Thereafter

"This isn't right! I didn't ask for this!" she screamed at the sky from behind her steering wheel. Parked in the driveway, keys still in her hands wanting to put them into the ignition but she had no where to go. No where to run.

She started to get control of her breathing. As the shallow breaths started to become deep and the air started to collect cleaner in her lungs, her mind was calming for the first time since she heard the news. "He can't be dead." she said to herself while trying to clean up her face with the old tissue she found on the passenger seat. Gross, but she was desperate. She couldn't just walk in to face her sister looking so broken. Not while she new she would have to be strong for her since dad just died. She knew she would be a wreck but despite her pain she needed to be there for her.

She started towards the house and could already here the sobbing before she reached the front steps. She could feel the burn of tears starting to form in her eyes and back of her throat but she choked them away. She walked through the front door and paused at how empty her fathers house suddenly felt. Their mother had passed away when they were just kids and now it was just them. Alone in the world and no clue on how they were supposed to get through this.

"Ashie, he wasn't supposed to die! He said he was going to live forever! How can he just be gone?!" her sister Nevaeh said from across the room. She went and sat with Nevaeh. "It's ok, it will all be ok. I promise we will get through this together. I love you Vay." Ashley said as she went in for yet another tight long hug that honestly felt comforting and much needed since she hadn’t seen her sister in so long.Vay was what Ashley called Nevaeh since she was a baby and it just stuck with her

They sat together. Sitting on the floor crying and reminiscing for what felt like hours. The next few days were going to send them on a wild journey they never could of expected, they just didn't know it yet.

The next day Ashley and Nevaeh started to go through their fathers things. After a long night, which ended up being filled with lots of tears and fireball, they both woke up still deeply saddened by their loss but also ready to start healing and figuring out what to do from here.

After Ashley had called and set up all the arrangements for there fathers services, not that it was much because he HATED being center of attention, she and Nevaeh went into their dads bedroom and grabbed all the photo albums to sort through and find a good picture for his obituary. They didn't realize how many albums their dad really had. "Ash, there are so many. Like, where do we even start?" Nevaeh said grabbing a pile of albums from the closet floor. "Well that looks like a good start. Just put those on the floor and I'll grab this stack and we can start looking for the perfect picture. Ok?" Ashley said.

As she picked up the stack of albums she almost lost her footing and fell backwards but caught herself and bent down still facing the closet to steady herself for another try at lifting the obscenely heavy photo albums. "This would of been easier if you learned to use the cloud dad." she whispered under her breath. Just as she got the last word out she saw something fall between the last two larger but shorter stacks of albums.

Curious, she pushed the stacks out of the way and searched for what fell. She managed to move the stacks with little effort considering the adrenaline that had suddenly started pumping through her veins like a 69' Camaro speeding down the track ready to take any pink slip that challenged it. "What the f...?"

"What?" Nevaeh said as she started to make her way towards her sister feeling an odd sensation telling her to go over there. "What is that? Was it dads?"

"I, I'm not sure. I've never seen this before. Have you? Ashley said as she handed her sister this little black book bound in gold with a soft cloud like velvet cover.

"Huh. No I've never seen it. Probably just a list of all his old lady friends." Nevaeh laughed as she tossed the book back to Ashley.

Ashley let out a giggle too but she couldn't help but feel that it was something more. She cracked open the cover and dust started to spread in the air around her. She was startled at what was written on the first page and froze in place like an instant iceberg for more then a few seconds trying to understand what was happening.

To my girls: If I ever leave this world before you then please forgive me for not telling you the whole truth about who you are to become. Follow these instructions. They will lead you to the truth and fortune that is rightfully yours. All my love. Dad.

"Vay, you have to see this!" Ashley ran back across the room, little black book clutched close to her heart and practically shoved the book in Nevaeh's face for her to read. Ashley might of been older but she defiantly didn't ask like it sometimes. (Ok she was only older by 3 minutes but as her twin Ashley never let Nevaeh for get it!) Nevaeh examined the note their dad had left for them and Ashley could see the tears starting to swell in her eyes. "What did he mean by who we are about to become?"

"I'm not sure but maybe we should keep reading to find out." Ashley said. Nevaeh lifted the corner of the page and started to turn the page slowly. Full of anxiety and complete uncertainty of what they were going to uncover, she started to shake and dropped the book on the floor. It landed upside down so the back cover was facing them. It was made of wood. Not like the smooth velvet the cover was made out of. On the wood they noticed a symbol that seemed to have a bluish glow to it. Like a neon blue underwater scene in a movie. The glowing stopped and Ashley picked up the little black book and examined the symbol. It was the infinity symbol with both of their zodiac signs in the middle of the circles. Nevaeh's on the left and Ashley's on the right.

Ashley was confused because her father made it very clear on more then one occasion he did NOT like or believe in anything like that. Not zodiacs or spirits. Not ghosts or voodoo and most of all not witch craft or magick. He made every effort to tell them there is no such thing as any of that crazy stuff and they just never questioned it. So why did there father have this book with there signs engraved on the back inside an infinity symbol THAT STARTED TO GLOW after they touched it? So many questions and not enough answers. Not yet anyway.

"This. Is. So. Weird." Nevaeh said with a hint of preppy school girl in her voice. You would think at twenty-two she would stop acting like a high school kid, but nevertheless she was Nevaeh and this was just her. Ashley on the other hand was more of a hippie/loner kind of vibe. She never told her father about her trips to Salem to check out all the witchy things and event. She knew he would of been upset and would told her there's no place in the world for fake magick. Ashley always felt drawn to the weird and fantastical things in the world that there was no explanation for. But this, this was defiantly weird. To weird even for her.

Ashley opened the book back to the note their father had written them and then turned the page. Determined more then she's ever been before in her life to figure out what was happening, she started to read what her father had wrote.

You both must have so many questions. I can promise they will soon be answered. Take this book to the river. Go to our spot and soak this book in the shallow part, off the bank, where the luminous purple pebbles dance under the water. Leave it in the water only for a few minutes to activate its powers. You BOTH must be touching the book while its soaking in the river and don't let go until the book is fully out of the water. The pages will then reveal themselves to you one by one. Once you get to the last page you both will be full with power you've never seen or known. Be careful and keep a clear mind. I love you girls.

"Power? What power? Like magick powers? Was he going insane or is this some type of twisted joke?" Ashley started to cry then. It was starting to make sense but she didn't understand why their dad had always tried so hard to make them believe there was no such thing as magick. Now after he's gone they find this book saying they are basically going to get powers?

Every emotion was swirling in Ashley's brain and heart all at once. Like a tornado and an earthquake all at the same time in the same place. "Lets get these albums and a few other things tonight. Tomorrow we are going to the river. I have a gut feeling we need to do exactly what dad is telling us to do, so we are doing it. Ok vay?" she said as she and Nevaeh were packing the rest of their dads belongings into Ashley's car and started heading to her place for the night. Sleep was much needed. It was a long day and honestly Ashley felt more drained then she could even explain. Her bed was calling her name and that was where she was headed. Straight. To. Bed.

The next morning Ashley and Nevaeh headed off to the Kancamagus and to the spot that their father had shared with them when they were just kids. A spot they all went to every year as a tradition to remember mom and to spend time together, especially as they all got older. Ashley, who just turned 28 this past march, was surprised at how she never noticed all the beautiful scenery on the way to the river. She was enjoying it so much more now though, given that dad would always remind her how beautiful the world is around us if we simply just look at it.

The car ride took a few hours and the girls didn't talk much. They were running off nerves and redbull. So music was the go to for this long ride. Blasting the Ramones and some White Snake to ease the nervous state they found themselves in in the beginning. Good thing their dad taught them what good music was! Surly something they will forever be thankful for.

The girls made it to the river in record time. The hiked the short trail to their spot by the river. It was its own little hole in the woods that seemed to be cut off from the rest of the tourist that venture through these mountains in the summer. It was also the beginning of June and not too many people were on the highway coming up, so they had no reason to worry about anyone seeing them and asking questions. "Well, we're here so lets do this." Ashley said. "It's now or never." said Nevaeh as she started walking toward the river with the little velvet black book in hand about to put it in the water.

"WAIT!" Ashley yelled from behind her. "We have to be holding the book together remember! You really suck at following directions don't you?"

"No, I just forgot, jeez. Don't get all bitchy on me, I'm just as anxious as you are cut me a break." said Nevaeh as she turned away and started to walk back a few feet from the river with that sad look in her eye that Ashley knew meant she was really hurting and didn't mean to mess up.

"I'm sorry Vay. I just want to do this right for dad, ya know? I hope you know how much I love you and I know you feel so alone right now but I promise you aren't. I may not of been around much this past year but I promise you I will never leave you alone again. I'm here to stay so get used to it!" Ashley said with a force Nevaeh didn't recognize but she new she meant it. She could feel it. "I love you too sis. Lets do this, grab that side and ill take this side." Nevaeh said while choking back yet more tears she didn't even think she had to spare.

They both stepped barefoot into the river. Right into the crystal clear water. The way the pebbles under the water glistened in the sun made both the girls smile and gave them both a sense of calm. They were standing where the specific purple pebbles had always been every year every time they came to there spot. Oddly enough neither of them can remember seeing these stones anywhere else except here. They didn't say anything but as they both gripped the book, tight enough to not lose it in the flow of the water, they submerged it in the water letting the pebbles drift around it on there own accord.

Suddenly the pebbles started to form over the book into the same symbol they saw the other night. The symbol on the back of the book, the infinaty sign with their zodiac symbols inside. The book started to get hot on their finger tips. "On three, lets take it out. 1...2...3" Nevaeh said. They pulled the book from the water slow enough to not lose their grip but fast enough for Nevaeh to drop it because her fingers felt as if they might burn off. Nevaeh mumbled “Son of a b...”. “You know you’re an adult you can say bitch, it won’t kill you.” Ashley giggled as she picked up the book from the wet sand need the water edge where vay dropped it.

“Vay come here, look at this!” Ashley flipped past the pages where their dad had written the passages to them. She noticed the book felt completely dry even though they had just drowned it in the river. The page was still glowing but the words had formed and Ashley started to read aloud what they said.

This marks the beginning of a journey you will not soon forget. This book will only reveal itself to those of the Parker and Horne bloodline. The magick it holds is of great power. These spells will guide you to where it all began. At the end of this journey, once all tests have been passed, you will be blessed into your full witch form. Be weary though. Do not underestimate the process. Do not believe in just what you can see, believe also in what you can feel and always remember the dark can disguise itself as light when you forget to open your eyes. Lead with an open heart and the rest will follow suit.

The amethyst is for you to hold, while you recite this spell for secrets untold.

“Tha sinn ùr agus a ’sireadh na fìrinn. Stiùir sinn gu far a bheil na sìthichean a ’cluich, agus gheibh thu an tiodhlac nach urrainn ach Horne ainmeachadh.”

The girls both stood there in awe when it hit Ashley as to what she was reading and what it all meant. “We’re witches? But dad always said magick isn’t real. Why would he hide this? I knew we were special vaya I just knew it. This makes so much sense now. All the secret trips dad would take to Scotland for family reunions but we couldn’t go. But why keep this from us. Why now? What was he trying to protect us from?” Ashley said in one long outstretched breath so fast that Nevaeh almost didn’t catch it all.

“I can’t answer any of that right now but this is the most incrediable, amazing, magical thing that has ever happened to us! Dad wants us to do this, and there’s no turning back now. I’m in if you are.” Nevaeh said reaching out for her sisters hand. “I’m in.” Said Ashley. “Now we just have to figure out what this spell says and what language it’s in.”

“It’s Scottish Gaelic. It says, we are new and seek the truth. Lead us to where the gators play and receive the gift only a Horne can proclaim.” Nevaeh said.

“GATORS!?” Said Ashley “Nope. Never mind I’m out. Not happening.” She started to walk away and heard Nevaeh laughing so hard it made her smile without meaning to. It felt like she hadn’t smiled a “real” smile in days. She let her sister laugh it out and watched her fall to the ground with her hands clutching her belly from the cramps her laughter was giving her.

“What is so funny? It’s not like you would go and play with the gators either!” Ashley said still smiling but feeling kind of annoyed at the same time.

“I...read it.... wrong.” Said Nevaeh in between laughs. “FAIRIES! IT SAYS FARIES!”

The both looked at each other and started laughing again. Nevaeh ran up to her sister and grabbed her by the hands. They started spinning and laughing in circles. Shouting fairies and laughing until they both landed on the rocks to catch their breath.

Ashley looked over at Nevaeh with curiousity and said “How did you know that was Gaelic? Better yet how can you READ Gaelic?”

“Remember when dad used to take us to grandmas house and she would yell at us for running in the house. Stad air ruith clann gòrach.” Nevaeh said.

“Yeah. I thought it was old people mumble.” Ashley replied back while trying not to start another laughing fit.

“Well, I looked it up a few years ago when I heard this lady at the coffee shop yelling at two teenagers running to the counter. I asked her what language she was speaking and she told me Scottish Gaelic. So ever since then I’ve been learning how to speak and read it. YouTube and Tiktok were like my best friend.” Said Nevaeh.

“Glad you were paying attention. I never would of caught that. Stop being smarter then me brat!” Ashley said jokingly while standing up and walking back over to river.

“Hey, don’t be mad. I’ve always been smarter then you. Duh!” She called to her sister and then started towards her and the now calm river bank.

That’s it! Ashley thought to herself while looking at the purple pebbles in the water. “Amethyst. These are amethyst. This is why he had us come here. Grab some and come with me.” Ashley said after grabbing a handful of the beautiful purple pebbles. She never understood why this spot was the only spot that had these color pebbles but now she does. Magick.

Nevaeh grabbed a handful of the amethyst and followed her sister up onto the tallest rock closest to them. They felt on top of the world right there. Mountains in the distance that looked like a painting made by the hands of a goddess. The river flowing wild like the jungle in some spots and calm and steady like a lioness hunting her prey in the others. The sisters stood tall on the rock formation ready to take on the world.

"Are you ready Nevaeh?" said Ashley.

"Yes I'm ready." Nevaeh said now looking straight into her sisters eyes that were so steady and in control. She was ready. There was no doubt in her mind but she knew Ashley was made for this moment. All Nevaeh could think about in this moment was how much she loved her sister and how proud she was so have her in her life.

Hand in hand the girls stood tall and even though Ashley had no memory of knowing or speaking Scottish Gaelic, the words flew from her mouth like it had always been her native tongue. Like it was something she was born with. So natural. So familiar.

Together and in perfect synchronization the girls recited the spell with the amethyst tight in their hands:

“Tha sinn ùr agus a ’sireadh na fìrinn. Stiùir sinn gu far a bheil na sìthichean a ’cluich, agus gheibh thu an tiodhlac nach urrainn ach Horne ainmeachadh.”

As soon as the last word of the spell had left their lips, a glowing stream of blue light set out a path for them to follow. Just as quickly as the path appeared a burning sensation came over both girls on the back of there necks. It was uncomfortable and made them wince in pain but it only lasted a few seconds. Ashley grabbed the back of her neck and started to rub the spot that the pain had come from. She lifted her hand away and Nevaeh could see three small dots in a triangle formation on the back of Ashley's neck. The were outlined in black but had an neon blue color in the middle. It was as if the magick had made the tattoo like marks appear.

"Do I have them too?! Check!" Nevaeh squealed as she pulled her hair up for Ashley to see her neck.

"Do you have wh...." Ashley's words trailed off into silence as she to noticed the three black outlined dots filled with neon blue coloring tattooed on the back of Nevaeh's neck. "Holy. Shit." she said stunned. "Markings of magick. I read something about this somewhere. It's really old magick. Of course I thought it was all fantasy and folklore and just a fantasy read but its true its really true. Witches. We are real life witches." Ashley said as she watched Nevaeh rub the back of her neck and then put her platinum blonde hair into a bun and plopped it on top of her head.

"Sure as shit I'm showing this off. I've been meaning to get another tattoo!" Nevaeh said to Ashley who was also putting her same platinum blonde hair into a high pony tail. They both got up and started to follow the beaming blue light.

They traveled up the rivers edge a few miles before coming to a trail they knew all too well. The same trail they had taken a million times before with there father. The blue light stretched a few more feet before it halted in front some beautiful intertwined white birch trees. Entangled together by the low branches that hung to the ground. They couldn't see through the trees but they had a feeling that this isn't where the path ended.

As soon as the girls got within a few feet of the entangled trees, the branches started to shift. Twisting and turning. Untangling themselves right before there eyes. The trees had transformed into an amazing arch way. The infinity symbol with there zodiac signs formed at the top of the arch.

The blue light that had been hovering just above their heads the entire time had started to stretch again and made its way through the arch. The girls followed and the forest around them changed. They were now in a small grove. Full of flowers and fountains and pure beauty by nature. All of a sudden the Ashley and Nevaeh heard what sounded like tiny chimes swaying in a mid summers breeze. They sound that reminded Ashley of childhood memories she had since forgotten or in the very least hid away as adult hood took over.

"Hello Ashley. Hello Nevaeh. We have been waiting for you." a small but familar voice had said.

At first both girls were more then a little confused and started to look all around but say nothing. Then it hit Ashley like a mac truck on the highway. "Caroline?..." Ashley said in a slight whisper. Pure joy started to fill her. "CAROLINE! It is you! I remember now, how is this possible you were my imaginary friend as a kid, but you're here. I know the spell said fairies but until now I completely forgot all about you. I can't believe this is all real!" she said to the tiny but stunning fairy that was perched on the side on the fountain in the center of the grove.

"Hi my sweet girl. I have missed you. After your mother had passed, your father and us fairies decided to cast a spell to protect you. There are so many things you still need to uncover and learn. He made it so you would only remember us as imaginary. That way you get all the good memories without the danger of what comes with the magick world. We agreed that if anything happened to him he would make sure you had a way to get to us so we could help you along your journey and help you when needed. Philip was a great witch and a wonderful man. He loved you girls more then anything in you could imagine." Caroline explained. She then noticed Nevaeh's face and smiled.

"Gavina. She's.... real...?! Is she here?" Nevaeh was smiling so hard her cheeks looked sore but she also had tears welling up in her eyes. Gavina was Nevaeh's imaginary best friend when they were kids and she forever held on to her memory and wished for her often. Now she has learned that fairies are real and couldn't contain her excitement that was also filled with nerves.

" You all can come out now. It is safe. Gavina, the girls have arrived. Come say hello." Caroline said. As soon as Gavina heard the words, it is safe, she flew as fast as she could to Nevaeh. Fluttering all around her as she embraced Nevaeh's harmonious giggles and sweet love that radiated from her eyes.

"Gavina I can't believe it's really you!" Nevaeh said as tears or pure joy streamed down her face. Ashley took her sisters hand and rejoiced with her. Both of them now crying and laughing all at once as their fairy friends fluttered around them.

The air around them started to pick up. The breeze swirling the hair that still hung around both of their faces. Before they could blink, the tiny fairies transformed right in front of them. They took on human form. They were shorter then the average human. None of them surpassing the four foot mark but still held so much beauty that even a regular human would start questioning if magick truly existed.

Ashley and Nevaeh wrapped there arms around Caroline and Gavina for what seemed like forever. After losing their father and starting on this wild journey they needed that moment of love and happiness.

“It’s so nice to be with you girls again, we have been in preparation of this day for a long time! Your father had planned to tell you everything but there are still somethings he wanted to take care of first. Now that he is gone it is time you learn who you are and what is in store for you.” Said Gavina with all seriousness. “Your father had some money set aside for you girls. Well, gold actually, but we made sure the leprechauns turned it into the human worlds currency for you. As we imagine it will be a lot easier for you.”

“There are LEPRECHAUNS too?” Both Ashley and Nevaeh said similtainiously.

Caroline giggled, “Yes, of course there are leprechauns silly. We don’t pay much mine to them though. Tricky little buggers they are. We keep strictly to business with them or things can be a bit.... unlucky.”

“Here take this. Twenty thousand in cash for now. You are going to be traveling quite a bit and going pretty far and your dad didn’t want you to have to worry about money of all things at this time. We will get you the information he left in case you need more but I think this will suffice for now. Is that ok?” Gavina said in a way that made Ashley think she was nervous about their reaction.

Before she could even reassure Gavina that that was more then have ever even seen and that it was more then suffice, Nevaeh shook her head and closed her mouth after it practically hit the floor after hearing twenty thousand and said “Twenty. Thousand. Dollars? Holy cow sis we’re loaded!”

Ashley and the fairies all burst into laughter. Nevaeh’s face turned a tulip shade of pink for a moment before she joined in on the laughter too.

“Gavina, Caroline, that is more then suffice. Thank you so much. Now can I ask you something?” Ashley said.

“Of course, anything my sweet girl.” Said Caroline.

“What business was our father handling? And why all the secrecy to keep us safe? Are we in danger?” Knowing in her gut that she was on the right track with her questions Ashley also asked, “Do you think we will be ready to face what’s coming?”

“You both are the two most powerful witches left in exsistance. There are few who still practice but none born with the power you were born with. Except one. There has been talk about a powerful witch that has been in hiding for hundreds of years. In the last decade of your fathers life he had found out that this witch wanted to come and take the power of the last two natural born witches in existence. You, and Nevaeh. He kept your powers a secret to keep you safe, hoping that this would keep you off the magick radar so Dorchadas couldn’t find you. Unfortunately we underestimated him and even though your father was a powerful witch, he could not keep you hidden forever. This journey you are on will help your powers come into full effect and us, along with a few trusted associates along the way, will guide and teach you how to use and handle your gifts. Do not be afraid. We are here and will not let you fail. We give you our oath that we will protect you at all costs, and a fairy never breaks an oath.” Caroline made sure she spoke clearly because this was what was coming and the danger they will soon face. She knew the girls weren’t fully prepared but she also knew the power that was held within them. Even if they didn’t know it yet.

Ashley started reciting the lullaby her father used to sing to them at night. She knew she heard that name before.

“Thig an dorchadas, ach cha bhuannaich e.

Bidh an lasair càraid a ’losgadh agus a’ snaidheadh ​​a-mach a pheacadh.

Magick, chan eil gin, gun chridhe.

A-mhàin còmhla gu bràth air falbh bho chèile.”

Ashley did remember this but not because it was Scottish Gaelic but because her father would sing it as a lullaby to both of them before they fell asleep every night when they were young.

“The darkness will come, but it will not win.The twin flame wil burn and snuff out his sin. Magick, theres none, without a heart. Only together never apart.” Nevaeh translated after she too sang the lullaby with Ashley aloud.

“Aye, you are each other’s twin flame. It is rare that twin flames show up as sisters but not impossible. This only makes your powers, as well as your bond, stronger. You both were born with flame like marks on the back of your right ankle if I can remember correctly.” Said Caroline.

“That’s right! Remember, we used to try and cover them because we thought they were just birthmarks and the other kids would always point them out when they saw them.” Nevaeh said matter of factly and like she wanted to go back and punch Billy and Adam from three houses down that always picked on us.

In the same breath they both lifted there jeans just enough to look at the back of their ankles to show the identical flame birth marks they both shared.

In the very next breath both girls fell to their knees and once again found themselves in uncomfortable but not unbearable pain. The heat on there back intensifying but only lasting a few moments. Out of breath and kindle of shaky they glanced up at each other and instantly knew another tatto had formed on there backs this time. Ashley pulled up her sweater in the back. She couldn’t see what it was but knew by the whispering ooo’s and ahhh’s by the fairies that it must of looked incredible. She turned to Nevaeh who had pulled her tshirt up as well to see the interact lace like tattoos are her sisters back. Two impeccable fairy wings on each side of her back. Glowing with blue tinted highlights and a simmer that Ashley could only assume was part of the magick.

“Woah, now that’s amazing.” Ashley said to her sister who them turned around.

“Turn around I want to see!” Nevaeh said. “They are beautiful Ash, and I’m pretty sure that mine looks the same right? Why do these magick tattoos keep appearing?”

“They are meant to show that you have completed a step in the right direction on your journey. Once the last step is completed you will see not only your journey but understand where your powers come from. The markings are to remind you that magick is free and cannot be controlled. You can harness it’s power and it will reward you profoundly but if you try to use magick in a way nature does not intend, then magick can take as much as it can give. Respect what is yours to harness but don’t forget it is not yours to control.” Gavina told the girls.

“So basically, we can use all the magick we want as long as we respect it and don’t use it to harm others? How are we supposed to fight Dorchadas if we can’t use magick to help us?” Asked Nevaeh.

Caroline spoke up then. “To defend your power and magick is different then attacking and harming innocent living things. If it is only to appease your own selfish needs then you would be just like Dorchadas wouldn’t you? Magick will help you take the evils of the world as long as you don’t let the evils invade your heart and corrupt your mind. Once magick gets tainited by darkness it forever stays that way. So use your power and magick for good. This magick is yours but it is still a free spirit and will turn if your hearts turn cold and fill with darkness. Do you understand?”

“Yes.” Both girls said without hesitation.

“And they said the leprechauns were tricky buggers?” Nevaeh whispered to her sister only half jokingly. Not that she thought they would turn to the dark side but it definitely scared the crap out of her just thinking about it.

“Now, these are a gift for you both. Wear them always. If you are ever in danger or need assistance clasp the pendent in your palm and call my name.” Caroline said as she handed both girls an amethyst pendant necklace one beautiful silver changes. The crystal was wrapped in a beautiful lace like pattern made of the same magnificent diver as the change. The crystal, even in its raw form, looked stunning and the purple hue reminded Ashley of the lilacs that spread all throughout her home town. It was, after all, the Lilac city so it made sense.

“It is time for you girls to go now. There isn’t much left to you your journey but there is still so much to learn!” Gavina spoke to both sisters but was looking at Nevaeh, tears starting to run down her small heart shaped face. “I will see you again soon my sweet girl.” She said embracing Nevaeh in one last heart felt hug.

As Caroline hugged Ashley she said, “I will see you again as well my sweet Ashley. Remember what I have told you here today. Also, your book is glowing.” And just like that as the girls tilted there heads to look at the little black book Ashley ways carrying, the all the fairies transformed back and fluttered off into the forest.

The girls made there way back out side of the arch way they came through and just as quick as it appeared, it vanished and reformed back into entangled branches of White Burch and leaves. Ashley felt a little sad. She had just found out that the friend she had so long ago was not imaginary and finally got to see her again but the encounter was all too short. She shook off the sadness knowing they would meet again and the girls headed back for the car. They waited until they got back to the car to read what the book had revealed for them this time. They opened the book and it read.

Your journey is almost complete my darlings. I have made arrangments for you to take a trip to our home land. Scotland awaits you. While you are there you will learn to master your craft and harness your power. Trust no one unless they say these words upon greeting you. “Luchd-gleidhidh an t-solais (Keepers of the light)”. Only few know who you truly are and I have instructed those few to protect you at all costs while you harness your power. Keep your eyes open and your hearts full. I love you both to the moon and back. Safe travels my darlings.”

“Scotland, here we come!” They said together. They headed home and packed. Not sure exactly what to bring so, like girls do, they packed everything they could think of.

“Do you really need a whole suitcase for shoes?” Nevaeh asked her sister while watching her struggle trying to zip up the suitcase.

“Vay, you can never have to many shoes! Period.” Ashley said half out of breath. She finally managed to get the suitcase closed. “You ready to go?” She said to Nevaeh who was still shaking her head in disagreement.

“Yup!” Nevaeh said. “So where are we even going in Scotland? Dad was pretty vague and we shouldn’t be walking around all lost and confused with Dorchadas after us.”

The second Nevaeh finished her sentence two plane tickets and a note appeared on the coffee table that she was sitting directly in front of. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to this magick thing, but it sure keeps everything interesting.” She grabbed the note and Ashley came to sit beside her on the couch. Nevaeh opened the note and read aloud:

The Macfarlane Clan welcomes you, Luchd-gleidhidh an t-solais. In one hour a car will be sent to your home and will drive you to our American airway where you will fly to Arrochar in the highlands of Scotland. From there you will be escorted by Tate to the Macfarlane Castle. Once there, Tate will get you settled into your rooms and your studies and training will begin. Safe travels ladies.

“Well I guess that answers our question.” Ashley said as she walked to the kitchen. “Come on let’s get something to eat before we go.” The nervousness of the flight starting to hit her. Ashley did not do heights. When they were younger her cousin tried to push her off the fire escape at the school yard. Ever since then heights was a “no go” for her. She had to suck it up now. She’s older now and knows she will be safe. It still sucked royally though.

Ashley and Nevaeh made a couple PB and banana sandwiches and ate them faster then they had intended. It seemed like time was moving slower then normal so an hour felt like five by the time the car had shown up to drive them to the airport.

It wasn’t a long drive to the airway, which was strange because they had lived in this city there whole lives and never even noticed the tiny air strip that was quite literally a few blacks away from their fathers house. Magick. That was the only explanation Ashley could come up with at this point and rightfully so because not only did it seem like the airway appeared out of nowhere but it also seemed that passerby’s didn’t see it either. Also, the driver said something in Scottish Gaelic that sounded an awfully like open sesame so that was another key component to her assumptions.

The driver parked on the airstrip. Ashley saw him out of the back winsheild of the car, unload their luggage and load it onto the plane. Nevaeh noticed that it must of been a private plane considering it said Macfarlane on the side. It wasn’t the biggest plane but it wasn’t small be any means either. They girls got on board, buckled in and and with a similtantious smile looked at each other and said “I love you sis.” The plane prepared for take off and both Ashley and Nevaeh felt a rush of excitement as well as anxiety. Not just because of the height factor though. More so because they knew once they were in Arrochar, Dorchadas will be on the hunt for them.

The flight was long but both girls had pretty much slept through it up until the very last hour of the flight. They both peered out of the plane windows. The view was incredible. The closer the got to the landing site the more beautiful everything was. They grass looked greener there. Like a ripe kiwi fresh off the vine.

“Wow! It’s even more beautiful then I imagined and we haven’t even landed yet.” Said Nevaeh.

“I know! I can’t believe we are actually here. No matter what happens though we are in this together. Forever and always.” Ashley said leaning over to give her sister a hug.

“The plane is about to land. Please fasten your buckles and put your seats back into sitting position. We hope you enjoyed your flight with us today!” The corky flight attended spoke over the loud speaker. The sisters may have been they only two passangers (other then the staff and pilot) on the plane the attendant never broke out of her customer service routine. Not even when Nevaeh asked her to say certain words with her Scottish accent. Ashley kept thinking that poor woman must be glad we are getting off this plane. She giggled at her internal thought and then realized they were on the ground again and fully stopped. The girls gathered there carry-ons and exited the plane.

The air was so clean and crisp like the first bite of a Macintosh straight from the farm. Ashley took in a deep breath and held it for a moment, fully taking in the incredible landscape that surrounded them. The hills in the distant that looked like a painting done by Claude Monet himself and the fields of flowers that made the world around smell as beautiful as it looked. This is what true beauty looked like. She was sure of it.

Nevaeh, who was also mesmerized by their new surroundings, closed her eyes and spun around like she was six years old again. Imagining her farhers hands holding hers and spinning together until the dizziness set in, then calasping to the ground in laughter. She stopped spinning and opened her eyes to see that she was almost face deep a strangers chest bone. She looked up, her face already a slight shade of pink from embarrassment and her jaw almost hit the floor. A very handsome Scotsmen, with the most amazing hazel eyes she’d ever seen, looked back down at her and giggled.

“Welcome Luchd-gleidhidh an t-solais. You must be Nevaeh. My name is Tate.” He said. “And that makes you Ashley, it is my pleasure to meet you both. Unfortunately I wish it would of been under better circumstances but there’s no time like the present now is there? Your father talked about you girls often and I’ve seen your pictures a thousand times but I must say you are far more beautiful in person.” Tate said with a flirty tone while looking straight into Nevaehs ocean blue eyes.

Nevaeh finally stopped staring and picked her jaw up off the ground long enough to smile and turn from a slight pink to a ruby red color. She had never seen a more gorgeous man in her entire life!

“Thank you Tate. That was very kind of you to say.” Ashley said nudging her sister with an elbow to try and kickstart her speech for her.

“Uh... yeah...I mean yes, thank you Tate, you’re not so bad yourself.” Nevaeh said in a terribly executed manor that some how still made Tate smile and blush a little himself.

As much as this amused Ashley she was reading to get to the castle. “I think we are ready to go now. Lead the way Tate!”

“Your desires are mine to uphold Ms. Horne.” Tate said to Ashley but by the look on his face she knew he instantly regretted it. Probably because he saw Ashley’s face turn into puckered lip what did you just call me? Face.

“Don’t ever call me that again. It’s Ashley. Just Ashley.” Ashley said shaking her head and then immediately feeling bad for coming off so aggressive toward Tate. He really came off as a sweetheart and didn’t do anything wrong. “I’m sorry Tate, I just hate being so formal. I imagine you and my dad were like family, so in turn that makes us family now to.”

“No to the no no no it does NOT!” Nevaeh said out loud. Once realizing it wasn’t in her head all the blush ran back into her cheeks and she shyly smiled at Tate who smiled sweetly back to her as well.

“You know what I mean Vay! I just mean he was close to dad and that means he will most likely become close with us so he would call me Ashley and not be so formal about it! Agreed?” Ashley asked looking back and forth between Tate and Nevaeh.

“Agreed” they both said at the exact same time, Nevaeh of course still blushing.

“Let’s get you girls settled in, shall we?” Said Tate. “The Macfarlane castle is just up the road.

They were ushered into a big black Escalade with tinted windows so dark you could lose your soul in them. They headed about a mile or so up the road. The scenery was incredible and Ashley suddenly became very grateful for everything that had happened to her and her sister over the past week. Even though they had an evil to face, this felt right to her. She finally started to feel as if she actually belonged here and had a purpose. A feeling she had never felt before and it was truly a blessing in disguise.

Nevaeh was also feeling grateful, but she couldn’t help but wonder why their father didn’t want them to know all this beforehand. She understood the danger but why didn’t he want them to be prepared? To be blunt she was scared shitless, but having her sister with her made it a little less frightening. Plus, now she had Tate to distract her and that man had potential in more ways then one. She felt her cheeks start to blush again and noticed Tate staring at her through the rear view mirror. A slight seductive smile coressed her mouth then she quickly turned to peer out the car window. This was defiantly going to be an amazing experience, she thought, as they pulled up to the castle.

The girls got out of the car and stood in amazement in front of the castle doors. The ancient doors, that felt protective and secure, opened for them the instant they were near them. As they walked in they noticed the hardwood floors that looked as if they were there for hundreds of years. They were still beautiful and held so much history with every scuff and scratch imbedded in them. The stair case up the middle of the common area was just as beautiful. If not more so. Gold railings that had beautiful etchings of the Macfarlane crest all throughout them. The stairs were made of the same wood but with gorgeous hand made carpets run all the way up them. Again made with the Macfarlane crest colors, lots of reds, greens and whites in a plaid type of aesthetic. The more the girls looked around the more speechless they became.

“Good evenin to you both, I’m Grear. I tend to things around the castle and I’ve been a waiting to see you girls again. You were just mere babies when ye saw you last.” A woman said coming from a side room next to the stair case.

The girls turned to see a little old Scottish woman with red hair like a sunset tied loosely in a bun on top of her head, walking towards them.

“The castle and me self welcome you Luchd-gleidhidh an t-solais.” Grear said as she made a failed attempt at a curtsy.

The girls giggled as they ran to Grear and hugged her so tight she couldn’t Grear couldn’t breath.

“We know who you are!” Both girls said at the same time. Their father had kept everything a secret, except for Grear. He called her his “secretary” but the girls new better. He talked about Grear like she was a second mother. He always had stories about her and what she looked liked. How she was funny and made the “business trips” seem bearable most of the time. Plus, dad said she could cook a mean dinner and that was always a plus!

“Dad, might now of told us a lot but he did talk about you. Even showed us pictures! We’re so happy to see you and meet you, again.” Nevaeh said as they both took a step back to yet again admire the woman who cared for their father when he was away.

“Well good, that’s good. Come come lets get you settled into your rooms and then I’ll make ye’s something to eat.” Grear mumbled as she tried to fight back the tears that she was chocking down in th back of her throat. “Your father was a good man and I miss him dearly. I swore to him to take care of you girl once you got here and I will do me best.”

Ashley and Nevaeh gave Grear another right squeeze and followed her up the stairs and down two hallways to their rooms.

The rooms were equally as beautiful as the rest of the castle and felt like home to Ashley. The familiar scent of her father drifted through the air around her. She knew now he spent much of his time here and was blessed to have the reminder of him still lingering around. She closed her bedroom door and started to get situatated in what they would now call home for how ever long it took to defeat Dorchadas.

Nevaeh must of gotten her things unpacked rather quickly because a few moments later she was knocking on Ashley’s door. “Come in vay.” Ashley said. She could sense her sister from miles away and she knew she needed her right now.

“Hey sis, you get unpacked yet?” Nevaeh said stumbling into the room and landing on the big canopy bed made for a princess right in the middle of the room. Ashley laughed.

“Yes butthead, I’m almost done, how are you holding up. I know I’m more then a little overwhelmed and I can see you are too.” Ashley said plopping herself next to her sister on the bed.

"Yeah, I'll be ok though. I'm glad we have eachother. I miss dad so much but I know he is with us. Watching over us and making sure we get through this." Nevaeh said.

Ashley was blinking away the tears so fiercely it made her head hurt for a split second. She looked at her sister and said "I will forever be here with you. I will never leave your side. Dad would be so proud of you, of both of us! No matter what happens we were meant for this. I love you." she jumped on top of her sister, wrapping her arms around her neck and squeezing so tight Nevaeh could hardly breath. A small giggle still managed to escape from Nevaehs throat and Ashley released her sister.

"I love you too!" Nevaeh said half giggling half choking.

"Girls ye better get yer behinds downstairs. It is time to start trainin and Tate tis waitin patiently." Grear said from behind the closed bedroom door. The girls looked at eachother and then hopped off the bed. With a quick nod, they grabbed eachothers hand and headed down to the training room where Tate awaited them.

"I hope you both have gotten settled in nicely. We need to start training immediately. We don't know when Dorchadas will strike but I have a feeling it will be sooner rather then later considering you would of felt when you both activated your powers. Let's b egin shall we?" Tate said. The girls made up their minds. They would do whatever it takes to defeat Dorchadas. They will make their father proud!

3 months had gone by like seconds. The girls worked harder then they ever had to prefect their magic and learn as many battle spells and healing spells as they could. Tate was extremely proud of them both but even more so of Nevaeh. She had really come into her own and grown so much since the day he met her. Over the course of the three months Tate and Nevaeh became extremely close. They didn't want to put a label on the relationship just yet with everything going on but Ashley was positive Nevaeh and Tate were soulmates. Everything was going really well in general and the girls were both confident that they were ready to take on Dorchadas when he decided to strike. Little did they know today would be that day.

They skies out in the castle courtyard were rapidly turning a mucky gray color. It looked as if the sunshine was being dimmed by a very dark force. Ashley knew in her gut what that meant. Dorchadas was coming and coming fast.

All of a sudden a neon green lighting bolt as bright as those tacky bar signs, shot down in the middle of the court yard. A man not stood where the lightening bolt struck. He was a strange looking man. Rather short with bold black hair that didn't look natural. His face had what looked like a permeant smirk that only tilted up on the left side and his eyes were green and as piercing and vibrant as the lighting bolt that came before him. He looked up and peered into the castle windows where the girls were standing peering down at him strong and ready to fight.

"Come and meet your destiny girls! I have been waiting decades for this moment! All that power will be mine at last!" Dorchadas yelled from the courtyard still peering at the girls through the window.

The girls, who were looking back at him, suddenly turned to see the little black velvet book their dad had left them, swing open to the last page. The book up until this point had revealed spell after spell once they each mastered the one before. It had been weeks since a new spell appeared and Tate had taught him everything he knew at this point. So seeing the book start to glow in the beautiful ocean blue light made the girls jump in surprise.

All of a sudden a figure of a man formed in front of them by the book like a ghostly presence.

“DAD!” Both girls squeaked and ran over to where the book lay on the table with the ghost of their father standing next to it.

“My girls.” Philip, their ghostly father, said. “I left the last of my spiritual essence in this book for you so I could come to you when you needed me most. The rest of my spirit is on a journey to a higher self. I miss you but I am always watching out for you. I spelled the book so when Dorchadas came I could come to you. It is time. Cast a protection spell over the castle, it will only hold him off for a short period of time. We will use this time to prepare and call on your guardians Caroline and Gavina.”

Both girls were in tears but they knew what they had to do. Ashley and Nevaeh clasped hands and spoke to their fathers essence with tears staining their cheeks. “We miss you so much daddy. I’m glad you are safe and finding yourself on this spiritual journey. I just want to make you proud.” Said Ashley who started to shake from grief.

“Oh my Ashie boo I have always been proud of you and I always will be. Vay bay I love you sweetheart I know you handle these things better then your sister but you can talk to me while I am here right now. I have never left you girls I just can’t always be seen now.” Philip said.

“I know daddy I just don’t know what to say, there’s so much just not enough time. I guess I just want to say I miss you too and I will also do my best to make you proud. Yes I know you have always been proud but I am really determined to defeat Dorchadas for everything he has done. Through all the training, studying and stories we were told over the past 3 months I want to defeat this evil man once and for all!” Nevaeh said.

Philips smile was so sincere and proud it made Ashley too. She felt all the love he had for them in that smile and felt calm and ready for the event that was about to take place. Nevaeh felt it too and as she took a final deep steadying breath the sisters stood in front of one another put their hands together and recited the protection spell.

“Dìon sinn uile gus an tig an sabaid. An uairsin dìon ar n-anaman aon uair ‘s gun do thòisich na sabaidean.” The girls said at the same time, eyes closed and complete focus had now taken over them.

All spells were to be cast in Scottish Gaelic but in English in was just as beautiful. Protect us all until the fight comes. Then protect our souls once the fight has begun.

“Good. Now we must hurry we do not have much time left. Call upon your guardians now. Focus, and remember girls, fight like hell. Cast those battle spells like your lives depend on it, because they do. Don’t give up even when you feel like you can’t keep going. Don’t let him break you. I love you both and weather I see you again in this realm or the next never forget that I am always with you. I love you.” Philip said floating around the room pointing at crystals and herbs that Tate was grabbing for him.

“We know dad, we love you too!” The girls said together simultaneously. It’s a twin thing.

Ashley clutched her amethyst pendant that hung around her neck since the day Caroline had gifted it to her. Nevaeh had hers as always too. They wrapped there pendants in there palms and spoke there guardians names, calling on the magic of them and the whole fairy kind.

Moments later Caroline and Gavina appeared in the training room. By pure magic and light they came when called upon by their girls. They have also been checking in from time to time keeping a close eye on them as the months passed. There was a quick hug between them all and then they scurried off to head towards battle.

With crystals in there pockets and herbs tied in the strands of there hair the girls opened the gates to the castle and started toward the courtyard where Dorchadas had been casting spell after spell to break the protection they had over the castle.

Dorchadas caught the sight of the girls coming toward him. He stopped casting his spells and hunched in a way that made him look like the hunchback. He swirled his energy in his hands while reciting a spell the girls did not recognize. He thrusted the ball of energy towards the girls and as they tried to weave to miss the contact of the energy it hit them both and knocked them to the ground. They couldn’t move. There hands were so close but just a cenemeter out of reach. Dorchadas was headed for them.

The girls new they had to stay calm and focus but time was moving at such a rapid pace it was hard to breath let alone focus. All of a sudden they hear their fathers voice Focus my girls, you can defeat him focus and trust your instincts.

In that moment the girls took a deep, calming breath and managed to grab ahold of each other’s hands. With a spell that broke Dorchadases, they managed to get back to there feet and start throwing spells towards him.

One battle spell after another they cast his way. It seemed to be draining him and keeping the distance between him and them, but Dorchadas had a spell so fierce and strong up his sleeve he was just waiting on the right moment to strike.

The girls knelt behind a statue in the courtyard, quickly trying to organize their thoughts and keep their energy up but they weren’t quick enough.

Dorchadas used that split second opportunity to cast his most dangerous spell. The one that led their father to his untimely death.

It hit the girls like a bomb and threw their bodies into the middle on the courtyard. Hurt and broken Ashley coughed and winced in pain. She looked up to see her sister laying there on the dirt barely breathing and unconscious.

“NOOO!” Ashley screamed. “Wake up Vay! I can’t do this without you. Please wake up!” The saltiness of her tears burning her throat and making her cough that she winced in even more pain. Probably from a broken rib or two. She didn’t know and didn’t care she needed to get to her sister. She was only a few feet away but she was in so much pain. Adrenaline kicked in and she started to crawl. Just as she got to her sisters unconscious body Dorchadas was there circling around them like a shark in attack mode.

“You really thought you could defeat me with your little battle spells and weak crystals and herbs? Most powerful witches? I think not. I just sent you into the same fate as your father and once you parish all that power will be mine!” Dorchadas said with an evil cliche cackle that made Ashley squeamish.

“I will fight until my dying breath. I will never let you have our power you disgusting excuse of a witch!” Ashley said. She mustered up some energy to throw a few more battle spells and a small protection spell over her and her sister but she too was losing the last of her energy and felt as if she would collapse into unconsciousness too.

Just then Caroline, Gavina and the essence of Philip hurtled toward the girls. The fairies attacking Dorchadas with everything they had which caused him to slip and fall to his knees. Philip hovered by Ashley and whispered in her ear “The strongest spell to cast is love my child. In a few moments that is all you’ll need to defeat Dorchadas. Just focus on love. Can you do that for me?”

Ashley nodded and with everything she had she focused on love. Love for her father, love for her fairy guardians, love for her friends, but most of all love for her sister. She was focusing so hard she almost couldn’t hear what was going on around her. Almost.

“You may have defeated me in life but you can’t defeat me in death, Dorchadas. I know now what I needed to rid myself of your spell and my girls will conquer and defeat you once and for all today! Ashley, Nevaeh I love you. Until we meet again my seeet girls. Now cast all that love at him Ashley! DO IT NOW!” Philip yelled through the wind that had started to pick up and swirl around all of them.

Ashley felt a jolt which she needed was her fathers essence giving her the last of his energy in this realm to help defeat Dorchadas. She lifted her arms and with everything in her she cast all her energy that was cascading with love at Dorchadas. He flew ten feet back and landed looking crumpled and defeated. She could not see if he was breathing. Just before full unconsciousness set in she saw another green lightening bolt stroke down where Dorchadases body was sprawled. She went blank then. Her and her sister lay there unconscious not knowing they had just defeated the greatest of evil.

Days later Ashley had finally started to wake. Nevaeh who sat silently by her bedside noticed and took Ashley’s hand in hers. “Dorchadas, we have to defeat him...I have to save you.” Ashley mumbled half awake.

“Sissy you did save me! You saved all of us!” Nevaeh said as she watched Ashley’s eyes become more aware of her surroundings and finally coming to realize where she was.

“How are we still alive? The last thing I remember is dad giving me his energy and casting love toward Dorchadas. What happened to him? Where is his body? Are you ok Vay? Ugh I feel like I’ve been hit by a Mac truck.” Ashley rambled to her sister who was smiling and crying all at the same time.

“Yeah well you probably feel like that because the spell he cast on us was the same he cast on dad, but dad didn’t know then that love would break the spell. That’s why he came to us. Dorchadas body parishes after the lightening bolt struck over his body, or atleast that is what Gavina had told me. And yes Ashie I’m fine and you will be too once you eat something and let Grear give you some of her healing tea. It doesn’t taste the best but it works.” Nevaeh said shrugging her shoulders.

“I resent that statement ye little troublemaker!” Grear said coming up behind Nevaeh laughing like a school girl. She popped Nevaeh on th back of the head and handed Ashley her tea. Ashley took a sip and with the best fake mmmm good she could choke out, smiled and said thank you to Grear.

“Brats. Ye both be brats I swear on me mum. Both need ye self a hind whoopin if ye ask me....” Grears words trailed off behind her as she half jokingly ranted about the girls while leaving the room.

Ashley and Nevaeh both burst into laughter once Grear was out of ear shot. It felt good to laugh and that tea really was magic because Ashley now felt a zillion times better.

All of a sudden the girls both felt the warmth and slight pain on there backs. Learning all the battle spells had giving them small intricate symbols on there arms and chest but this seemed to be much larger and slightly more painful then any of the others. It only lasted a few minutes and then both girls popped up to see what née mark they had received.

On the back of their spines in between the wing tattoos was now the sun and moon chart in a veritcal formation. Along the sides of that were the words in Scottish Gaelic Tha gaol a ’connsachadh na h-uile, love conquers all.

The sisters decided later in to stay in Scotland at Castle Macfarlane. It had become there home and reminded them of theee dad so much they didn’t have the heart to leave. Nevaeh and Tate finally made things official and Ashley was in the process of figuring out her next journey as well. Everything was the best it had been in a long time. They both learned that with everything bad comes something good and visa versa. They were happy and loved and ready to conquer the world!

Or so they thought...

What they didn’t know is Dorchadas had a fairy guardian too. One with an evil spirit just like his. His name was Diabhal.

That day, Dorchadases body did not parish, his fairy merely sent out a lightening bolt to distract any seeing eyes and rescued Dorchadas. Since that day he has not awoken but Diabhal will do anything in his power to have him rise again. One day Dorchadas will have his revenge. He will find a way to rid the world of the sisters and Horne/Parker blood line all together. Just wait and see.

The end...

For now...