson blamed him and him only for everything his father had put him through.

"No!" Thomas had got back to him. But a wing smacked right into him and he was pushed down. Marcus tried again to escape the ring of fire but he remained surrounded. Suddenly two vampires came out of nowhere and struck Benjamin's son away from Matthew. The fire ring died down and Marcus rushed to Thomas, rolling him over. His right cheek and ear were burnt severely. And his vampire abilities weren't allowing him to heal quickly like normal. "Dad!" Wrolf shedding tears, fell to his knees.

Jack faced the flier. Matthew joined him, hatred filling his eyes. "You harmed my sons for crimes they didn't do to you. And now you must pay," he wanted to kill him for what he had done to Thomas.

Jack stopped him. "It's not his fault!" he begged. He glanced again at the creature. "This isn't you," begged Jack. Matthew tilted his head just slightly. "This isn't you!". He knew him well.

A change filled the flier's eyes. Anger evaporated at once. Inside his eyes were shame and self-hatred. Quickly he shot off into the sky out of the blue. Matthew desperately wanted to ask Jack a few questions but already his adopted son had rushed to comfort Wrolf. They knelt over Thomas, burnt and severely wounded with scars.

"What's wrong with him?" cried Wrolf.

"This creature is more powerful than we think," said Marcus.

"Just hang on Tom," begged Matthew.

"Go. Diana needs you," Thomas croaked. "You can't miss the birth,"

"Go. I'll stay with him," his brother said.

"No, Marcus," Thomas shook his head. You've got to help Diana deliver. I'll be alright,"

"Just go!" pleaded Jack. "We'll get help! Go!"

Regretfully the tearful vampires cradled Thomas one last time before they shot off as far as their legs could carry them. Wrolf was crying deeply but his father cupped his cheek assuring him, he would be fine. Meanwhile, Jack called the Knights and eventually Hubbard arrived as well, offering aid.

Diana was now out of the bath. It was nearly time for her first twin to come out but she didn't want to deliver. Not without Matthew. Luckily for her sister, she had picked up a few things of child delivery from Marcus. "I'm sorry, sis but you've got to push,"

"I can't," her sister refused. "Not without Matthew,"

"You have to," Aurora begged. "You must," she clasped her hand. "We're here for you. And he will be too. Now come. Everything's going to be alright,"

"Come on," Sarah clasped her other one. "Now push!"

Diana screamed and she started pushing.

The others were downstairs walking in circles when Matthew and Marcus burst through the front door. "Where's Diana?" he demanded frantically. He heard screams and he and Marcus dashed upstairs.

Aurora was kneeling in front. "That's it, sis…I…I think I can see the head. Now push again," her sister felt like she couldn't go on but she had to. She sucked in as much as she could and then…Ahhh! Cries filled the room just as the door opened and Matthew saw his blood-sworn daughter deliver a beautiful baby. "It's a girl," she cried for joy. She held up the bundle to her sister who took her gladly. She smiled at the tear-stricken Matthew.

Marcus fell beside Aurora and cupped her cheek, hugging her tightly. "Well done Aurora. Well done,"

Aurora was overwhelmed from helping her sister give birth to the first twin. "I think you should do the next one,"

"How is she?" Matthew asked glancing at their beautiful baby girl.

Diana was beyond tears. "She's perfect,". She played with the girl's fingers. But then felt a jolt of pain again. It was time for the second delivery. She handed the baby over to Matthew and Marcus prepared to help with the next one.

"Thank you Aurora," said Matthew to her.

"Thank goodness you got here just in time," she sighed in relief.

The others downstairs were brought to tears hearing the first baby cry. But their happiness remained overpowered by worry.

"Where are Thomas, Jack and Wrolf?" wondered Fernando. Miriam tried calling them again and again. All they could do was hope the second baby's birth would keep their hearts high with hope.

Diana inhaled deeply and kept pushing and pushing. "Nearly there," encouraged Marcus. "And here we go,". The second chorus of cries came and Marcus lifted the second twin into her hands. She burst out laughing in tears. Matthew kissed her deeply. Marcus and Aurora sniffled for joy. So did Sarah.

"You did it, sis. You actually did it,"

"You were an amazing midwife," said Sarah proudly.

"Can't take all the credit," she grinned at a grinning Marcus. "Congratulations to both of you. I'm so happy for you guys. I'm so proud of you sis. So very proud," she kissed her sister's head. They stood up and with Sarah left the room for the new parents to be alone with their twins. They marched down the stairs and everyone gathered.

"We got a beautiful girl," Aurora said excitedly.

"Aww Matthew's in trouble," Miriam cooed.

"And a little boy," added Marcus ecstatically. "Diana did an amazing job,"

"And you did an amazing job as a midwife," complimented Fernando to Aurora.

As overjoyed Phoebe was by everything she was desperate to ask a question. "What has happened to Thomas?"

Remember Thomas again made Marcus's eyes glisten. Before he could answer, Jack appeared at the door. Phoebe rushed to him. "Jack! Where is Thomas?" Jack's eys dropped. "Jack! Look at me! Where is he?"

He couldn't answer. All eyes were on Marcus now. He decided he'd do it. "We were attacked...by the same creature who came to Sept Tour," Aurora's lips parted in shock. He cupped her cheek. "Thomas was wounded badly," everyone was brought to tears. Phoebe looked like she was about to collapse in shock. Quickly Aurora rushed over and pulled her into a tight hug.

"But he's alive," Jack promised making everyone stare at him with hope. "He's gonna be alright. Father Hubbard is giving him help. He will live,"

Phoebe was sobbing against Aurora's shoulder. "It's gonna be alright," she promised. "Everything's going to be alright,"

"And he wants you to be by his side: Phoebe," Jack said. "He needs you,"

"Do you want us to come with you?" Marcus offered.

"I'll be alright. You guys need to stay here," Phoebe followed Jack into a car driven by Hubbard's associate and they disappeared into the night. Everyone remained paralyzed by how they had come so close to losing a dear friend, a dear loved one…but he had survived and now they had two beautiful new babies born into the world as well. Their hearts were full of hope and love again. They chose to share a toast to celebrate Thomas's survival and the birth of the newborns. Aurora noticed that one of the de Clairmonts had disappeared. Whilst Miriam, Jason and Sarah were talking, she and Marcus were alone with Fernando.

"Where's Gallowglass?"

Fernando hung his head. "He's left,"

"'Left'?" Marcus repeated. "Why?"

"I think you both know the answer," Fernando said.

Marcus and Aurora shared pitiful glances. They knew the answer. "Is he coming back?" Aurora asked. She had grown to like Gallowglass because of everything Diana had told her about him and how she helped him and Matthew in the past.

"His task appointed to him by Phillipe is complete. He may yet not return for a while,"

"Thomas should be having a toast with us," Marcus pursed his lips. "I shouldn't have left him,"

"He wasn't alone. And you were needed her,"

"Didn't seem like it. You were doing a fabulous job," they chuckled.

"He's alive and that's all that matters," said Fernando. "But that attack and the twins' arrival shows we need to be careful now more than ever,"

"It means it's time we fought," Aurora narrowed her eyes with determination. "None of our enemies will win. And Benjamin will pay for what he did to Thomas," she held no resentment towards Thomas's attempted killer at all. It was Benjamin. It was all Benjamin.

At the Hubbard's foundation building, Jack led Phoebe into a large room and there on the hospital bed was Thomas. His chest was burnt. His neck was singed red. And his cheek and ear were scared pink and black. Wrolf was by his side, clutching his hand. He eyed Phoebe with tearful eyes. He eyed Jack again, distraught as well. Exchanging a nod with him, they knew that he needed to be alone with Phoebe.

"I'll watch over him," she promised.

"Thank you," Wrolf offered a hug and she gladly accepted it. They walked out of the room, leaving her to sit by Thomas and hold his hand. Wrolf and Jack walked to Hubbard.

"Thank you," said Wrolf gratefully.

"I know it was hard to have to fight him," said Hubbard. "But like you Jack, he was forced by Benjamin. But more painfully,"

"He was tortured his whole life," the boy acknowledged. "It's not his fault he was turned into this. But when I looked at him, I saw the change in his eyes. He felt…guilty…for what he did,"

"It doesn't excuse the fact he nearly cost me another father," Wrolf wiped his nose; he wanted payback.

"Wrolf…you must rise above it," advised Hubbard. "Do not let your revenge cloud your judgement the same way it did Benjamin,"

Wrolf didn't say anything else but Jack made a mental note to keep a firm eye on him should things go awry.

Phoebe sniffled, rubbing his fingers. "Just say something," she begged. "Say anything please," his heartbeat was steady and he was recovering but his burnt marks wouldn't heal. At least not normal ones. This special fire Benjamin's son had used. It was unlike any fire any vampire had ever seen. She felt herself falling into melancholy when her lover's head twisted and his eyes opened. A smile was formed by her lips.

"Hey," he croaked out, pulling his fingers from hers to cup her cheek.

"I'm so proud of you," Phoebe cupped his face.

"Just as I am proud of you. We've come closer than ever to finding the key to saving our family…thanks to you," she kissed him deeply cupping both cheeks.

"I'm never leaving you again. Never ever," she shook her head. "I love you, Thomas. More than anything,"

"And I love you, Phoebe. More than anything,"

She fell asleep by his side, resting her head against his bandaged chest. He curled his arm around her shoulders to keep him close to her. He couldn't believe how happy he had become in the last few months with his new true love in his arms. For many years, he never thought that he would find love again…but now after all this time, he had finally found the perfect partner.

That's the next episode done. Only three more full episodes to go and then that's it the story is done. I will aim to finish the story before the end of the year. I hope you have all enjoyed it. Please tell me what you all think. And to answer your question, Bailey, it would be nice to have a mermaid in the next story. here's a spoiler alert: the next story after this which I will start doing next year is going to have new creatures: werewolves, Fey people and mermaids. See you all soon everyone.