Episode Twenty-Five Part Two

It was now dark. The sisters' group arrived at the helicopter landing pad. Hamish had managed to book a helicopter a quicker and safer route to get them home. But someone was close by. A powerful witch was here. And not just any witch. It was him. Peter Knox. Aurora scrunched her fists; they turned to solid ice. The witch was awaiting them. They stepped out of the car.

Diana's face fumed seeing the man who had murdered their parents and Em. "We will deal with him ourselves,"

"Let's do this," her sister declared, nodding at her.

Sarah would join them too. She had a score to settle with him too. Marcus decided he would join them too. Fernando and Gallowglass provided backup.

Peter looked hairy and messy. "I know you both have the Book of Life!" he addressed the sisters.

"And we know you murdered our parents!" Diana spat with bitter hatred. "And now you have to pay for Em!"

"Where is the Book?!" Peter demanded.

"You think we're gonna give it to you after everything you've done?" challenged Aurora.

"You know what happened the last time you challenged me,"

"She is more powerful than you know," Marcus proclaimed, feeling her magical energy radiating from her hair, her eyes, her body.

"Don't make me take it from you!" Peter warned. But he glanced at Diana, he saw words moving over her skin. "You conceited little fool! You're traitors both of you!"

"It is you who betrays your race!" Sarah roared back. "And it is you who is the fool for thinking you can do whatever you want to our loved ones! Friends!"

"For the last time, give me the book!" he threatened. Some witches came up behind him, ready to back him up.

"We'll die first," declared Diana.

"You take care of this bloke," Marcus stood ready to fight. "We'll handle his goons," he, Fernando and Gallowglass prepared to charge at the witches.

"Then…so be," the cruel witch seemed. He pulled out his dark magic orb but Aurora flicked her hand and a gust of ice wind slapped Peter's weapon from his grasp. One witch tried to help him but Marcus sped forward and took him down. Then Fernando and Gallowglass joined in the battle.

"What the…"

Aurora stamped her feet on the ground and ice spread across the ground and he began freezing up. But he still had magic to try and free himself.

"You can't stop me!"

"No! But we can destroy you!" Sarah started waving her hands. And so did Diana. Gusts of powerful wind started surrounding Peter, consuming him into some of kind of tornado. Aurora's freezing powers kept him restrained.

"Winds of heaven! Thunder on the land!" chanted Diana. "Scattered this witch to the corners of the Earth!"

"No!" Peter begged for mercy. "Please! No!"

"You won't hurt anyone ever again!" Aurora raised her hands and the icy wind merged with their wind spell too. "For mum!"

"For dad!" cried out Diana.

"For Em!" roared Sarah. And with a final battle cry, they sent a powerful burst of energy and boom! Peter Knox was vanquished, his atoms scattering to the sky. He would never harm anyone ever again. Knights arrived and the witches were taken care of for good.

Sarah embraced her nieces. They had avenged their family. The pain would never leave. But destroying Peter once and for all would bring peace to their hearts. Aurora embraced Marcus next and then kissed him passionately.

"We are here you know!" Sarah moaned, grossed out they were making out in front of them.

"Don't ruin the moment," Diana just smiled. She grinned at them. "Something tells me we're having a wedding soon," she whispered.

Baldwin was waiting for his plane at the airport when he smelt Domenico nearby. He turned around and saw the vampire approaching with loud footsteps. He sensed his accelerated heartbeat. His blood pressure had risen and so had his temperature. Anger had consumed his heart. "What do you want?"

"I want Gerbert brought down. And you're going to help me speak to Aurora,"

"And what makes you think you can talk to Diana Bishop's sister?"

Domenico inhaled deeply. "Because she is my daughter,"

Baldwin didn't feel too surprised. "Oh Domenico," he tittered his tongue. "Why in the world would you talk to you?"

That was a question Domenico couldn't bear to answer. But he had another answer.

Matthew had remained where he was for a moment, holding Phillipe's watch protectively. There remained no sign of his vampire son or grandson. A scent made its way to his nostrils. Blood. A low heartbeat. A very high fast heartbeat. The door opened. "It still keeps perfect time,"

The door closed. "Father. You're finally here. Lena turned out to be an excellent messenger," Benjamin marched upon him, dragging someone behind him.

"You didn't conduct this pathetic charade just to get me here. This has everything to do with your addition to cruelty and obscenity. And yet you would choose this place,"

"Served as a great place to raise this animal," Benjamin threw Jonathon, shirtless and his wings ripped from his back again to the ground. "Wretched creature. Always trying to escape,"

"He is no animal," Matthew stood up slowly; he had never seen so much torture and cruelty done to someone. The young man so weak and tired, bruised and bloodied opened his eyes very slightly. "He is a victim of your brutality. And I know for certain, that he is not the first one who has suffered under your tyranny,"

"Poor Phillipe. You know they could hear his screams in every room of this hospital. If it's any consolation, I was well rewarded with the information I got from him,"

"Even though it was worthless," Matthew circled the seat. "You got nothing of value from Philippe," he clutched the watch protectively. "He saw to that. All this time you've been living a lie. A narrative you've invented for yourself, Benjamin," he mocked.

"And what might that be?"

Matthew exploded. "The wronged son! Abandoned. Damaged. Paying back his father's sins in pain. I've seen what you did here. I've seen what you've done to those women,"

His disowned son stared darkly at him. "I am exactly what you made me. It's too late to regret that now," he mocked.

"My only regret, my son…is that I didn't end you," Matthew seethed.

"No. you didn't dare to kill me outright. Instead, you destroyed me, one day, one drop of blood at a time. Make me into a vampire and abandoned in a city crowded with warm blood. Do you remember what it feels like? That new hunger for blood? How strong the blood rage is when you're first changed,"

Matthew was silent for a moment. "Yes," he confessed.

"Did you know you passed on your infliction?"

"I prayed for it. I wanted you to be cursed for your betrayal of my family,"

"Blood rage isn't a curse Father. It's a gift. The only thing of worth you gave me,"

"Don't think I don't know how many other innocent people you've killed. Like Argus," Matthew pulled out the ring, his late son-in-law's ring. "You killed him," Benjamin didn't deny it. "Then you covered it up to hide your schemes,"

"He didn't have to die. He could have just joined his family to undermine you and your diseased-ridden family but instead, his loyalties remained with you. His death was on your behalf," Benjamin spoke back cruelly. Matthew couldn't help but feel his heart crack hearing him say that. He felt guilt gnawing in his throat like a blade. It was his fault entirely that Argus had been killed. "You should have thought about that before you abandoned me. Did you not think I would come back to take revenge? I've been plotting for many centuries to bring you and your family down. I even made my own weapon, just like Phillipe made you his,"

"I know what you did to that poor woman Anna as well. Jack told me everything. How you forced yourself on her. How you forced her to bear you a child so you raise them to be a savage killer. Like you," he glimpsed once again at Jonathon whose face was twisting again to his words. He blamed himself entirely for what had happened to him and his mother.

"Yet I didn't realise she had already given birth. Pity, she died before she could even see my creation first flap his wings. When I heard rumours about her daughter, I knew only she could fight against my son as his equal,"

"A pity you failed to capture her," Matthew seethed as he smirked. "Do the MacDuffs know what you did to Argus?"

"What difference does it make? They've served their purpose. And they have not been my only allies in this fight I've waited for,"

"Tell me. I'm intrigued. Why now? Why all this waiting?"

"I had to wait for you to be happy. Then Diana gave birth and to know that it was still possible for a witch to bear the children of a blood-raged vampire…such as myself. In my experience, witches are so…fragile. I do hope she will be so robust as Anna was,"

"I am going to make sure you pay for everyone you've harmed and killed and tortured," Matthew vowed. "And I am going to make sure you never lay a hair on either of her children ever again. And especially not my mate or children," Before Benjamin could react, he grabbed him and threw him right through a wall of stone, stunning him. He turned around and bent to Jonathon to glimpse at him, seeing the metal band around his neck. His grandson's eyes flashed open and he growled, suddenly shrivelling back.

"Please let me help you," Matthew begged.

Benjamin suddenly got back up and pinned him to the floor. But his father fought back and they wrestled one another. Matthew nearly strangled Benjamin to death but he was kicked off and Benjamin grabbed Jonathon again by the throat and fled down the hallways. Matthew wiped his nose and pursued them. He whizzed past the rooms trying to find them but Benjamin's voice echoed around him. The names he cried out. Phillipe. Argus. Anna. Jack. Diana. Then…"Father!"

Benjamin slammed Matthew down with a pole. But he fought back, kicking him into a room. Still, the fight continued. As it did, Jonathon tried to walk out of the room but he stumbled down again still so weak from his father's severe punishments. The fight grew more brutal around him till his father was finally shoved into another wall. Matthew sent multiple blows to his head before slamming him back to the floor, sliding across the dirt.

Jonathon tried to crawl away, but he remained defeated in spirit. He felt Matthew approaching him. He twisted his head and scrambled back a bit; afraid his grandfather was going to punish him severely for what he had done to Thomas. But in Matthew's eyes, he saw only guilt and sorrow. "It's not your fault," he comforted. "I don't blame you for everything Benjamin made you do. I'm so sorry for what he did to your mother, what he did to you. Please let me help you," all he received as an answer was bitter hatred in his eyes. Before he could say anything else, a magical spell blasted him from behind. He froze and fell. Jonathon raised his head and saw it was a powerful Finnish witch with black hair wearing blood red. He became scared.

"So, this is the creature you conceived to be a weapon," Satu marched upon him. Benjamin slowly got back up too, eying his scared son and defeated father.

"It is. And neither he nor Matthew are going anywhere. We have much to do,"

The helicopter arrived in France for a refuel. The sisters were dozed off whilst Sarah was taking some time alone to reflect on justice for Emily whilst Marcus was calling Sept Tour to let them know it wouldn't be long till they were home. But inside Aurora's mind, she saw a horrible vision.

Fergus was approaching Sept Tour.

He and Thomas were fighting.

They plunged from the tower.

"Thomas!" she cried out, waking up. Instantly the helicopter's blades froze up and quickly Diana jumped off to avoid freezing up. Sarah and the vampires were flabbergasted by how she had frozen the engines of the chopper.

Aurora stepped off. "Oh my god," she cringed seeing the frozen chopper. "I…I…I am so sorry. I…I…I didn't mean…"

"Sis, it's okay," Diana assured, calming her down.

"My magic's so powerful than before. I could have frozen you,"

Her sister forgave her quickly. "It's alright,"

"Why did you scream out 'Thomas'?" Fernando asked.

"I saw Fergus. He's approaching Sept Tour,"

They froze. "How is that possible?" Marcus asked. "He's locked up,"

"I don't know how. But he's heading for Sept Tour and…and…" she couldn't say anymore. "He and Thomas are gonna fight. I saw it happening. We have to hurry,"

"Are you sure you saw a glimpse of the future?" Gallowglass asked. He didn't doubt her. Neither did her sister who sensed enhanced magic singing under her skin. Her visions were more qualified than before since she had been exposed to the power of the Book of Life again.

"Yes! We have to warn Thomas!"

Marcus fished out his phone but before he could call, a car pulled up towards them. It was Baldwin. He stepped out.

"Get out of here!" Diana ordered, standing in front of her sister.

"What do you want Baldwin?" demanded Aurora. "If you're here to claim me, you might as well skedaddle,"

"I am here for you Aurora. But it is on urgent business,"

Marcus glared coldly at him. "What could possibly be so urgent than you trying to take her away to the council you support over your own family?" he shielded her too.

"Your father wants to speak to her,"

"He is not my father," Aurora retorted with a hint of disownment. "He lost that the moment he betrayed my mother,"

"I know exactly who you speak of," Baldwin knew that Aurora's mother was the woman Anna, Domenico had harboured years ago. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't so important,"

"And what's so important that I'm going to allow you to take my sister to meet him?" demanded Diana.

"He says he has important information regarding Benjamin. And Gerbert," he informed. The names sent chills down their spines. Aurora imagined her vision of Argus again. The other vampire… "And he says he will not share it unless it is you he speaks to,"

Sarah refused. "Absolutely not! This is clearly a plan you've concocted to deliver her to the Congregation,"

"I give you my word that I bear you no harm. And neither does Domenico,"

"And why should any of us believe you?" Marcus demanded.

"You can hear my heartbeat. I am not lying,"

"Doesn't mean we should listen to you," spat Sarah.

"You shouldn't. Domenico will only talk to you and you alone Aurora. So, if you want to protect our family I suggest you come with me,"

"And since when have you cared about this family?" Marcus challenged. "You've only ever served yourself. You betrayed us all,"

"And from the first moment we met each other, you called me a freak. Just because I was born as a creature I didn't ask to be," Aurora reminded him.

"I know you four have no reason to listen to me. But believe me when I tell you this, this information that Domenico has about Benjamin is critical to the survival of our family. And the twins. If you want to save your sister's children, you must come with me. I will leave you to discuss," He left the group alone to talk.

Gallowglass scoffed. "He has to be lying. It's obviously a trap,"

"He wasn't lying," Fernando stated.

"So, you're saying we should just believe him?" Sarah's tone rose with irritation. She sighed. "Sorry. It's just…why should he meet her? He betrayed Anna to the Congregation,". Aurora had shared with her what she had seen in her visions of her parents meeting. And from everything she said, it was clear to Sarah that there could be no forgiveness for what Domenico had done.

During the argument, Marcus and Diana were eying Aurora wearily. She hadn't spoken a word. She was off in deep thought. As if she was allowing her mind to open up to a void of omens. She turned around. "I'm going to see him,"

Her sister refused. "No way. We have to protect you from him,"

"I can't spend the rest of my life hiding from him forever. I need to face him. And if he has important information…I must hear him out for the sake of us all,"

"Are you missing something here? This is the same vampire who sent Fergus and the others to claim you?" Sarah reminded bitterly.

"If you're going then 'm coming with you," said Diana.

"No, you, Sarah and Fernando have to get the Book of Life back to Sept Tour and stop Fergus. I'll be with Marcus and the Knights the entire time," Still Diana refused. "I know you said you had to protect me. But my instincts are telling me I have to talk to him and that it is vital for our fight against the Congregation. And Thomas needs your help. I saw him….plunging…" her voice broke. "Only you can save him,"

Marcus decided to step up. "I don't like this as much as you do. But she's right. Whatever information we can use against Benjamin and our enemies we need it. And you need to save Thomas from his fate,"

Still, Diana refused to let her go. "I'm supposed to protect you,"

"I'll go with her as well," Gallowglass volunteered. "Phillipe made me swear to protect you. And now I swear I'll protect her,"

"It's not I don't think you can take care of yourself," Diana said. "But facing him…" she couldn't bear to think of how painful it would be for her sister to face her birth face after glimpsing his past with her mother.

"I have to. For the sake of the twins. But don't worry sis, I'll be alright," Aurora promised, embracing her tightly.

"No harm will come to her," Marcus promised. "I give you my word,". Diana nodded at him and he nodded back.

Baldwin awaited them with his car. Gallowglass Marcus and Aurora with their bags loaded the car, the only female member of the party giving him the frosty touch. She sat in the back with Marcus and Gallowglass sat in the front. Baldwin was about to sit in the driver's seat when Diana marched up to him, narrowed eyes scrunching her face. "I'm going to make this clear Baldwin. You have been wrong to call my sister a freak. She is special. She is an example of how reproduction between creatures doesn't create monsters but creatures with beautiful gifts," Hearing her through the open window, Aurora's heart fluttered hearing her say that. All her life she had been afraid and ashamed of her ice powers but all her life, her sister believed her to hold a special gift which she was now acknowledging to the vampire who had despised her the most since their adventure began. "And I know my children will grow up to be special like her, so I'm going to give you this warning. Crystal. Clear. If my sister doesn't return to me safely or if you betray us, I will end you myself," she warned.

"Seems fair," Baldwin entered the car.

Diana came to the open window and Aurora's hand reached through to clasp her fingers. "I'll see you soon. I promise," Shedding tears, her sister kissed her fingers. And as the car pulled away, they slipped free. And Diana eyed her sister until they drove off into the darkness.

"Are you ready?" Sarah asked. She came to her and rubbed her shoulder. "She'll be safe,"

"We must go," Fernando didn't mean to sound urgent. "We have to get back or Thomas's life will be in grave danger,"

Diana took one last glimpse at the dark distance which had swallowed the car. She prayed she hadn't made a grave mistake. "Forgive me, Anna,"

Jonathon was chained again in a cell. He eyed his wings hanging on the wall. Screams echoed in his ears as his eyes were scrunched.

Fergus pinned and strapped him to a metal chair.

"Put metal on his bones," ordered Benjamin. "And take his wings off. They're weak. Viktor wants him to be stronger, faster…." He leaned over his son's face. "He'll be the perfect weapon,"

Jonathon screamed as his wings were sawed off and metal parts were implanted into his back so that they could take his wings on and off when they weren't needed.

He breathed heavily. Satu walked into the room and knelt before him. "Please…" he begged in tears. "Please…release me. He's killed witches. He will kill you too,"

Satu, cold and cruel as his father, just tittered her tongue. "A creature like you…has no place in this world. Just like Aurora," she walked out of the room leaving the poor creature to suffer in pain again. As he closed his eyes, he remembered facing Aurora in the burning forest. And when he looked at her, he saw the mother they shared.

Anna in a cell held him gently. He was five. "Remember who you are Jonathon. You're special. Born out of force, you are nonetheless my son. I love you so much. And I know your sister would too,"

Jonathon thought again of Aurora. He wondered if she knew of the truth.

That's another chapter done. Next part of this episode should be updated today or the day after. And then there's only one more episode and that's it the story is done. What do you all think of that? See you all later.