Absolute Magic

by Stephany Wallace

  "I can give you another chance," I declared, interrupting him.

  “What?”

  I reached for him helping him stand. "Marcus, I am the Godde—I am a messenger of God. I'm a Soul Hunter, that is my power. I can find souls wherever they might be, and if I wish, I can give them another chance at life."

  His eyes widened as he gasped, and made the sign of the cross again. “You can?”

  I nodded. "That is how I was able to find you, and it’s the reason I'm here." I helped him sit on the bed and joined him. "Your son, as hard as it is for me to admit it, has become a great man. He did what you asked him. Kevan," I stooped as his eyes watered.

  “Kevan? That is the name my Ailidh gave him.”

  I nodded, offering him a small smile. "Yes, it's his name now. Kevan is a Master Healer, and he has risked his life more than once for my people. He's helped everyone who needs him without thought for consequence. He is a new man thanks to you."

  Marcus smiled as new tears fell. “My son…”

  I nodded. “He lives life with your words in his heart. Be a better man than I was. He got a second chance, and he took it, but I believe he deserves a second chance with you too."

  Marcus shook his head seeming heartbroken. "I don't think I can leave this place. There still much for me to suffer after what I have done."

  The Goddess' words returned to me. "Have you felt the weight of your actions?" Marcus shifted his gaze from mine ashamed and nodded. "Have you experienced what your hatred caused others to feel? The pain, the loss, the fear?" He wiped his cheeks nodding once again. "Did you learn from it, Marcus?"

  His eyes focused on me. "I have. I regret everything I did, and being a part of the Brotherhood. If I only knew the truth while it still mattered…"

  "It still matters," I assured. "If this is what you wish, you will get another chance. God's love will guide you. You are his child, and he loves you."

  The look in his eyes changed as a glimmer of hope appeared in them. "Are you saying you can take me back?"

  I offered him a small smile. “Only if you wish.”

  His eyes roamed the room then returned to me. "Will I be able to see my son again?" I nodded. "Then please take me to him."

  We stood, and when I touched his hand, the colors of the Blessed Isles' eternal sunset appeared on my skin. Unlike other times, the glow expanded out of me, engulfing Marcus's soul-body and transformed it into flesh and blood again. The light intensified until it cast the whole room in its brilliance.

  * * *

  We stood in Eisha's hut the next second. She was by the kitchen while she spoke to Kevan. Marcus’ eyes instantly settled on him.

  "Son…" Marcus whispered, and Kevan froze mid-sentence.

  Eisha whirled around gasping when she saw us. “Blessed Mother Goddess!”

  Kevan's breathing changed drastically as he slowly turned towards us. "My son!" Marcus exclaimed rushing to him, and Kevan reacted. He hurried forwards colliding with him, and wrapped his arms around his father.

  "Dad? Is it really you?" He said as tears fell from his eyes. "No, this is impossible," his voice broke when Marcus held his face in his hands.

  "It's me, son. I'm here. I'm alive again. I got a second chance. He saved me."

  “He?” Kevan trailed off and his eyes connected with mine.

  My jaw tensed as I fought the emotions and turned around, crossing the portal into my hut. I looked over my shoulder at them one last time as the archway closed.

  Kevan smiled in between the tears as his father hugged him.

  I nodded once.

  Chapter 15. A New World

  BRINA

  A year later…

  * * *

  I walked through the village, Spear of Light in hand, enjoying the excitement that floated in the air. My lips curved into a satisfied smile. Their happiness was contagious.

  “Come to me, wife….” Cyn whispered into my mind.

  My Minastra GalIsacura Arthulis shimmered, amplifying our telepathic connection so I could still “hear” Cyn’s voice, even though we were at opposite sides of the village.

  “On my way to you, husband…”

  Today was the official start of our new life.

  The City of Heaven was complete, and our family was ready to move on from this place, which although it had given us happiness and a safe home, represented a life we no longer had to live. One of hiding. People waved at me with smiles on their faces, as Romans and Druids stood together on the streets. One helped the other to carry the belongings, which would accompany them into their new homes. Thanks to Kevan and Marcus, every house in our new city was fully furnished and equipped with anything our people could ever need, including the latest in technology. Some of which Kevan had invented especially for us.

  Marcus was a new man. I never thought I would ever say this, but I loved that man. He turned into a sweet, understanding and supportive man. If anyone told me a year ago that I would think of him as family one day, I would have probably cursed them out. I chuckled as my gaze fell on Eghan, Ronan, and Marcus who stood in what used to be our Warrior training grounds. As it turned out, Marcus had majored in psychology as a young man, although he never got the chance to practice due to the hold Agustina and The Brotherhood had on him. Art made sure that Ronan and Marcus got their own practice in the new city, where they would provide council and free therapy to anyone who needed it.

  My gaze went over the grounds as I arrived. It slowly filled with people, and more of our family kept pouring into the area every minute. The whole village would meet there, so that Cyn and I could transport us all together to our new home in Montana.

  I found Cyn, standing next to Art, and Lia. I couldn't help but stare at them with a goofy smile on my face. Art and Lia looked regal and powerful on the Druid Court outfits Seima made them. As it turned out, the reason why Cyn and my Priests' robes had a modern flair to them, was because Lia gave Seima as many wedding and fashion magazines as she could find before the wedding. Instilling a curiosity for fashion in our friend, that she wouldn't have attained otherwise. These outfits were no exception. She had finished them a few weeks after everything ended, but everyone decided to wait until today to finally wear them.

  Lia's outfit was black with deep, red-rose colored accents. Her low V-neck top accentuated her cleavage sensually, but she still managed to look classy. Fitted black pants hugged her hips, a dark red cloak hung from her shoulders reaching the floor, perfectly matching her stilettos and lips. Even after eating everything on sight, and giving birth, she still looked like a Latin Hollywood star. I hated her. Art's jacket resembled Cyn's. It molded to his shoulders and back, with a high collar that gave it a royal feel, but it was shorter, reaching his hips in the same red as Lia's cloak. He wore a black button down shirt under it, and black trousers with shiny leather shoes. They looked like the perfect power couple… and they were.

  An adorable little Warrior suddenly ran towards me the second he noticed me. My staff disappeared into thin air as I caught him and flung him up, holding him in my arms as he hugged me. I walked towards the others, lifted his shirt and blew raspberries on his stomach—my favorite thing to do since I discovered how ticklish he was. He squirmed wildly in my arms as his laughter floated around us. His hands covered my mouth so I would stop.

  "Why are you stopping me? I love your tummy," my muffled words caused him to chuckle as I finally stood beside Art. Freeing my mouth, I went for his neck. "You are so freaking adorable; I could eat you!"

  “What?” Hayes squealed, and his eyes widened. We laughed.

  “Thank you for that Aunty Brina," Lia said, taking him from my arms. "Now he's going to have nightmares tonight."

  I chuckled as Cyn held my hand in his. Hayes giggled. “He knows I’m kidding.” I made a face. “Mama bear gets mad.”

  Art laughed, loudly, and Hayes reached for him, covering his mouth. “Shhh. Baby Shay is sleeping.”

  Our gaze went to the stroller Art gently rolled
forwards and back. A six-month-old ball of cuteness lay asleep. His cheeks alone could feed me for a full day. The boy, like his name indicated, was a gift. Shay was lovable and looked like a replica of his Dad, with chocolate brown hair and crystal gray eyes.

  “He just fell asleep,” Art confirmed as more people arrived.

  "Sorry, we are late."

  I turned when Cathair's voice reached me. He looked dazzling in his blue shirt, jeans, and sports coat. During the last year, the Warriors, as well as the people of the village, were introduced to the modern world they would soon be part off. Out was the first-century clothing, and in was fashion at its best. Seima stood next to us in a cute turquoise knit dress with leggings and boots, it was the beginning of winter after all, but her best accessory was the gorgeous, three and half month-old baby girl in her arms.

  I swore Vevine was born with hair longer than mine. Her bright yellow curls, pink cheeks, full lips and light blue eyes made her look just like her Mom. There was no denying the child was hers. Cathair on the other hand…

  “Are you sure she’s yours?” Art asked, mirroring my thoughts and Cathair punched his arm playfully. "I'm just saying. Mine looks like me but yours..." Seima laughed as Leigh joined the group, kissing my cheek, and settled by my side.

  "May I please have my girlfriend?" Seima grinned and handed Vevine to him. He carefully held her head and kissed her forehead. Leigh was a sucker for babies. He swayed her in his arms, and joined the conversation with the others.

  I felt happy having him here. After he recovered, it was hard for him to come to terms with what he did, but surprisingly enough, Marcus helped him deal with it, and adjust. He integrated into our family effortlessly, leaving the painful past behind. Although Leigh was technically my uncle, he felt more like a younger brother to me, a role he was only too eager to fill. We grew really close over the past year, and I could honestly say I adored him. I couldn't imagine my life without him.

  My gaze suddenly found Eisha.

  "I'll be right back, guys."

  Before I could leave, Cyn pulled me to him and kissed my lips passionately. This man was too much for me to take. I stepped away from him dizzy, as the others whistled, and said things I rather not repeat. Cyn smirked, and his dimple winked at me. I had to shake my head to focus while I walked towards my friend. She looked stunning in her Court outfit too.

  Although hers was different from Lia's, she looked just as regal. A black fitted dress with thin straps molded to her body reaching her knees. It was the perfect little black dress. A long, coat-style cloak, also black, covered her body. Deep, red-rose colored silk lined it, most visible on the inside of the large hood that settled over her shoulders. The cloak was fitted to her figure making her look sexy as hell. A gossamer scarf wrapped around her neck, held with a crystal brooch, it was the same red, which matched her lips and her stilettos. Kevan stood a few feet behind her now next to his father in an outfit just like Art's.

  “We are ready, but I am waiting for Kevan and Marcus to finish talking to Ronan.”

  “What are they talking about?”

  She shrugged. “How wondrous their practice will be.” We chuckled. “I can hardly believe this day finally arrived,” She added her eyes glistening.

  “I know what you mean. Are you excited to start the Academy?”

  She nodded. “I just need my first student to appear, or there will not be any point for my teachings.” I chuckled as her gaze went to my forehead. “Where is your crown?”

  “Crapola.” I sighed as my fingers reached my head and found nothing. “I have to go back and get it.”

  “I will go with you.”

  * * *

  I opened the door to the hut and looked around. My gaze found it on the table, which would remain here, along with everything else. Cyn gifted the fully furnished village to a native tribe in the Amazon, who didn't have much. They would occupy it after we left.

  Eisha closed the door behind us, as I picked up the Fairy Crown and turned. "Will you help me put it on? My old mirror is the only thing I took."

  She nodded, grasping it and placed it on my forehead just as the air shifted around us. We turned to find Asrhia smiling at us. "Hi sweetie," I said, hugging her. "I was afraid I'd never see you again."

  She pulled back and hugged Eisha next. "I know it's been a year for you, but it's only been a few minutes for me. I just left Leigh, after he woke up from Kevan’s nourishing spell. I haven’t returned home yet. I just wanted to see you both one last time before I left.”

  “Wait, what do you mean you haven’t gone home yet. And how can it be a few minutes for you, after a whole year has gone by?” I asked perplexed.

  Asrhia’s gaze connected with Eisha’s then returned to me. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t tell you this before, but I’m from the future. Almost Eighteen years to be exact. I just turned seventeen.”

  I looked at her as though she had just grown a second head. She might as well have. My eyes shifted to Eisha as I remembered she once mentioned she could travel through time. I shook my head still baffled.

  "I couldn't risk my mission, so I didn't tell you," Asrhia added. "I'm truly sorry."

  I nodded blinking out of the shock. “I have a question. If you are an Ovate, how do you have control over the elements? Ovates don’t have elemental magic.”

  She grinned. "I'm special. I inherited extra powers… I have more than one."

  My mouth dropped, as the air shifted around us again. Unified gasps escaped Eisha and me when a door into the Astral Plane opened, and I was suddenly staring at a double of Eisha.

  "I found her!" she announced, to someone behind her as her eyes glowed a silvery white. "You are in so much trouble, kiddo. Your Mom is coming," she warned and disappeared.

  “Daingead!” Asrhia said cringing as a blinding light filled the hut and I staggered backwards.

  "Asrhia Consuelo Bressall! I swear to the Goddess that you…" her voice faltered as she halted on the far corner of the room.

  My world stopped as a replica of me stood a few feet away. “Crapola!” we both said at the same time.

  The other me held her Spear of Light with both hands and took a deep breath. "Well, this is awkward."

  "You can say that again," I mumbled, still not believing my eyes.

  Asrhia cringed again, looking at me embarrassed. “That would be my Mom.”

  “What?!” I squealed. “You are my daughter??”

  Asrhia nodded. “You are four weeks pregnant right now.”

  My gaze flew to my belly as I rested my hand on it. “Sweet mother of all things…”

  “Another female born of the blessed family?” current Eisha whispered stunned, and looked at me. Her eyes began to shine with the significance of it. “Before you, that had never occurred. High Priests only fathered males, that is the reason the prophecy about you was so difficult to believe.”

  I stared at Asrhia dazed; the weight of current Eisha’s words descended on me. Cyn and I would give birth to another woman in the blessed family, who one day—if we were ever gone—would become a Priestess too and protect our people.

  "Patience," the other me said, interrupting my thoughts. "You'll need it."

  My gaze roamed over her and although she looked exactly like I did now, there was an air of wisdom and maturity to her, of authority. She commanded respect.

  No wonder Asrhia is scared of her. I’m afraid of her... me.... I mean...

  Her eyes turned to her daughter ignoring me. "And you, little miss trouble, are grou…"

  “I know, I know,” Asrhia said, sighing. “But I came to help,” she rebutted.

  The other me blinked, her eyes widening as though a rush of memories had hit her all at once. "How did you?"

  "Yeah… about that," Asrhia added. "Now that my mission ended, and the last fact changed the past is settled. Which means you can remember it all as part of your life."

  "Dear Goddess…" other me whispered and pulled Asrhia into her arms, her sky b
lue eyes glistened. "It was you. The one who helped us… it was you.”

  She pulled back and kissed her daughter's forehead, caressing her hair. "My beautiful girl," she murmured and wiped a tear from her cheek. "You are still grounded."

  "Crapola, I run I tight ship in the future," I mumbled.

  The other me huffed. "With her little ‘adventurous butt,’ you have to."

  “But, Mom!”

  "No buts, young lady. Do you realize how dangerous this was? Not to mention you had me worried sick for two days!"

  Asrhia sighed.

  "Don't worry, I brought the Calvary," The other Eisha announced, appearing in the room with a replica of Art. A man, probably in his thirties, stood beside him. He looked dangerously close to Leigh. I frowned, he also reminded me of Grandpa.

  "Uncle!" Asrhia yelled, suddenly filled with emotion, and ran to him jumping into his arms.

  “Monkey!” he said, squeezing her and chuckled.

  "You are fine. You can walk!" The tears left her eyes, and we all looked at her perplexed.

  He frowned. "Yeah. Why, did you expect me to fly here?" Asrhia laughed wiping away her tears, and squeezed him one more time. He set her down.

  Asrhia's eyes found mine. "This is my uncle, Leigh."

  "What?" current Eisha and I asked in unison.

  "Okay, don't be too hard on her," the other Eisha interceded, returning to the subject. "We are Ovates. This is what we do."

  "What is that in your mouth?" current Eisha asked beside me.

  The other Eisha shrugged. “Gum. You can blame Kevan for that.”

  Art chuckled but stopped as a portal opened behind me. “My Goddess, are you rea..." Cyn froze, his eyes widening at the spectacle before him.