Re: The Ye Old Shoppe o' Curiosities (An OpenBook Production)

[bookcrazI]

Lila:
I couldn't breathe.
It was my wedding day.
I was going to get married in T minus twenty minutes.
Air wasn't registering in my lungs and it forced one of the maids to get me a paper bag as I hyperventilated.
After that freak out moment was over I focused on adjusting my dress, over and over, nerves making me OCD. The floor length white dress was strapless and covered in formfitting lace. Accents of crimson were present in the dress as well as the bouquet of red and white roses.
The music had started and my hands shook, did Olly feel the same way?
Did all brides feel like this?
Did only brides in arranged marriages feel like this?
Was that my cue?
I stepped forward and tried to ignore the muttering and cheerful maids as they fluttered around me, their last minute adjustments seemingly fruitless in my state of mind.
I took a deep breath.
This was happening.
I was marrying Olly.
I felt a smile grow on my cheeks.
I may only know so much about him and we've only had a little time together but matters could be worse.
I could have married that dull Tim, but no, I get the dazzling Olly.
I started to walk down the aisle, it didn't seem so long before, my feet matching the music and my face hidden by the veil.
Here we go.
I glanced up to the end, Olly standing there, handsome and shining, twitching a bit, I assumed nerves, and father standing next to him with the law book.
Father was smiling.
Mother was already gushing tears.
I continued my long walk until I reached the altar, I looked up at Olly and offered him a smile.
"You ready?" I whispered as the music decresendoed.

[OpenTheDoor]

Olly: I know that I was nervous on my first day of high school. I know that I was nervous before that third round of that competition. I know that I was nervous whenever I saw Lila but then... I had never been so nervous in my life. I knew that I was shaking. I could hear Robin thinking it and trying to calm me down via her thoughts but...it wasn't enough.
I just wanted to get it done.
I just wanted to see her again.
And as the music began to play, I couldn't help but take a quick glance behind me, catching a quick glimpse of her as she walked down the aisle and I couldn't help but smile. She looked better than what I could have ever imagined her to be and I thought that that was impossible.
Definitely, I smirked, unable to take my eyes off of her, You look beautiful.
And as everyone laid their eyes on us, I didn't even think that my mind was fully in the room. I was too busy looking behind that veil to her shining eyes. We could have been the only people in the room and I wouldn't have noticed nor minded. I was stuck... Well, that and I could hear Mom and Angie already beginning to sob whilst Robin handed them tissues and made sure that they were alright. But apart from that, it was just the two of us.
"Oliver Jacob Parlour and Lila Elizabeth Lakefield."
All heads turned to her father as he began to address the room, well, apart from ours.
"Today you enter as individuals, but you will leave here as husband and wife, blending your lives, expanding your family ties, and embarking upon the grandest adventure of mortal interaction. The story of your life together is still yours to write."

[bookcrazI]

Lila blushed red enough to match her roses at his comments, Look who's talking... you're ever so dashing.
Her father opened his mouth again, continuing his speech.
"With these rings, forged together in fire, I bind your souls together forever more." Her father announced.
Lila's hand shook as her father placed the ring on her hand, she saw a quiver of Olly's hand in the corner of her eyes.
She smiled at Olly, so he felt as nervous as her, frankly she felt like her stomach had blown up into butterflies. It was a ticklish feeling that left her almost dizzy, she held her hand up anyway, not letting her vertigo show.
With her hand raised and leveled with Olly's her father pulled out an elaborately embroidered ribbon and began to wrap it around their wrists, at each wrap he spoke.
"For respect, prosperity, longevity and fertility."
At the last wrap he placed his hands on their tied ones, glancing into their eyes quickly before addressing the audience.
"I bind them in all ways with this ribbon, a symbol of their tie. I now ask them to share a kiss for validation, with this they are wed." He announced, his low voice booming.
Lila, I looked at him and licked my lips, I took a step forward and lifted my chin and closed my eyes, my lips brushing against his.
He had to fill in the rest of the kiss.

[OpenTheDoor]

Olly: Nerves affected different people in different ways. For some people they start getting chatty, for others they get all shaky and shy. I, however, tended to act slow however hard I try to focus on it all. So, when I felt the brush of her lips, I was instantly shot back into reality and caught up with what was happening, all of the words flooding into my mind.
Kiss her!
As if I was almost starved of her touch, I pressed my lips to hers, just a little, feeling those fireworks flying through my mind. Trying to hold back the more passionate kiss that wanted to give her to lift her off of her feet, I still gently putting my hands onto her hips, feeling her curves beneath the mix of white and red lace. There was always time for that, especially as we were married.
Shit, I was married, well, when we eventually parted lips we would be.
And
"Congratulations. I now officially announce you as man," he turned to me, then to Lila, "and wife."
And as the audience congratulated us through their mild applause, I took a hold of her newly ring-bearing hand and slowly escorted her back down the aisle as my new wife, no longer as the girl who I had been dropped off at my house to explain to me that I wasn't human, not as the girl who sneaks out of her house to get to see her potential new husband.
But as we got to around half way, my eyes, for some reason, drifted away from her delicate features and out to our witnesses. I didn't know why until I saw who was there, unaged, the same deep brown stare that I knew to belong to who I thought was the greatest man on earth, once upon a time. But as his eyes met mine, I instantly knew it had to be him. He looked exactly the same as when I had last seen him, that harsh winter night...
Dad?
Why the hell was he there? After all of that time?
My hand gripped around hers a little tighter and I swallowed. I needed a drink.

[bookcrazI]

Lilac:
We were married.
Oh good gods.
My hands were all shaky as the clasped his, I kept wondering if they were sweaty but his smiling face made those worries run away.
Instantly calm, though I still felt that after nerves feeling and I had a hunch that he did too. I glanced away when he did, smiling at my .... social friends and the like, being the ever polite newly wed that I was.
I glanced up a little startled at the sudden squeeze of my hand, sending a confused glance to Olly and frowned a bit, not enough for others to notice, at his pale complexion.
He was staring at a man, one I had never seen before but felt my gut twist in suspicion, who looked awfully similar to him.
Could that man be..?
No.
It must just a coincidence.
I gave Olly a little nudge with my foot, pushing him forward on the little carpet near the end door where we would proceed to the outdoor party from then on.
We can relax for a moment or two once we leave the hall...
I thought to him quietly, him seeming ever so shook up.
I could almost feel it myself, which was rather odd.

Molly:
I sat casually at one of the tea tables, acting as if I was meant to be there, as if I was a guest. No one really doubted it though, people see what they want to see, if they want to see a snobbish woman sipping tea, then they will.
I waited, my hands clammy around the little box, and sighed.
I needed to get this over with.

[OpenTheDoor]

Olly: As reached the doors of the hall I let go of her hand leapt down the stairs as fast as I could, reaching the bottom in a couple of seconds. I needed to get out of there. I didn't want to be there. I didn't want him to be there. Why would I? I had no reason to wanting to have him there. But I couldn't just run. It was my wedding. I shouldn't run after getting married, plus, I didn't want to leave. Lila was here. It was the first time that we had together in weeks.
"He turned up to my wedding. My wedding, a day that's meant to be one of the happiest in my life and he turns up for the first time after twelve years today?!"
Drawing in some breaths, I began to try and calm myself down though I knew that I was shaking like a leaf. Sure, rage was building up within me but so were other things: slight happiness that he was alive, confusion as to why he chose that day to appear. anxiety that he may try to talk to either me or my sisters...
What about if he wanted to talk to us? Sure, Angie wouldn't remember him but when it came to me and Robin we would. Robin, maybe a little less due to her age but she swore that she remembered some things about him though I always thought that those memories where sourced from old photographs instead of the backwaters of her mind. But what would she say? What would I say? Maybe he wouldn't even speak to us? Maybe he just wanted to see me getting married and would leave just as quickly as he came? I hoped so.
"Who the hell sent him an invite? He shouldn't be here!" I hissed through gritted teeth, "He hasn't been here half of my life, the majority of Robin's and literally none of Angie's! I.."
I shouldn't have been raging at that time, not in front of my new wife but... Hey, for better or for worst. But as I trailed off I looked back to Lila and sighed. I shouldn't have been getting myself worked up. I was supposed to be blissfully happy. Instead, I was craving a drink. Fast. And not poncey tea. Something with a high alcohol content. Something which I could quickly down to take the edge off of things...
But then I saw her face and frowned.
"Sorry. I'm just... Everything's all over the place. A lot's happened in such a short space of time, y'know?" I murmured, rubbing the back of my neck, "I mean, I'm married to a stunning girl now and I'm looking forward to a bright, happy future."
Walking back to her, I took her hands and offered her a small smile. I needed to calm down. I shouldn't have been worrying. I should have been focusing on the good points, the important points, not the things that would only deplete my mood. But as I looked into her eyes I found those worries quickly evaporating, leaving only the happy little things behind. And I could have stood there with her for a while though I knew that, for that day at least, that was unlikely to happen. Well, we were the newly wed couple. It was our wedding. So I thought that I should as well treasure that moment.

[bookcrazI]

Lila:
After he had run down the steps he had started to pace and say a few words out loud while making angry faces. I had struggled to get down the stairs in my dress and heels, I was pretty proud of myself for not tripping, but once I got there I couldn't help worry for his sanity a little bit.
From the few words he did say I could assume that man was his father, and according to the background papers his father had left their family a long time ago.
I bit my lip and tried to think of what to do, to say.
I couldn't say I knew what he was going through because I certainly didn't, I had lived a pretty cushy life in the regards of parents.
I mean, sure, they hated each other most of the time and I had spent most of my childhood either alone or finding new ways to sneak out or even spying on people as I was too bored most days to be a proper little girl, but I never had a family member leave me.
No.
None that I cared about.
As he apologized I shook my head, and then nodded as he continued, waiting and thinking of something to say in response but utterly failing.
What could you say?
His compliment made me blush and his closeness made me blush even more.
I pulled my hands from his, wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him, hoping that would at least take his mind off of the bad, it certainly helped me.
I broke it off after a moment to look into his eyes and brush a strand of hair away from his face.
"You can always talk to me... and, I can kick his ass if you want.. or I could get you that drink, or both.. Whatever you want dear.." I murmured into his ear.


Molly:
As the crowd finally took their steps out into the tabled area I stood and wandered around, smiling at a few people and nodding at other like I belonged. I took another apprehensive glance at the photo Lilith had given me and looked around.
Where, oh, where could you be?
My eyes scanned the crowd until I spotted a man resembling the photo. He was a bit different, a few more wrinkles around the eyes and mouth but it was definitely him. I sauntered over and put on my brightest smile, my pageant winner one.
"Oh, Hello! It's been too long... I have something for you." I murmured brightly, the smile never leaving my face.
I pushed my hand holding the box out to the man and tilted my head playfully.
"It's from Lilith."

[OpenTheDoor]

Olly: And if any worries were there before she kissed me, they had certainly disappeared quickly afterwards. The balled fists that my had made quickly released themselves and rested on her hips, holding her close to me. Just having her there made everything a million times better. I didn't know what it was. Maybe comfort, maybe love, but it was certainly not a feeling that I was used to either way.
But to her words, I could only chuckle, "Nah, we'll get someone else to do that for us, shall we?... The drinks bit but thanks for offering to kick his butt. I don't think that I want you to though. I'd rather just not see him at all... And yeah, I think its best if I explain this to you. Maybe we could talk later when less people are around, hounding us. At the moment it's a bit hard..."
And as the rest of the world began to flood out of the hall, I didn't need to watch to know that all of the guests were beginning to drift the outside area, chuckling in their little groups complementing everyone and everything. I was too fixed with staring back into her eyes, though, to watch any of that. And as I let out a small sigh, I rested my forehead against hers, already feeling tired from that day. Well, I didn't really sleep that night anyway. I was too nervous to drift off. And after knowing that my dad was there I doubted that I was going to be able to sleep that night either.
"Just promise that for today you'll stay close to me. I have a feeling that if I'm alone then he's going to start talking to me."

Standing at the edge of the area, the man glared down at Molly, eyeing her up and down quickly before beginning to scowl. He snatched the box from out of her hand, peering down at it for a few moments and then back up to her.
"You must be her new apprentice then," he murmured, his face remaining neutral, "Thank you."
And without opening it, he slipped it into the inside pocket of his suit, his sights pinned onto her still and without even a hint of gratitude in his eyes. Instead, he shifted his weight between his feet and swapped the hand which held his silver skull-topped cane, peering over her head and to the door of the hall, almost as if he was waiting for something to happen. But after a few moments, the corner of his lips seemed to twitch, almost breaking into a smile, very almost.
"Always in the worse of times, Lilith," he muttered to himself, "Always."
And as the frown returned back to his features, he gave himself a shake of his head and turned towards the treeline surrounding the hall. After a few seconds, once he had reached the shadows, he stopped, tapped his cane twice, and disappeared.

Robin: Okay, I was one of those girls who didn't really cry at much. It took a lot to get me set off however I knew that in those past few months I had cried more times than I had ever done in my entire life. First, it was Molly leaving and then reuniting, then it was my dad, then when I thought Johnny was cheating on me and then... Well, my big brother was married. But for once, they were purely happy tears and not a mix of every emotion possible in one confused little girl.
But as we left the hall, one of the last ones might I add, I let out a small sigh, looking out to the view in front of me. And I used to think that Molly's debutante thing was posh and snobby, I was obviously wrong. I doubted that I was going to have fun that day.
"Robbie... Isn't that Molly?"
Wait, what?
Working out where she was pointing to, I quickly began to frown, seeing a sight that I wasn't expecting. What was she doing there? I thought that she was meant to be staying at home with full access to whatever she was wanted from the fridge and cupboards? But maybe she was there to save me from boredom? I was pretty much alone.
And Johnny was out there somewhere though it was truly a pity that he was only there for the ceremony. I needed someone to talk to throughout that snooze fest who wasn't Angie or my mother. Anyway, Mom was surely going to mingle with the rest of the guests. She didn't get to go out often so I knew that she was particularly looking forward to that little social event.
Anyway, with a small sigh, I carefully ran down the steps, making my way towards her, ducking in between the monocle-wearers and their wives until I reached her, raising my brow. It definitely was her, no doubt about it...wearing--
"You're wearing the dress that I wanted to go for the Spring Fling!"

[bookcrazI]

Lila:
I hugged him close and nodded.
"You can count on me, I can stay very close if you like.." She giggled then grabbed his hand and started to drag him out of the hall and into the reception.
She quickly grabbed two glasses of champagne off a waiter's trey as he walked by and handed one to him, chugging hers in a matter of seconds.
She placed it on an empty table and pulled him to the table of honor, where the wedded couple and the parents, family more or less, sat.
"Don't worry about getting drunk, this stuff can only get you buzzed, no matter how much you drink.. I know.." She explained.
She glanced around and focused on a confused Robin and girl she didn't know, she paused her steps and looked at Olly.
"Do you know who that girl with Robin is?"

Molly:
I looked up with wide eyes and found them wandering the shocked face of Robin.
"Oh.. yeah.. You can have this, it's a strictly one wear for me... You know I told you I had a mission I had to do to be free... well.. this was it.. I.. I kinda had to deliver a package to a man who came to this thing. That was all." She smiled sheepishly and before Robin could react she hugged her tightly.
"You have no idea how messed up my head is right now... again.. we need another relax session.."

[OpenTheDoor]

Olly: I let her lead me to where we would sit for the meal at least, smirking at her words. I didn't fully understand what she meant by that but I had no doubt that I was going to like it.
Well, I was a guy, wasn't I?
But as I took the glass and looked to where she was pointing, I furrowed my brows, squinting to see the shape there next to how was definitely my little sister but... I knew who that was.
"That... That is Molly, her best friend. I didn't know that she was invited."
I didn't. Last time I heard she was not talking to Robin for some reason. I had overheard her crying but it seemed that they made amends. Well, I didn't know. I had been busy for weeks.
"Anyway," I sighed, looking back to her, "How are you feeling now, Mrs. Parlour?"

Robin: Score.
"Oh--"
Why was she hugging me? And so tightly?
"I. Need. To. Breathe," I gasped, hugging her ever so slightly, just to fill in her want for comfort, "Please."
Slipping out of her grip, I let out a sigh, readjusting my dress neatly. Ah yeah, she had mentioned that but, of course with me being me, I forgot what with all of the drama. I actually did need another spa day, especially if she was paying for it.
"So, how did it go?" I asked, looking her up and down, "You look alright... Well, actually you look amazing in that dress but that's not the point. I mean that you don't look like you had to wrestle a gorgon today."

[bookcrazI]

Lila:
"I didn't know either..." Pausing for a moment until he spoke.
I looked at him with a grin, "Ever so well, husband, and you?"
I kissed his cheek quickly before my mother pulled me away and into a series of hugs and sloppy, tear soaked kisses.
"OHH...MY BABY...SHE'S ALL GROWN UP NOWWW..." She wailed.
I patted her back dutifully and ignored my father who actually seemed to be holding back tears as well.
I held back a scoff at this and decided to act like the good daughter was supposed to, a hug and reassurance.
"It's okay mom... I will always be your little girl."
I was pretty sure I heard that out of a Disney movie a few years back, one that I had snuck out to see, but it still got me a chorus of 'Awwww's.

Molly:
I shook my head and sighed.
"Thanks.. Fergie bought it for me.. well.. I kind of made him buy it for me, but you can have it, I knew how much you wanted it.. it's kinda a win win. So, it went well, though the guy.. I think he thinks I'm Lilith's apprentice, like dutiful, want to be, instead of trying to get out of it.. Doesn't matter though, doubt I'll ever see him again, not to mention I am free as of now."
I was shaking a bit from relief, it was a bit too much to take.
I just had to get my mother's memories and I was good.

[OpenTheDoor]

Olly: Watching as mother threw her arms around her, I let out a small chuckle, watching as my own mother began to jog over in her heels, tears still in her eyes and Angie skipping along besides her. Robin, however, was still chatting to Molly.
Typical.
"Oh Olly! You're all grown up!" she yelped, holding me in a tight embrace, "Congratulations, dear!"
And as she held me close, Angie decided to join in, hugging my waist and literally making it impossible for me to move or breathe. But as I patted her head and tried not to mess up her hair, I let out a contented sigh, shooting a look to Lila as we were both in the same situation, but, it was a good situation, wasn't it?


Robin: I nodded, "Yeah, its probably one of Lilith's fairy chums anyway... But it does make you wonder."
I let out a sigh and looked back over to the rest of my family, raising a small brow at the scene happening on the other side of the field under cover. It was sweet, something which could only make me smile. Well, it was my family unit. It was sweet. It was nice to see us altogether and happy for such an occasion. I wouldn't have changed it for the world.
"But it doesn't matter does it? You're free! I would join you to rub it in her face but...y'now... I'm busy," I shrugged, tapping her arm.
But then I realised something.
"You got back with him?" I grumbled, trying to keep calm, "...fine. On your head be it. But he has a good sense of style."
And as I let out a small laugh, I glanced back over to my family, my new extended family including a bloody elf king, queen and princess.
Johnny eat your heart out.
Wait, did that technically mean that I was royalty?
I hoped so. That would have been awesome.

-:-/-:=:-\-:-

“So, we meet again.”
The man stopped in the middle of the sand-covered path in front of the old fabric shop, the one that was boarded up just like almost every other in that alley. In front of him, standing in the middle of the path, Lilith lowered her gaze on him. Rather like him, she was standing feet shoulder-width apart, hands hanging down by her side, almost as if she was going to pick up a gun from the sling on her pocket, ready to shoot him through the heart. Though they both seemed to be relaxed, tension was building up in the air making it thick enough to be cut with a knife. This wasn’t to be an average meeting; it was easy to say that that would be an understatement.
“It’s been a while, Lance. I take it as you’re well?”
Before answering, the man considered his answer, looking off to the side for a moment to contemplate if he truly was well. On the one hand, he was, and that emotion could have been mistaken for slight happiness however he knew that things were about to get...messy, for one of them at least, but by the fact that he thought that it was highly unlikely that it would be messy for him, he was better than well.
“It’s only been twelve years, Lilith... But ups and down, swings and roundabouts,” the man chuckled, his British accent shining through, “You?”
He glanced back at her, checking to see if she had shifted during his thoughts but all that had changed was a growing smirk on her lips from his answer, almost as if it was amusing her.
“Been a bit boring without you in town. I’ve had to create my own entertainment.”
Overhead, the clouds began to brew, blocking out the predicted all-day sunshine on their showdown. But both didn’t care to notice. They were too busy engaged in reasonably polite conversation, something which rarely happened between the two of them.
“Like training an apprentice?” he grinned, “Met her today. She seemed quite powerful...for a Light Witch, that is, or at least one of her age and considering her teacher. But she’s human... So how did she—”
“She and her pesky friend broke into the shoppe and touched my dear knockers. You’d get on well with that girl, Lance. She’s Dark. Similar patterns to you, in fact... You did have a daughter, didn’t you?”
The man quickly began to frown, his thoughts as readable as his face. Lilith easily heard them, something along the lines of “You know her?”. But as the old woman let out a chuckle, he raised his walls back up and his emotionless glare back on, beating back her mental probe. He even swallowed slightly, his breath getting slightly caught in his throat. Sure, he had been caught off guard however he wasn’t going to let that happen again.
“Two, actually...if you must know,” he murmured, “Robin and Ang—”
“Robin! That was her name,” the woman confirmed, nodding her head ever so slightly as she toyed with him, “I had to revive her at one point. A customer tried to use one of my spells on her and it knocked her out. She also touched my knockers... I think that is what has started her powers a little early, and a little bit too...strongly.”
“Strongly? How so?”
His brows furrowed as Lilith began to titter at him, her rotten yellow teeth shaking and whistling as she did so. He had a feeling that she would have met her, knowing his luck, and that she would learn about magic from one single trip out to town instead of hearing it from her father’s mouth as he wanted it to be when he eventually came back. But, he guessed that it could have been worse. Maybe that was for the best? Then she’d be more likely to believe him rather than if he turned up and announced it all as he originally planned on doing.
“I’ve been watching her... Or at least my little spies have been. They’ve picked up on a few things. She can’t really control it, a few things aren’t too bad but she faints after performing the simplest of spells. I suggest that you take your time to teach her, and trust me, it will take time.”
“You’re really saying that? I thought that you wouldn’t want me to teach my children how to hone their abilities,” he tittered, “Anyway, I’m sure it won’t take long. Yet again, you underestimate me, dear.”
“Well,” she sighed, “At least then she won’t accidentally take anyone’s eye out.”
Lance narrowed his sights on her, glowering. He hands clenched into small fists, his emotion beginning to bubble up inside of him, but with a small breath, they loosened as all of the forming rage got washed away. And as he put on a smile, the woman frowned herself.
“But then again, we have got unfinished business.”
“Ah yes, shame about that coming to an abrupt halt. I had things crop up back home. So, where did we leave off last time?”
They both took three steps forward. No more. No less. It seemed as though they had been preparing themselves for it since that fateful day.
“Oh yes!” she cackled, “and you were telling me to mind my own business and to get ready to die.”
“And I believe that you were saying that I was a cruel and inconsiderate bastard for stealing my wife’s magic.”
His eyes rolled as he spoke, shaking his head slightly as if what he did was nothing but Lilith knew the truth of the matter. She also knew that unless she could fight him off...
“Well, I wasn’t lying. You left her with nothing except a young boy who wanted to know where his daddy had gone, a younger girl who wouldn’t know any better and a crying new born!” she almost hissed, “You could have left her with something but you were your usual greedy self and took all of it, her memories too.”
Slowly and deeply, the man let out a chuckle, something that made the hairs on the back of your neck raise and send shivers down your spine. He was full of glee to hear those words. Yes, they were achievements, having kids, but he didn’t nor was he ever going to make that mistake again. It was too messy, or so he thought, and too time consuming. Sure, he loved the time that he spent but...it was much better the way that he did it, or so he thought. Not having to deal with the majority of things parents had to face was a huge bonus. No piano recitals, no Christmas madness, no whining brats at bedtime. He had them as young adults... Well, with Olly it was a bit late but with his girls...
“Ah, all’s fair in love and war, Lilith. Just because she was your first apprentice... Actually, that was half of why I chose her. She was the same as your current apprentice: human but touched those knockers so her DNA mutated. I only made sure that her DNA reverted back to its original state before we dared to have any kids. Didn’t want them to be Light now, did we? And I believe that is why we got to here all of those years ago,” he nodded, running his hand through his hair, “So, are you ready to die, then?”
“Oh, I’ll never be, Lance.”
And as both glances narrowed, the lightening cracked. It began.
Lilith stepped forward, raising a single hand up. Inside, in the palm, she cradled a small orb of energy, the same colour as her emerald stare. And though she tried to contain it, a large grin grew onto her lips and it flew out of her hand and towards the unmoving man. He didn’t budge, and, with just a stare, it stopped, midair, losing momentum just like that. But as he grinned, the orb shrunk, collapsing onto itself until it became nothing. And as he glanced up to woman, he lowly chuckled.
“Is that your all?” he asked, even raising a brow, “This is too easy.”
Shaking his head, took yet more steps forward, closing the gap between the two of them. His hand shot up, a claw aiming for the old hag’s face. Instantly, her face dropped, her hands raced up to hold onto her throat as she gasped for air. And as Lance raised his hand, she came off of the ground, her stumpy little feet wiggling for dear life as she stared at him, fear bright in her eyes.
“So it was. You’ve gotten a lot weaker since I last saw you, Lilith, a lot weaker. You hardly put up a fight. Pity.”
Closing his hand a little more, his grip got even tighter on the old woman and his lips curled into a bigger smile. He had a couple of choices right then. He could have continued to block her airways and suffocated her; he could have simply snapped her neck right there and then or...
With a flick of his hand she shot backwards, flying through the air like a Bullet Bill towards her precious little shop...and through the window. He didn’t need to watch to know that it must have hurt. Hearing her scream was enough to satisfy that want. And as he strolled up towards it, a large grin was beginning to grow on his lips. There, he waited, seeing as if she was going to get up again from off of the wooden floorboards but after a good minute waiting, he broke into a chuckle and stepped inside.
“Shame. I’ve been waiting for this moment for the past twelve years and it come down to this? It’s kind of pitiful, don’t you think? The great Light Witch Lilith, appointed overseer of the North by the King himself.”
With a click of his fingers, her trusty walking stick flew into his hand and he snatched it from the air. He stepped forward, eyes pinned onto the hunched up body lying onto the broken glass that covered her shop floor, to see her eyes shut and chest slowly rising and falling with what could easily have been her final breaths. Getting down on one knee beside her, with a wave of his hand he rolled her over onto her back, looking at her emotionless face.
“Oh, and I’ll take my prize.”
Lilith’s face screwed up, knowing exactly what was coming to her next. But she was unable to stop it.
Slowly, he raised his forefingers to her temples, lightly pressing onto them. From beneath, a small dark glow began to radiate as he closed his eyes to concentrate.
If you stared at him for the next few moments you would have realised what he was doing. Slowly, as he let out a breath, the few wrinkles which surrounded his eyes began to plump out, his lip thickening, his beard and grey hairs disappearing without a trace. And as the glow died down, he opened his eyes again, revealing those deep maroon irises once more.
“Much better,” he grinned, peering down to his hands, “Like I’m thirty again. But I know what you did before we did this. I know that you bottled your memories up and are keeping them safe in the shoppe so when your little apprentice comes back as you told her you’ll be able to return to your normal self...”
Next to him, Lilith looked a lot different. Her skin, if it was possible, had shrivelled even more, her body no longer plump but skeletal, almost as if she was a walking member of the dead. But her bright green eyes still shone the same. But she still looked frail, fragile, almost as if she would snap if you dared to move her.
“H-how old a-are y-you now?”
The man tittered slightly, looking away from himself for a moment and to the old woman. He only saw a sight which he had been waiting to see for so long.
“Not asking how I know? Shame, you missed a great tale, but I’m probably around the five hundred mark,” he shrugged, “I’ve lost count, to be honest, Lilith.”
“Y-you should be a-ashamed... You g-g-give magic a b-bad name.”
And as an uncontrollable laughter burst forth from his mouth, he stood, gripping onto the top of her cane. He gently leant against it, flipping back his hair so it was out of his view once again. Oh how he missed having hair like that. He was only annoyed that Lilith didn’t have as much magic as he suspected. He wanted to look more like he was 25...but it could have been worse.
“Oh, thank you kindly Lilith. Now, if you excuse me, I have a wedding reception to run along to. My son’s just gotten married you know to an Elven princess, Lila Lakefield, well, actually its Parlour now, isn’t it? Not a bad connection, eh?” he chuckled, “Also I need to speak with my Robin. She seems like a good age to learn a few tricks. It might not be too late to find her a nice gentleman either, maybe a prince. You know that a lot of people would die to be related to me, to have that blood circulating their offspring’s’ veins....”
And as he turned, he stopped for a moment, contemplating what had just happened and what he should have done next, or at least how he was going to do it. He still hadn’t talked to her and he was pretty sure that just going up to her and simply saying “I’m your father” wasn’t going to work...but, then again, he didn’t have a whole lot of time.
Decisions, decisions.
“Oh, and Lilith,” he called back, unable to look back to her, “Seeing as you helped my daughter and revived her, I’ll let you keep your precious memories and live. I won’t even burn your shop down with you in it. See, I’m a nice man, really.”
And with that, he stepped out of the shop, no longer bothering to look behind him. It wasn’t as if she was suddenly going to stand up and throw a fire ball at his back; she had literally no magic left to her name. But as he made a small distance between the two of them, he stopped to tap the bottom of his new walking cane into the sand, sending a small pulse spread from beneath it, shaking the nearby buildings, breaking all glass that hadn’t yet been shattered, including that of the shop windows and any jars inside of it. He knew that she wouldn’t have died from that. Injured a little more? Possibly. Did he care? Not anymore.
“However, if we cross paths again... Don’t expect me to be so kind!” he shouted back, “I might even pay your delightful new apprentice a visit.”
And with a small chuckle, he began the long trek back to his family, into the darkness where he belonged.

[bookcrazI]

Molly:
I tilted my head and glanced to the ground, yes the Fergie situation.
"Well, I know but I-" The words were caught in my mouth.
I clutched my chest and winced, falling to my knees.
I bit my lip and swallowed the surprised cry that threatened to claw it's way out of my startled throat.
Air was stuck.
It wouldn't come out, not with words nor sound.
Pain erupted into my head and body like thousands of little hot needles wormed their way through my skin. My hands quivered as the slowly came up to cradle my head as I rocked back and forth, my eyes closed to stop the swirling of color from appearing. My heart began to beat extremely fast, my breathing labored when it finally managed to start up again, it felt like someone had plugged me into an electrical socket.
This wasn't normal.
Not in the least.
What had Lilith done to me?
Had she done this to me?
Was it that handshake?
Was this from that man?
After a few moments and several awkward stares later I stood shakily, the feeling passed and now embarrassment and confusion sat in my head. I glanced to the small gathering of concerned people and offered the crowd a sheepish smile.
"Heart burn, it's a killer with a headache." I said and they all nodded, satisfied.
Robin on the other hand wasn't.
Could she feel the burn I had inside me?
Could she feel how that pain had turned into tickling power, that feeling I had when reciting an incantation ?
That feeling that I could do anything?
That dangerous, deceptive feeling?
A dark feeling pooled in my gut, a memory pushing it's way through my internal files and slamming it's fists on my control panels.
'LISTEN TO ME' it shrieked.
When signing that apprentice form, what did it say in that tiny print?
Power?
Lilith?
Death or emergency?
I panicked.
"Robin.. I think something's happened to Lilith... I.." My voice stopped as I saw the man from earlier, the one who made my stomach swirl.
My eyes caught the dark fuzz, that aura that blurred his edges, and I glanced at Robin, very afraid. Something bad had happened and my gut was telling me it was him.
I grabbed her hand and a shock passed between us.
I was in her head and she was in mine.
Things shot at me; memories, feelings, sentences and many different other things before I let go.
I looked at her, more terrified than ever.
"What's happening? To me? To us?.. That.. man.. he.."
I covered my mouth and hugged myself.
Somewhere safe.
I needed somewhere safe.
We needed it.
I closed my eyes and felt a gust of wind.
When I opened them we weren't at the wedding.
No.
We were in Fergie's living room.


Lila:
I laughed and when she finally let me go I made my way to Olly's side.
"We should really start offering food." I said, my mother looked shocked and scurried off at lightning speed.
I laughed again.
"Hi Angie, I'm sorry you couldn't be the flower girl.. but I was wondering if you wanted to sit next to me at the table..." I said, trying my best not to seem scary.
I knew she already knew what I was like but I had people swarming around me and I was falling back into my 'proper' self by default.
The nerves pushing me in reverse as I bit my lip.
I shook my head and forced the bad out.
Today was one of my best days ever, I was married.
It was my day to shine.
Our day.
A quick flash caused me to turn my head and frown.
What had that been?
Robin and her friend weren't there any more and that man was back.
What was going on?

[OpenTheDoor]

Olly: I could only grin as Angie shrieked a delight-filled "Yeah!" at Lila's request. She didn't really mind about not being a flower girl anyway. She said that it "wasn't cool", the silly thing. But of course she wanted to sit next to her. I knew that she loved her, and I didn't need to be a mind reader to know that, almost as much as she loved Robin.
Well, to be fair, that wasn't a whole load. They just really got along the majority of the time.
But that was a point. Where was she? But more importantly, he was still there?
"I don't know," I swallowed, answering her thoughts, "But... Maybe they've gone to the toilet or something. I don't know..."
"Robin?" Mom murmured, quickly scanning the area, "Ah, she'll be back in a bit. You know her."
But still, I couldn't help but doubt that. I didn't know what it was but something was wrong. Very, very wrong.

Robin: What was happening to her? It was just so sudden. The first thing that I knew we were talking and then...she was on the floor, cradling herself and I could feel something coming off of her. It was weird, like an energy, suddenly radiating from her body, stronger than the one which she usually had within her. I had noticed it ever sense we knocked on the doors, that she always seemed to radiate something, power maybe, but then... It was about a million times stronger.
"You sure?" I asked her as she mentioned Lilith, "She hasn't activated the agreement, has she?"
She couldn't. Molly had done as she was told. She didn't break any rules, or as far as we knew she hadn't. So what else could it have been?
But then she took my hand and instantly and I felt everything suddenly go dark, blank, broken. The next thing that I knew she was staring at me filled with fear in what seemed to be some posh apartment.
And I knew we were at Fergie's.
"Excuse me," I muttered, holding onto my stomach, "Where's the bathroom?"
But before she could answer I swore that I saw a sink in a room from the corner of my eye and before she could answer I had legged it in there. What I did in there... Well, lets just say that I saw my Fruit Loops again.

Fergie: Coming from out of the kitchen, I glanced around the room, a frown on my face. I thought that I had heard Robin's voice but... Molly was standing there looking as pale as a sheet, shaking like a leaf. By instinct, I sprinted over to her, leading her to the sofa to take a seat. She looked like she had just seen a ghost but there was something about her. Something...different. Though she seemed to be shaken quite badly she seemed a lot more...healthy. I didn't know what it was. She seemed to have a bit of a glow to her. It suited her.
"What just happened? How did it go with Lilith?" I murmured, taking a grip of her hand, "Didn't I hear Robin?"
And as the sound of barfing echoed through my apartment, I frowned. Yes, I did hear Robin. Brilliant.

[bookcrazI]

Lila:
I nodded a bit unsure and took Olly's hand out of.. I dunno, instinct? I just felt safer that way- maybe it was the whole marriage thing. The man, Olly's father stalked up to us, looking unbelievably classy and menacing at the same time, like all good villains, not that he was one.
He just felt like one.
It was weird.
I nudged Olly and bit my lip, glancing at the smiling man.
When he finally stopped I smiled back in a charming way but forced my little walls up.
"Hello.. you are? I apologize but my mother invited so many guest I didn't get a chance to look through all of the names on the invitations." I murmured.
Maybe I could get a little information, if I was clever enough that is.


Molly:
I relaxed under his arms but pushed him away, frightened of myself.
Would what I did to Robin happen with him? She seemed the worse for it, I didn't want to hurt anyone else. After regaining the ability to breath normally again I stood, out of reach, running my hands over my quivering arms and then going to Robin's side out of instinct.
She did not look good, that after-puke paleness and the accompanying shivers did not make her look like a happy camper. As if it was after a party I pulled her hair back and rubbed her shoulders, doing the normal thing, hoping a bit of the energy in me would transfer over and make her feel better. I frowned as I felt a little pull and from my hands a dull yellow light spread onto her back as I rubbed her shoulders.
I stepped back frightened.
That had never happened before.
If I wanted to fix someone I had to say a spell or make a charm, never just think it.
Only Lilith could do that.
Only the good ones could.
"Fergie.. Somethings wrong with me... Robby..Rob.. are you okay? Did I hurt you? I'm sorry...Please.. don't touch me, guys... I don't want.." I stuttered.
I fell to my knees and hugged myself.
I was being quite the little wimp but I couldn't help it.
That man had started something and it was affecting me.
What was it?

[OpenTheDoor]

Olly: I looked down to her hand as she took a hold of mine, questioning what that was for, almost with a little smile... But then Mom took my other hand, holding it in a vice grip, something which I wasn't expecting and was beginning to crush my poor fingers.
Then, I looked up.
I swallowed as I saw him stride up towards us, a calm and confident grin on his lips, one that could only make me feel worried in a strange way. But he looked different, at least to when I last saw him in the hall, but more like the way he did right before he left us.
He had grown younger?
As he bowed to the king, queen and Lila, it almost seemed as if he was taking the micky, ever so slightly, however it seemed that I was the only one to think that. He straightened himself up, using his cane for support and grinned, showing two perfect lines of just off-white teeth.
"My name? It's Lance, though no need to apologize. I understand that everything is hectic prior to weddings," he chuckled smoothly, keeping his eye contact with Lila politely.
Don't let him speak to me. Don't let him speak to me.
I could my mom's thoughts racing through my mind and she was thinking exactly the same thing as me. I knew that he left on bad terms - he just disappeared one day. Mom used all of her detective knowledge to try and work out where he went why he went. She went almost manic with it for a few years. I guess that it was then, when I was left in charge mostly of a hyperactive seven year old and a little toddler at only aged fourteen when I had to mature a little more than the rest of my peers. Well, Mom went into depression and couldn't do much. It was only after therapy and medication that she got back to - near-enough - normal.
"Anyway, I just came here to congratulate the bride and groom on their marriage. I doubt that I will be able to stay for the entirety of the evening, unfortunately, so I thought that I might as well speak with you sooner rather than never."
And as his eyes drifted from hers, they landed on mine, peering into what I felt was the depth of my soul. I didn't know what it was but it was weird. It was like he was trying to read my thoughts, studying the person who I was on the inside rather than the tux-wearing nearly wed that I was right there and then. I could have sworn that I saw the corners of his lips turn up, just a fraction, as he leered at me from a few metres away. But then he broke the awkward silence.
"And Oliver, might I speak with yo--"
He stopped immediately, glancing away from my face and over to the tree-line to the side, almost as if he was being messaged in his mind. But I didn't know what it was but, right then, I felt something too.
It was Robin.
Something had happened with her.
"How typical," he muttered under his breath before looking up to us again, "I do apologize however a serious matter of business has just cropped up. I'm afraid that I will have to leave immediately."
And with yet another bow to all of us, excluding Mom, he backed off again, leaving before anyone could say another word. And as both my mother and I stood there in compete and utter silence, almost stunned by the meeting, I squeezed both hands a little tighter.
"Who was he?"
Glancing to a rather confused-looking Angie, I couldn't help but frown. She didn't know, did she? She was the only one. Surely Lila's parents must have known about that. Well, they must have gotten some form of contact when he left. That isn't particularly a great thing for a potential future son-in-law to have. You've all heard of the stories. Its always the fatherless who get into trouble, not the ones with both parents still around.
But as I glanced over to Mom, I watched as she too computed something in her mind: whether to tell her or not. But as she let go of my hand and walked over to her youngest daughter and knelt down beside her, I knew what she was going to say.
"Y-your... He's your father, sweetie."

Fergie: I didn’t follow her orders. Instead, I dropped down to her side and let out a deep breath. I knew why that was happening. Well, I had read the contract that Molly had signed in order to validate it and make sure that it said everything that we agreed upon. I had to say, I wasn’t worried about the whole “...take over position” bit right down at the bottom in that microscopic print as I doubted that it would ever happened.
Sucks to be me, right?
“It's because Robin's Dark and you're Light,” I began with a sigh, trying to get her to look at me, “You're natural opposites. Something must have happened to Lilith and so you've gotten her power and abilities. Because the fact that you're now more powerful than Robin and, seeing as you're natural opposites and so enemies, I doubt that your magic is doing much good to her, even if you did use a healing spell on her. I expect that if you touch her for too long or use the wrong type of spell you'll kill her."
And even though I hated that girl I didn’t necessarily want her to die, especially by the hands of my girlfriend. Hell, she’d be a murderer and I don’t date murderers as much as I loved her. Also, she’d be plagued with guilt and be crying and blaming herself and everything... Basically it was a lose-lose situation either way.
"But that also means that you won't do anything to me, Molly, nor would you do anything to Johnny or anyone else in school or walking around. It's just...Robin... Well, and her siblings, I expect. See?"
Taking a hold of her hand, nothing happened. Sure, I got a little nervous from it but I always did when I was around Molly. She was too good for me and I stood by that. But at that moment I was doing my best to make sure that she was alright, that she wasn’t going to burst into tears on me and my favourite blue pinstripe shirt. I didn’t want her to be crying. I hated to see her upset. I was only happy when she was happy and if she was down and depressed it was my duty to cheer her up.
But just as I was about to take a hold of her chin to kiss her, I swore that I saw the lights falter for a second, just twitch. I ignored it, assuming that it was something to do with the fact that we changed the lights in every room or something like that. I might have been a clever guy but when it came to common sense... Well... It was minimalistic.

Robin: I didn't know what was happening. Everything in body felt like it just had an emergency shutdown, forcing my mind to switch off immediately before I could realise anything was happening. But it was beginning to reboot again, I could feel myself feeling a little better, well, minus the burning acid in my throat and horrid taste in my mouth, but I felt like I was up and running again, almost.
And then she touched me again.
And it all happened again.
Well, it was almost the same as last time.
That time, instead of my mind being thrown into shutdown, I felt my body do so. I felt my lungs stop, I felt my heart stop, I felt everything just...stop. The only thing that was around was my mind, which was screaming at me.
Run.
Don't look back and run.
It's going to kill you.
"Get away from her!”
I knew the voice, I recognized it from long ago. It was one that I knew to be kind, gentle, caring, and it still carried that same tone as well as a bit of anger and wrath, almost as if he could have killed someone right there and then.
And though at the time I couldn’t see it, emerging from around the doorframe and into the bathroom, Lance stood there, face almost as pale as my complexion at the time. He glanced between Molly and I, understanding what was happening right away and raced to my side, kneeling by me quaking body, holding me up straight instead of cowering over the toilet bowl. Glancing over to Molly, he watched as rocked herself in comfort alone but he knew that wasn’t going to happen for long, soon she would be on her feet.
"If you want her to be better and get fixed then let me sort this out. If you do not allow me to and I can't do that then she will die."
I remember thinking “I could be about to die?!” though I couldn’t process my mouth to ask why that would be. The only thing that I could do was be all limp and floppy as one of his hands took a hold of my wrist and the other pressed its fingers to my heart. And with a small growing warmth from beneath his finger tips, everything seemed to be firing up again.
The next thing that I knew I was spluttering for air, coughing like an old smoker, holding onto the radiator beside me for something to grab onto and gain composure. But after a few deep breaths and a shake of my head...well, I felt normal. Sure, my head was aching ever so slightly and my stomach was still churning like butter, but, yeah, I felt better, and he was helping me to get back onto my feet without even a doubt of wobbling or falling over and cracking my head on the tiled floor.
"There. How do you feel? Are you okay now?"
Lance raised a hand to my face, cupping my cheek gently as he peered into my eyes, studying them for any tell tale sign of problems. But as I quickly swiped his hand away and took a few steps back out into the living room, I swallowed down the lump that had formed in my throat. A million questions were circulating my brain, mostly asking what the hell he was doing, why was suddenly showing that he cared, how did he get into that place – wherever it was.
"Umm... Yeah,” I murmured, folding my arms across my chest, “Thanks, I guess."
He didn’t seem to react too well to my rejection of his touch. Putting on a small frown, there was something in the back of his eyes that seemed to spark, maybe something to do with disappointment...but not with me, for himself. As far as I could tell I was reacting pretty normally for a girl who apparently could have almost died and had her dad who had been missing for the majority of her life appear in some random place where she and her magical friend had teleported to only to heal her and make her feel a million times better.
"Good... Good...” he murmured to himself, nodding along to his words, “Now, unless you want that to happen again I suggest that you stay away from her. Don’t go near her, don’t walk by her, don’t stay in the same building, ever. Start now, start immediately, not until you’re strong enough to at least withstand her powers. Do you understand that?”
“But I—”
“No buts, my child. You can do but then you’ll die and I doubt that many people want that,” he swallowed, looking me up and down once again before turning to Molly, “And you, Lilith’s apprentice. Don’t go near my daughter. You touch her one more time and I will kill you quicker than you can even realise. If you don’t then I will tell you this: go back to the shop. Unless you can get to Lilith immediately she will die. I gave her a chance as she did with Robin so I promised not to kill her. Now, it’s on your head. If you do not go to her... Well, I can already tell that you’re appreciating taking over her position as Guardian of the North. Meanwhile Robin, I’ll take you back to the wedding. If we’re quick then you can get there before dinner starts.”
And before I had even time to react, he snatched my wrist away from me and shut his eyes. A small spark seemed to shoot up my arm and the next thing I knew... Well...
I was standing in the middle of the obnoxious crowd of snoots once again and without my father anywhere to be seen.

[bookcrazI]

Lila:
I smiled against the strangely feral feeling I got in my gut, making up for the stunned silence and clutched Olly's hand a little tighter. Getting the feeling that he was a bit too shocked for anger, perhaps that was just me placing myself in his shoes though.
This meeting felt too brief, like more was supposed to happen.
I was left, or I guess we all were left, with the feeling that the meeting wasn't over.
In my gut I felt like there would be more, but I kept on smiling, I offered a little laugh to keep things light, the mood feeling heavier by the second.
No.
This wasn't going to end like this, any of it.
Not the wedding nor the conversation nor the huge balloons of feelings that were hanging over our heads.
Panic filled that maniac side of me.
I would not let this day go sour.
No fricking way.
This was my happy day, my wedding day!
I may have sounded like a brat but I didn't care, it was my wedding day and I was allowed to be a bratty little girl when something, or someone, shows up and starts to ruin it. I simply wouldn't allow it.
I was not a happy camper on the inside, on the outside I turned into concentrated sunshine and rainbows.
"Well, that was a chance meeting! Why don't we all go and sit down and start the lunch, the waiters are waiting for the signal, I believe, and I do happen to be quite famished." I said cheerfully, hoping my positive rays would lazer through any sad faces and burn smiles in their place.
This was a magical day and everyone had better be happy and enjoying it. I had better see smiles and hear laughter or things would start to get messy, in the happiest way possible. Sure, childhood issues and a bad mad who had pretty twisted morals, from what I had gathered, were running rampant through the teacups and peoples minds but did I care at the moment?
Truthfully?
Not really.
Sure I had empathy.
Sure I wanted to comfort Olly and make sure he was okay, and give little, confused Angie a great big hug, but was I going to let this all rain on my parade?
Hell no.
We had a wedding to continue and smiles to wear and, so help me gods, it was going to go on without a hitch.
I knew Olly could hear my... rather spoiled thoughts but I did want to remind him that after all the guest had left I could help him forget about this entire day.
We were married after all.
Yes.
Yes, I was turning into bridezilla.... the gods help anyone who got in my way.

Molly:
Fergie's arms made me flinch but his words could have been swords.
I.. I could kill Robin?
I was killing her?
My best friend?
My sister in soul?
My rainbow unicorn twin fighter partner?
Yes, cheesey titles but we were like eight and hopped up on sugar and caffeine and they seemed pretty rad at the time.
Anyway.
They didn't really mean much when she was lying on the floor barely breathing and I couldn't do anything to help her. With her eyes matching mine in size and in the look of fear. That's when the man showed up, sending a whole new wave of bad chills down my spine.
His face was placid and still but I could sense thoughts bubbling under the surface and that terrible, curious side of me wanted to reach out, but his black aura acted like a grammar teacher and smacked my mind away as if it was a naughty child.
I sat shocked as he revived her and, to my utter flabbergastedness, had a little chat.
Probably, in all other situations, other than this one, I would have been laughing or maybe using the ability of speech that seemed so foreign right now.
He was just having a friendly little chat with my best friend who was acting completely normal and angsty as would any teenager when confronted with her father.
It was if the fact that she was dying only seconds before didn't even happen to cross her mind.
As his words were suddenly directed at me I froze, my mind suddenly realizing that this was no simple 'Oh, hello, I'm just going to revive my daughter and leave' sort of visit.
Each accusation and order and threat he spat sank into my skin and made me sick.
I wasn't allowed near Robin again?
I had to save Lilith?
This was like an action movie, on steroids, fast forwarded in a speeding car.
I was not even done blinking before they were gone and Fergie was the only other person here.
After ten minutes of being still and open mouthed everything seemed to click.
I was pretty sure that it was audible too.
Click.
"I..I have to go... sorry for dropping in unannounced, I'll drop by later I guess." I murmured, a bit dazed but determined in my hastily laid together plan.
I stood, after planting a kiss on Fergie's cheek and bit the inside of my cheek.
Maybe.. if I thought hard enough.. I could..
Then I was in the store.
Lilith was laying in a pile of goods, that I had painstakingly stacked and alphabeticalized earlier that month, and moaning.
"Oh god... What do I do?"

[OpenTheDoor]

Olly: "You're quite right, dear," I nodded at Lila, offering her a smile, "As am I."
I didn't need to show the emotion that was churning inside of me, not then. Then all I wanted to do was distract myself from it all and focus on the matter at hand: eating my first meal as a married man alongside my nearest and dearest. That was going to keep me away from thinking about him. I was just happy that he probably wasn't going to return but... I knew that wasn't going to be the last time that I saw him in that short space of time. He said that he wanted to speak to me, well, I didn't want to speak with him...maybe. Sure, a part of me actually did. I wanted to give him a piece of my mind even though I'm usually the placid one.
But as I pulled out Lila's seat for her to take, a familiar face appeared from the corner of my eye and was beginning to take her seat at the table next to Mom who was taking her seat herself. I leant over to her, offering her a small smile and a tap of the arm to grab her attention. But what I saw... Well, it wasn't right.
"Robin, are you okay?"
"What?" she questioned, turning to face me, "Yeah, I'm fine... Just about. Much happened?"
Her stare seemed absent, almost as if she wasn't really there the feisty, unpredictable and rebellious Robin who I knew so well. Instead, she was rather shaken, deep in thought and generally quite quiet. It wasn't right, seeing her like that. I didn't like it.
"Yeah..." I nodded, unable to force myself to think about it, "but we'll talk about it later, okay?"
I didn't want to plague her with all of that. Plus, I wanted to know what was happening with her, where we went, why my mind was telling me that she was in danger. But as I weaved into her mind, I was left pretty much gob-smacked. I thought that it was a trick of the mind for a couple of moments until I realised.
Molly had powers.
Dad revived her.
Robin knew all about him.
I had to take my seat and take a sip of the drunk-proof champagne. It was a shame that it only gave you a "buzz". I needed something heavy then.

In the middle of shop lying amongst the smashed glass jars and torn-up spell books, Lilith looked up from the floor. Sure didn't look like she did the day before. She was weak and couldn't move herself. Who knew how long she had been lying there? Sure, it probably was just an hour but with the amount of pain and torture that she had been through, it could have been a decade.
"H-hand," she stammered, taking out her own, "G-g-give...m-me..."
Her voice was rasping, dry and weak, barely audible to those even a metre away from her. But her eyes, her big green eyes, they begged for Molly to give her her hand, to give her some of her strength, just for a moment, just so that she could speak and finish her job.
"T-then...go t-to the...t-top dr-drawer..."
Slowly, with her other hand, she raised it to her neck, almost as if she was in slow motion. From beneath her shirt, she pulled out a small key, one that opened up that said drawer. In there, well, it was what was going to finish off that deal and what Molly wanted. She needed to make sure that the deal was finished then and there. She couldn't do anything else before that happened.

[bookcrazI]

Lila:
I bit my lip and glanced across the tables, polite conversation filling the back patio with a nice, dull hum that seemed almost normal. I had a forced smile on my face though I felt my stomach feel a bit sick, something felt wrong. Robin looked a bit too distracted, a lot different from what I had heard and experienced with her.
Something definitely felt wrong.
It shouldn't though.
I stood, a bit abruptly and it caused a few surprised glances my way.
I quickly smiled and backed up, "Bathroom... Robin, do you think you could help me?"
I motioned to the giant skirt and blushed appropriately.
I didn't really wait for her to answer before I grabbed her hand and pulled her after me, smiled everywhere and a wall in my mind so Olly couldn't get in.
Once in the bathroom I leaned against the door and let out a big sigh.
"I do have to pee, before you ask, but first I have a question... Are you okay?"

Molly:
I took Lilith's hand, trying not to shake as a bit of the lightning passed through my skin, I shouldn't have been so scared.
I was a first aid responder, I should have been able to deal with this like it was no big deal, plus I had seen ten times the mess on errands for Lilith.
I had lost my lunch many a time and I wasn't proud to say I was beginning to get used to it.
This was an entirely different matter.
I may have not liked the woman one bit and she was one of the sole reasons for my suffering but I couldn't condone violence, even when I was prone to it at times.
Yes, I was ever the hypocrite.
I grasped the key and waded through the mess to the drawer and put the key in the lock. I struggled to unlock it as I saw Lilith weakly sit up and start to brush herself off.
I paused half way through and looked at Lilith.
"Will he hurt her? Will he hurt any of my friends? Who is he exactly?" I asked.
She knew who I was talking about.

[OpenTheDoor]

Robin: Did she really have to pull me about? If she asked normally without the dragging then I would have come along just fine. I was quickly feeling sick again, feeling the colour drained from my usually lightly-blushed cheeks. When we were in the bathroom I caught my reflection and sure, I was looking rougher than I was. My make up was smudged, my hair was in a tizz... I just generally looked as rough as I felt. Maybe he only healed me enough not to die.
Oh yeah, I almost accidentally died by the hands of my best friend.
I was definitely okay, Lila.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I murmured, nodding ever so slightly, "I'm just a bit..."
I knew that I couldn't lie to her, so why was I beginning to do so? Plus, I was getting the sense that she generally wasn't happy at the moment, probably because I was meant to be all smiling and joyous on her wedding day when I was distant. I had seen the films, I knew how psychotic brides could get when their big day gets even the slightest hiccup. I was probably going to be the same one day...hopefully when my time came with Johnny, but...that was in the future, wasn't it?
"Everything's just happening at once," I eventually offered her, "If I told you it all, well, you'd think I was insane."
And as my eyes drifted from hers to the floor, a small frown forming on my lips. Sure, usually I would have laughed at that, I was joking, wasn't I? It was a shame that I wasn't particularly in the mood for it. Right then, all I wanted to do was have a hug, a nice comforting hug, preferably from either Johnny or Olly. Well, I would have said Molly but...y'know... But anyone would have been fine at that point. I might have just walked up to a random stranger at the breakfast and throw my arms round them for the hell of it, I was that desperate, just for something to know that I wasn't alone and was loved.
"I'm kind of just missing normality and what my life was like before, back when I had no knowledge of the magical world and I was a normal teenage girl... Well, more normal than I am now. Ask anyone: I was never normal. I was the one with the crazy plan, begging for action, changing my style every other week. Sure, I was probably just begging for attention because I hardly got any of that growing up. Everyone was too focused on looking after Angie because she was the youngest and the cutest, Olly got attention because he was the eldest and the only guy. I was the middle kid. I was nothing special in all of that. The only time when I got notice was when my mom had to take time off of work to talk to the principal about me and whatever caper I had gotten into that time. It's funny now I think about it..."
Yet, I still didn't feel like laughing. My eyes still pinned to a particular marble tile on the floor as I let all of the words spill out. That was the problem when I got to a certain point; I couldn't control what came out of my mouth. I just let it all run with no real attempt to stop it all. Anyway, Lila was family. She couldn't judge me.
"But I don't need to tell you my problems. Its your wedding and you need to pee. I'll just wear a smile for tonight and give my boyfriend all of the grief tomorrow," I sighed, trying on that smile before murmuring to myself, "It's not like I can go near Molly any more."
And just as I looked back up to her, I noticed out of the corner of my eye various things from the soap bar beginning to float in the air like what happened a couple of days ago when I was showing Johnny my heart. It was a shame that I didn't really know how to stop it. Last time I just waited for my mood to lift up again. So as I picked up the bits and roughly put them back in their places, I turned back to her with that smile painted on.
"That happens sometimes...and if you have anything that's broken I can fix it. So far I've sorted out my locker at school, the smashed TV and the shelves that Olly was meant to be putting up but tumbled down after a few seconds of Marcus sitting on them. But I'm rambling again," I shook my head, "You need to pee."

Given just enough strength to sort her out for the next hour or two, Lilith slowly sat up, watching Molly as she opened up the drawer. For no apparent reason, a small smile came onto her lips, looking around her. She was sitting on the floor amongst smashed glass and ingredients for spells - some of which were starting to react together to make certain concoctions - and she was smiling?
"The vile in there... That's your mother's memories. All you need to do is uncork it when you're by her and they'll return to her body almost instantly. Then you might want to give her a drink. It leaves the person dehydrated the majority of the time."
But then to the sound of her questions, Lilith shook her head. And with sincere eyes, she began.
"That man, Lance, he's a powerful warlock, one of the most powerful of our time...and of any to be honest. He travels around, never really settling down but just taking what he needs in order to live. The only time he did settle down was when he was here, in this town, with a woman named Marian: my first apprentice. You're my second, by the way," she chuckled, shaking her head to herself, "But of course, I didn't want him in town so I tried to get rid of him. He didn't leave though but I managed to injure him. He has to walk with a cane now but...he got back at me by. Now, you've seen him. He looks, maybe, thirty? In fact he's around 500 years old. How does he keep himself so young? He drains magic from other creatures and people. He did that with Marian and did something with her memory so she couldn't remember any of it. Of course, I was angry. I had spent so long in training her up and he ruined it all. But I didn't have the strength to drive him away. I don't believe in using Dark magic and his magic... Well, he's a warlock, isn't he?"
Stopping for a moment to let it all sink in for her, Lilith took in some more air, trying to let her lungs catch up with her mouth. She didn't have much energy even with Molly's new found strength rolling around her, just enough to last her a little while. But then, with her breathing returning to near enough normal, she continued.
"But then with Marian he had three children, a boy and two girls. I think you know that family pretty well. Their names were Oliver, Robin and Angelina. He was happy for a man who was used to being all powerful and evil, he was good with just lying low with a family. But then his fame caught up with him, some people who he had gotten on the wrong side of throughout his years in the magical fairytale world. He was forced to leave town. Of course, I still had a bone to pick with him so when he came back I took the opportunity. Ideally, I didn't want to get you involved. That's why I've let you go so easily. You've learnt all that you can from me. In that box was Marian's wedding ring. It was a sign for him. And by "her" if you mean Robin... I highly doubt it. He still cares for his children and, in his opinion, ten years isn't a long time for him. When I was speaking with him he showed emotion when I mentioned his children. But, saying that, I still have a feeling that he has a different opinion on what is right for her than other people. I doubt that he wants the same life for them as what he had. That's why he arranged a marriage for Olly so early on, just to make sure that he had roots, or so I expect. And I also doubt that he'll hurt your friends, either unless they get on his nerves, but even then I reckon that if Robin protested enough then he would change his mind," she shrugged, dusting off her hands, "But, well, when it comes to you... That might be a different story. You're the new Guardian of the North. That's what all of that power is within you. He almost killed me and, as my apprentice, you got the responsibility, well, maybe burden in your opinion, to continue as the new Guardian. Congrats. I expect that you'll get an envoy from the King in a few days..."
And with that, she stood up and waddled to her desk, using the things around her to help her on her way. Out of the same drawer, she pulled out her box of trinkets, putting it onto counter next to her. Flipping it open, from inside she stuffed her pockets with a few little jewel-studded bits into her cloak pockets.
"Take what you want from here, this shop is now yours. Do what you like with it: run it, sell it, smash it up. I'm not going to need to where I'm going."

[bookcrazI]

Lila:
I watched Robin explain everything and nodded along silently. By the time Robin was finished and had plastered a fake smile on, a practice that I knew too well, I pulled her towards me in a hug, engulfing her in my dress and arms.
"I do need to pee.. and if you could hold my dress that would be awesome.. but you have a lot to think about.. You can go to the spa if you'd like, I can ask one of the massage therapists' to come in to give you a massage.. I know you're not telling me everything but I don't really care.. We're family now and I'm glad you've shared that with me.. Thank you." With a good pat on the back I released her and started to lift my dress up, my bladder complaining at the strain.
The only think you can do is move forward, throughout every thing.
"Help please." I asked sheepishly.


Molly:
As soon as Lilith had spoken about my mother I had the lock unlocked and the vial opened in a matter of seconds, the lure of my old life calling sweetly.
As she continued I felt my stomach twist into another knot, so Robin's dad wasn't a very nice guy, but it didn't matter because once Lilith got her powers back she could deal with him, and I would be out of the picture, I could help Robin through her daddy issues and be normal, as possible.
Wait.
Nothing mentioned her getting her powers back.
"I..I'm a what? I can't be.. this Guardian of the North... That's you.. Why.. How?" I stuttered, fumbling around for answers.
I scrambled off the mess and towards the desk, my eyes were wide with fear.
In the back of my mind I could feel Robin's own sadness, perhaps stronger than before, and it itched.
"I can't be.. Where are you going? I can't.. run a shop... I.."
Panic filled me and I started to feel that light headed sensation that I had recently recognized as transportation.
I forced it away and looked pleadingly into Lilith's eyes, begging for some answers.

[OpenTheDoor]

Robin: Sure, I was hoping for a hug from someone else but Lila did nicely. And by the time she had let go of me I did feel a little better. I was right when I said that I needed time, attention and comfort. Yes, call me an attention seeker but I wouldn't care. At least I wasn't a hypocrite.
"Thanks...and as for the offer," I began, picking up her dress so that she could pee without getting any delightful yellow stains on her dress, "that's kind but that's one thing that Molly and I usually do. It's sort of our thing but... Yeah."
She said that she didn't care about not knowing anything, something that I was pretty glad about. I would only feel comfortable telling Molly or Johnny all of that, Molly because of obvious reasons and Johnny because of even more obvious reasons but still... I was starting to think that Olly found himself one hell of a wife.
And whilst I was standing there, feeling like a bit of a numpty, I looked at myself in the mirror again, studying my features behind the smeared make up. I didn't look the same as I did before, I swore, before I found out before it all. Sure, I probably made more of an effort with Johnny around but...not in that way. I didn't know what it was whether it was an aura or signals or something just as ridiculous but...it was strange.

Lilith let out a small chuckle at the sound of her confusion. She had never heard her so flustered but she knew that it was going to happen eventually. Even after she tried to led a normal life it was in her contract in the tiniest of prints that she would take over her place.
"Basically, you're a person who can relay between the magical and the non-magical world. You see that door? That's the entrance to that world. Only magical creatures could go in through that hence why when you touched my-- No, your knocker's now. But when you touched them, they rejected you because you weren't magical. Instead, your DNA infused with the magic as human DNA does. Its strange, actually."
And as she continued to chuckle, from the box she placed Molly's phone on the counter along with a few other bits and bobs that she confiscated off of her on her first day there including keys, bobbing pins and a pack of gum, all of which she could have back then. What was left in there were mostly little newspaper clippings of random events from over fifty years ago, mostly about the skyscrapers and high-rise buildings that were planned to have been built at the time, the ones that hid the shop and their placid little alleyway from the rest of the world.
"Don't worry, running this shop isn't too hard once you sort all of the mess out," she smiled, tapping her arm, "I have the names of the stockists in the back with all of the books, you get those down at the marketplace mostly however a few things have to be flown in by Draco-Mail but apart from that...you're set."
And after a quick duck into her little office, she snatched up her ready-made bag from her desk, swinging it over her shoulder. Sure, she had been ready for that moment all week. She had already sorted out her bags, her books, her clothes, everything. Waddling up to the door -- the magical door -- she gave out a little sigh.
"Oh, and I'm leaving. It's my time to retire as Guardian of the North as its your position now. Goodbye my apprentice and good luck!"
And with one final nod, she picked up the knockers and tapped to the door three times.
With the first, she began to tickle.
With the second, she began to the glow.
With the third, she was gone.
Leaving Molly alone in a smashed up magic shop.

[bookcrazI]

Lila:
I peed as quickly as possible, finishing up the job as quickly as possible to shrink the length of the awkward silence.
I stood and together we shuffled out of the stall until we could drop my skirt.
I washed my hands then looked at Robin and gave her a bright smile.
"Not to sound all bridezilla or anything, I hope that you're gonna be okay and everything, but I would really appreciate a smile, fake or not... A happy wedding will make parents happy and gain me and your brother a whole lot of leeway for the next couple months... Meaning he could probably go and see you often." I explained quickly before checking a clock.
"Damn it... We have to get back in time for appetizers or my mother will blow up.." I rushed.
We hurried back, me stumbling a bit in my dress but looking as graceful as possible.
I flashed Olly a smile and sat, just in time for the servers to rush out, mind you.

Molly:
I gasped.
I.
What.
How.
Will..?
Not..
Air.
Breathe.
I had to breathe.
I sucked in air so fast that I started to choke for a moment and, after regaining a normal skin color I sat in Lilith's- no, my chair. I closed my eyes and focused on Fergie, hoping my new powers would work for me again. Low and behold there sat Fergie, in the middle of the shop, in his birthday suit.
Perhaps I should have notified him first.
"Fe..Fer.. I.. I... I..am.. Need... air..I.." I gasped, air not seeming to reach my lungs again.

[OpenTheDoor]

Robin: I nodded, "Okay."
And with that, I followed behind her out of the bathroom, letting out a small sigh to try and settle my nerves a little quicker. Sure, I had always reckoned that I wasn't a bad actress but, that time, I just didn't feel as though I was in the same state of mind that I was usually in. Maybe it was fatigue but either way, if faking a smile meant that I could have seen Olly a little more often, that was what I was going to do.
But just before the corner, I realised something. I still looked like a mess. So, catching my reflection in some extremely polished glass, I took in a breath, closed my eyes and waved my hand in face. As I opened to peer at my reflection again, I gave a small, and genuine, smile. It just like it was that morning, maybe even a little better.
"Much better," I smirked to myself, "Maybe this fixing thing isn't actually that bad."
And with that, I pottered back to the table just behind the bride and the waiters. Couldn't have timed that any better.

Olly: I kind of wished at that point that Angie was sitting next to one of us instead of Lila, that way we could have least have held her hand under the table or kept her smiling. But then I remembered something, something that I had noticed a little while back. My mood generally affected others. If I was happy, sad, angry, whatever, they'd follow suit pretty soon afterwards.
I didn't know if it was just me hoping that I could do something else rather than just having my mind soak up thoughts, if it was a coincidence or if I actually could do something like that but, even so, I knew I had to do it.
I needed to put that grin on.
"Just in the nick of time," I chuckled as Lila came by, standing up so that I could push her seat under for her, "You weren't waiting around the corner were you?"
Regardless to all of the family problems and what little extra Robin was going through herself, I needed to smile. This was my wedding day and I was happy. Sure, some underlying dirt had been tossed up into the air but that couldn't get in the way of the occasion. Every wedding had some little bumps in them, ours was no different, but if we move on swiftly from them then we could focus on the better things.
And that's what I was going to do.
So as I took my seat again and watched as the pristine little waiters buzzed around the tables carrying their plates of food, I let out a small sigh. The hard part was over and done with at least. No more nerves, just celebrating the union of two persons with a delicious meal and a bit of a soiree afterwards. Perfect.
"My," I began as the food was perfectly placed in front of us, "This looks delicious!"
Of course I was certainly trying not to sound sarcastic but when I caught a small nod from Robin, I knew that I was clear. At least she looked better. No matter what I was always going to worry about my little sisters, I always did and always have done and that was never going to change.

Fergie: Ah, I loved days off. I could have a lie in, take an extra bubbly bath with my scented candles then maybe take a walk downtown, maybe see how Molly was after that little task of hers. I supposed that she was finished at that point. I doubted that it would took long as soon as I had heard what it was all about. It was simple, just give a guy a box and return back to the shop, no problems. Molly could have handled it.
...that was weird. I must have been thinking about her so hard that I was hearing her voice...
...but why was I standing?
And why was there a breeze?
Opening my eyes, I looked down at myself, seeing myself hanging in the wind and hell was it cold. And as I looked up to see Molly hyperventilating, begging her air for some reason. So, as the ever diligent boy wonder, I ignored by own problems and raced over to her, avoiding as much glass as was possible from my bare feet and surviving without any major gashes or wounds, fortunately. And as I held her up and looked into her eyes, I tried to stay calm myself.
"Breathe. In. Out. Look at me," I instructed, holding her up, "Just keep on doing that, in and out."
And after a few moments where she looked okay, I took a step back, narrowly avoiding a shard of pointy glass and let out a sigh, my body quaking from the cold.
Wait, where were we?
It couldn't be?
"B-be right b-back," I stammered, running into the back room to grab a toilet from the toilet.
Sure, it was a hand towel but it was better than nothing.
"Th-thin-nk that y-you can mag-gic me up some cl-clothes? Please?" I asked, looking around, "And what's happened here? It looks like the place has been robbed..."

[bookcrazI]

Lila:
I smiled and let everyone's dull conversation fill the room until it was a hum as I ate silently, feeling a bit tired already.
Yes.
Yes I would like a highly alcoholic beverage.
I sighed and glanced at Olly, letting my mental wall down for him and beckoning him in.
Don't worry.. It's over soon, after this there is dessert and then we're expected to leave and the rest of the party goes on for an hour before they leave, though most will leave as soon as we do..
I bit my lip to hold back a heavy sigh.
So today wasn't how I expected it, but it wasn't boring, that's for sure.
I was married.
Weird.

Molly:
Once air was back I scrambled over to the loose fabric section of the store and ripped off a fair pit from a velvet paisley number. With a bit of concentration the material molded itself into a pair of shorts which I handed to Fergie quickly, blushing a bit.
At his next question I froze again, my lungs threatening my consciousness once more. I choked that feeling down after a blank stare into space and closed my eyes.
"I am now the Guardian of the North... and Lilith left.. and Robin's dad is a really bad guy who fought with Lilith.. that's why the store's like this.. and I am getting a bit dizzy.." I said without breathing.
Saying it all out loud made it seem so much worse.
So much more real.
"Sorry for dragging you here.. but.. Robin is.. I can't go near her.. and.. You're.. special.. and I..I am scared."
I know we had decided to restart our relationship from scratch but that really wasn't working out. There were too many things that were pushing me into a panicked state in which only people I was close to could help, and seeing as Robin was off limits because I could kill her by accident Fergie just got pushed into best friend position as well as boy friend position.
I looked at him, now in the short velvet shorts and grimaced.
"I can make a matching vest if you want..." I offered.

[OpenTheDoor]

Olly: Really? I wasn't expecting it to end so soon. I'd thought that it would have gone on for another few hours at least... Hmm, maybe tradition stated otherwise.
Oh, okay. Sounds alright with me.
Well, it wasn't as if I had a choice. I was simply following along with whatever she said, similarly to how I got through every day that I had been in that manor. Sure, some of the time she wasn't there and was busy being dragged to some dress fitting or luncheon but still...
But after a little while longer and all of the plates had been cleared from the entrée (I'm trying to use American terms here...) and the waiters were preparing everything for dessert, I gave a quick glance to check up on everyone, Robin especially. But she was living up to her promise and wearing that little forced smile onto her lips so, until after all of that was over, I knew that she would be alright. I just wished that I could have gave her a little hug right then. It must have been hard for her. Angie quite similarly was sitting there happily enough, trying to make sense of the French food that was placed in front of her. Sure, she was probably used to having something simple alongside fries but she didn't seem that daunted. You should have seen Robin's face as it came out, bless her. I expected, however, that it looked a lot like mine did at first.
"How are you, Lila?" I asked softly, leaning in just a little and taking her hand beneath the table.
I had to say, she looked a little tired, just a little, but on top of that she seemed happy enough. Sure, that probably wasn't the wedding of her dreams but...it was the best that could have come out considering the circumstances. I did feel sorry about that. She probably didn't liked being upstaged on her wedding day like that.

Fergie: Though I appreciated the fact that she was making me clothes, she had to pick the most hideous fabric to make it out of, didn't she? But, I guess that I should have been happy with what I got. It was just good that she made the shorts first...the very short shorts. I was probably a couple of centimetres away from them being too short to cover up the bare essentials. And it wasn't as if they were baggy, either, they were quite clingy and...unforgiving, lets just say.
But enough about that, more about Molly.
"I thought that must have been what happened with the power," I breathed, taking both of her hands in mine, "And that guy did this? Whoa... He holds a grudge."
Trying, and most likely failing, to lighten the mood, I offered her a small chuckle, attempting to make the situation seem a little less daunting. Sure, I probably knew what that all meant a little better than Molly did. I had come to the shoppe may times in the past and knew Lilith pretty well... But the fact that Molly was the new guardian, well... It wasn't to be a walk in the park. But did she forget that I was there when that all happened, when her dad walked into my apartment and healed his dying daughter? I didn't want to remind her so I just nodded along with it.
"Not a problem," I smirked, shaking it off, "but don't be scared. It's not going to be something that you're going through alone, Molly. You've got me, Johnny and you could text Robin for moral support, I guess. But I'm sure that the whole "no going near Robin" thing will last forever if her dad sticks around. He probably wants her to be able to withstand you, maybe even train her powers. I don't know, I'm probably just rambling..."
And as I trailed off and looked around the shoppe, I gave out a low whistle, taking in the damage. Well, Robin's dad had totalled the whole place. Shattered glass lined the floors, the fabric was all torn up (minus the paisley, annoyingly enough) and the stock was all over the place. A couple of the live animals had already made their way out of the door or had started circulating the room in their search for a route out of the disaster zone. And even though it was Molly's new responsibility, it was obvious that she was going to need my help to get the place sorted again.
"And...maybe later. It seems that you've used a lot of energy in the past few minutes. You still don't know how much you can handle without exhausting yourself. But, until then, how about I take you home. I expect that your mother's waiting for you..."

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