Crushed Crown

Crushed Crown 13

Micko

I press my face up against the window in the West Tower. From my tower, I can see all of Eden.  It's dressed out nice.  A regal metropolis under a red sky.  No one knows that chaos is all around us.  No one knows that this city is under assault from within.

There is a knock on the door.

"We have company."

I turn and see that Mason is standing there. My husband Mason to be exact. Our relationship hasn't been anywhere near what it used to be ever since Innocent was taken.  

"Genesis?"

"No...Mickson and the other witches we sent after Genesis."

"Good."

It would have been good for Genesis to be back in the Witch towers where he had allies, but a selfish part of me was happy to know that it wasn't Genesis. I was more happy to know Mickson returned in one piece.  I throw on a robe.  One of the deep dark crimson red robes that the other witches of my coven have started wearing this season. I start out of the room to meet Mickson when I get stopped by Mason.

His hand just holds on my arm.  It's almost as though he's expecting something.  His eyes are lit up with this fire that I don't understand.

"When I arrived you didn't come see me until the next day," he states.

"I was busy."

"Too busy for your man?"

"Too busy for anything."

He sighs, "Hmm.  I get it.  I know you Micko.  You're not hard to understand."

"Oh is that right?"

"Yeah.  I know you.  You get mad you don't look me in my eyes," he tells me, "You avoid eye contact.  We don't sleep in the same bed.  You don't touch me.  If we're in a room together you find any reason to leave.  Any reason at all.  It's a little hot today?  I need to go.  It's a little cold?  Can't be bothered with Mason.  You treat me like you don't want me anymore."

I pause.

It has been different between us.  So different..

I take my arm back, "Mason.  I'm trying to save Genesis. Isn't that what you want?  Isn't that your priority."

"My priority is to save this marriage."

"Who says this marriage can be saved?"

He stops.  His eyes look over at me.  They are full of questions.   I can tell that I've hurt him with what I say. A part of me wants to take it back.  I even open my mouth to take it back but then I shut my mouth again.  What's the point?  

"You don't mean that."

"I don't know what I mean anymore."

"But that?"

I shrug and repeat, "I don't know what I mean anymore."

He sighs, "Are you hinting at a divorce Micko?"

There is a pause.  I stare at the door.  It's moments like this that make things so uncomfortable.  It's moments like this where I wish the Witch Towers were a million times bigger than they actually were.  

"It's a little hot today," I tell Mason, "I need to go."

~

Descending all the steps of the Witch towers is shit.  

Most of the Red witches stayed in the West Tower.  There weren't a lot of sacrifice users.  Not even after Genesis cast a spell to bring them back.   Not even a fourth of how many Castors. Not even half of how many White witches.  They wave at me as I walk down greeting me with a simple, "Hello Ambassador Micko." And then bowing their heads.  I know I should just be the ambassador to Genesis, but they all look at me as their leader.  Maybe it's because Genesis was always too busy to make appearances in the Witch Towers.  Maybe they just preferred my demeanor.

Maybe it's because no one feared me.

"Everything OK?"

I turn at that moment.  Brandon Ferris is standing there.  He's an old friend.  I've known him since I was a kid.  We are around the same age.  We attended school together.  We learned magic together.  He was someone I considered a friend.

"Everything's fine."

"You sure?"

My relationship issues are so obvious, "Yeah I'm sure. I didn't know you were back in the towers.  Weren't you taking a small trip?"

"A  small one."

"How was it?"

"What?"

"The trip. How was it?"

"Eventful," he smiles.

"Good."

Brandon has a handsome smile.  He's always been quite handsome in his own way.  He's a sweetheart.  Like me.  He was trustworthy, like me.  Like me he had fallen in love with a more aggressive personality that chewed him up and overshadowed every part of himself.  He died.  And then he was brought back, by that same personality:  Genesis.

"May I walk with you?"

He's so sweet.  He's so shy.  He's just a gentleman. He's everything that Mason isn't.   You barely see Brandon in the towers.  He stays to himself.  He doesn't get involved with politics.  He doesn't get involved with anything.  

"Sure."

"Good. I need the workout.  It's been working on you."

I have to admit it keeps me physical.  I was putting on some pounds.  All that has gone away.  I got my abs back.  I looked better than when I was a kid, when I first met the boy I fell in love with:  Mason Wright.  I looked better now than I even did back then.  God bless these thousands of stairs of the West Tower.

And someone notices.  The person that I thought wouldn't.  Brandon.

His eyes glare at me as we walk.  He's shy.  So quiet.  I can't read his mind.  All I know is this isn't the first time he's taking the descent down the towers with me.  This isn't the first compliment he's paid me.  

We don't talk on the way down.  

No politics.

No drama.

It's just easy.

When we get down I find myself wanting to spend some more time with him.  Maybe thirty minutes.  Maybe 45.  We can sit in silence.  I don't mind.  I just wanted to be around someone who didn't cast the shadow that Mason cast.  I wanted to be with someone like me...for once.

"You should come out," I state, "Mickson has come back."

"I have so much research to do actually.  I was hoping to run to the library," Brandon explains.

"What research?"

"Well..."

"I'm sorry that was a bit nosy of me wasn't it.?"

"No.  It's not that.  It's kind of embarrassing," he explains to me, "I was looking for religion.  I want to learn more about the city.  The first city of civilization. Maybe some spells even that are effective."

I was well versed in the stuff.

"Go to the library and ask for Master Redwine.  He knows the stuff I read. He'll help you."

"Thanks Ambassador."

"C`mon Brandon.  We've known each other too long for that formal bullshit."

"Of course.  Thanks Micko," he tells me, "You're the best.  You really are."

He leans over to me and kisses me on his cheek.  I blush.  It's been a long time since I blushed.  Too long. He walks away.  I find myself looking at him as he does.  Brandon is tall, broad shoulders, good stature and a confident walk.  The kind of guy that people don't all turn heads when he walks in the room but after looking at him for a while you realize he is on of the most attractive men you know. And you never pay attention to it until it's too late.  And a kiss confuses you. It's just a kiss on the cheek.  Just a kiss between friends.  It probably means nothing.  Nothing at all.  He crosses the courtyard to the North Tower where the library is and where the White Witches of Divination catalogue all those things.  

"Who you talking to?"

The voice distracts me.  I recognize my brother Mickson almost immediately. I turn and feel his arm grabbing  me pulling me in for a quick hug.

"No one."

"That's an awfully long look for no one," he responds, "Anything you need to tell me?"

Mickson looks like he just had a fight on his hands.  If it was back in the day I would have been worried.  Not now though.  He's studied hard.  He's prepared.  We all were. We all knew there was a day that these fucking monsters would try to come for Genesis.

Mickson seems happy. It's rare that he does. Behind him I notice his companions returning.  A few members of the Ferris family are greeting Whyte.  My brother's boyfriend isn't having it though. He storms off.  Whyte has always been distant.  Lately he's becoming more and more distant however.  As he storms off I can see his eyes cross at Mickson something fierce.

"Nothing at all.  Anything you need to tell me?

Mickson has a smile on his face.

"It's over?"

"What?"

"Bitch I'm talkin' about my relationship," Mickson teases leaning over in a way that I never thought he would, "Bro...I broke up with Whyte."

My heart drops at that moment.  I needed to hear it.  I needed to hear all about it.  I find myself grabbing my brother and together we head off to the stationary area.  There isn't a bar in the Witch Towers.  Liquor and magic really didn't mix.  You would have to go into the city directly if you wanted a drink.  Luckily, however I had my own personal stash.  The Ambassador's stash.  I grab a bunch and start fixing it.  Truth is I want to know everything that happened.

And Mickson seems to want to tell me about his little adventure.  He tells me all of it.  He explains how he broke up with Whyte.  How he met another boy...besides Whyte.

"His name is Puck," Mickson tells me blushing, "He got lost in the woods.  I'm going back brother..."

He blushes just like I was blushing a minute ago over Mason.  

"It's dangerous."

"What part?  Me going back to look for Puck or me finally taking the steps I needed to take to leave Whyte."

"Both."

He sighs, taking a deep sip.  Real deep.  There is a sense of relief in his tone.  A sense of happiness.  It's almost like this huge weight has been lifted off off my brother.  

"Tired of the Boss curse."

"Boss curse?"

"You know Boss Bottom boys, struggling to maintain our own relationships while our boyfriends are helplessly in love with Genesis..."

"There is no Boss curse."

I say it weakly.  Truth is I don't know.  Truth is it hurts to hear my brother think this whole time he was following in my footsteps when it came to relationships.  Did he really think we were cursed?  I could almost believe it.  Genesis had strong magic.  Too strong.

Mickson doesn't seem to care about hurting my feelings right now though.  He's speaking the truth.  His truth at least.  I can respect it even if it comes off as blunt.

"Well I'm done with it. Don't be being a victim. Hell done being a bottom at that. Think I'm going full vers."

"Do you think it's real?"

"What?"

"This Boss curse."

"You tell me.  You just said it wasn't," he laughs but then shrugs, "Sike.  Nevermind big bro. My situation is completely different from yours.  You know that."

"Yeah..."

There is hesitation in my voice.

Mickson doesn't hear it though. Maybe he doesn't hear it or he doesn't want to, "Well into the forest I go."

"You just got here," I respond, "Stay a while longer.  There's too much going on.  Genesis is going to be brought back here. Walid is demanding that I go to the blood palace.  If he finds out Genesis is here...there will be war."

"Then don't bring Genesis here."

"What?"

"Listen.  I'm not telling you what to do. Do what's right for you," he responds to me, "All I know is that there is a whole world out there.  And I'm not wasting any time."

Mickson gets up.  He's serious.  He's so serious. He's going to just up and leave.  Just like that.  Just like nothing even matters.

"Got to go," he states.

He looks so carefree.  Eden was crashing down all around us and he was going to chase after a boy.  I wish I could be like that though,secretly.  I wish I could just get up and go like he did with no worries in the world. This new Mickson had a smile and no regrets.  He didn't apologize for anything that was coming out of his mouth. He didn't apologize for almost being halfway out of the Witch Tower area before I can catch up to him.

"Micko I need help with everything's going on.  I don't have anyone who I can really trust."

"Trust Mason.  He's your husband,isn't he?"

I'm not sure if he means it being sarcastic or not.  He knows more than anyone else how horrible our relationship has been since my son was gone.  

"I need family,"I respond.

"Micki is still around."

"You're joking?"

He shrugs, "Nope.  Listen.  This convo is more her speed. Do what you got to do. I'm doing what I have to do.  It's all love bro...but honestly this whole crushed crown bullshit. Not my problem.  Too much drama. Look at Brandon Ferris.  He's been helping the rebellion..."

"What did you just say?"

"Brandon Ferris has been helping the rebellion.  I saw him when I was fighting my way back."

"Jesus..."

"No Jesus here.  He abandoned this place a long time ago when the monsters moved in.  Once I find Puck, I'm thinking about leaving Eden my damn self."

With that Mickson walks away!  He walks away!  I'm shocked.  He breaks up with Whyte and now he just walks away from me when I need him.  And my brother does it with a goddam smile like he's pleased with the whole thing.  Here I am stuck. Stuck in these bland towers, stuck in a war and the truth is...maybe...possibly...stuck in a marriage...

~

I get a knock on the door two days later.  I'm feeding my birds.  I look at how pure doves are.  All my life I wanted to be like them.  Pretty, pure, worshipped by the ones who had them.  Still...I realize what they really were.  They were caged birds, praying to get out.

But sometimes I wonder if this cage is worth giving up on.  Sometimes I wonder if that freedom is something that I really want.

There's a knock.   It's Mason.  Again...

I can smell him before he comes in the room.  I don't turn to look at him.  His masculine, strong yet sweet cologne fills the room.  He takes heavy footsteps.  His feet have always been so goddam heavy.

"Did you find Brandon?"

I'm need answers.  I need to understand what Brandon was up to.  I need to know why he turned on Genesis.  I couldn't really believe it.  He was so kind.

 Was Brandon really my enemy now?

"He disappeared," Mason explains to me, "We have 50 white witches hunting him at this moment.  Are you sure Mickson said Brandon was helping the rebellion?  Doesn't seem like Brandon to turn against Genesis."

"Not everyone is obsessed with Genesis," I respond.

Mason sighs, "What is that supposed to mean? You got something to say?"

"Not at all.  Is Genesis here?"  I ask.

"Is that the only thing you can say when you see your husband?"  Mason asks me.

He walks closer to me.  He has that look in his eyes.  Mason was always the kind of person who would make you melt with just a stare.  He has on his red robe but it's open and no shirt is underneath.  I know Angelica and the others would flip if they saw him breaking protocol like that.  Mason broke the rules.  He was the bad boy.  That's why I fell for him.

He grabs my hand.  He rubs it up against his hard abs that are oiled up probably from being fresh out the shower not too long ago.

"What are you doing?"

"Touching you.  What's it look like?  Am I not allowed?"

Mason grabs my hand.  He puts it down his pants.  I can feel his heavy meat lifting.  He's looking at me.  He leans forward.  As his dick hardens in my hand he starts to kiss me.  First at my neck, then he goes lower and lower, trying to remove the stuffy robe I have on.  

His tongue swirls around and he bites into me drawing blood. We are floating in the air as he does. Blood magic. His dick hardens but our bodies feel like feathers in the wind. It's sweet and romantic. He looks like he's ready to make love to me.

i stop it. Sending away his spirits and landing.

I stop him stepping back before he does too much.

"It's not that..."

"It's that," he responds, all of a sudden getting completely turned off and deciding his time is better used not trying to seduce me.

There is an awkwardness.  I can tell his mood has changed slightly.  He has a little bit of an attitude.  He stands on the other side of the room.  

I repeat my initial question, "Did the wolf bring Genesis?"

"Not yet," he responds, "Are you sure he's even coming?  Are you sure you can trust that wolf?"

"Basil has no reason to lie. He says he's going to have Genesis brought here," I respond, "I just have to wait."

Mason stares at the wall.

"Wolves came.  Not the one we were waiting on with Genesis.  Walid came.  Angelica met his messenger at the Tower gates.  Walid has sent 10 of his wolves.  They are demanding you meet with them."

"Tell them no."

"Next time he'll send 30."

"And I'll tell them no."

"And then he'll bring his army," Mason tells me, "You can't keep avoiding this."

"I'm Ambassador, Mason.  Not you."

"I'm just trying to be there for you," Mason tells me, "I'm trying to be supportive. I'm trying Micko...whether you see it or not."

I stop.  I don't want to turn this into a fight.  It seems like that's all we do anymore.  I look at Mason and he's still the most attractive witchdoctor I'd ever seen in my life.  I wasn't dull to the girls whispering about him or the gay witch doctors who worshipped the ground he walked on.  Everyone knew he was the strong witch doctor.  Everyone knew he should have been Ambassador.  Mason was the guy who a lot of people looked at as that leader.  His strong chiseled face under his curly hair.  He maintained his body with ease, as though it was the most natural thing to do.  Abs, big dick, bad boy personality and attractive face defined Mason.  He has that whole island ease to him, even now. One of those men who just stay on  beach showing off their dark bodies, curly hair and vibrant features.  One of those men who were just full of life.  Mason was taller, more handsome, more popular, more fit to be the Ambassador.  He just looked like a hero.  

Mason was still everything.

And for once he was looking at me like he used to but I wasn't receptive.  I was so closed off.  We've been through so much.

"Turn the king away," I state.

"Why are you being like that?" he asks me, "I just want to protect you.  I want to be here for you."

"Where were you when our son was fucking TAKEN!"

My voice shakes.  I break out.  I've lost it in the moment.  My composure escapes me and I don't even recognize myself at that moment.  I adjust the robes on my body and become Ambassador again. I can't allow myself to lose it like that.

The whole time Mason doesn't argue or raise his voice back.  He just turns.  He looks away.  

He stops, "Do you want a divorce?"

"Mickson broke up with Whyte.  He seems...happier now."

Mason is still staring away from me, "I'm not talking about Mickson and Whyte.  I'm talking about you and me.  Mason and Micko.  Do you want a divorce Micko?  Is there anything left with us.  Anything at all?  Anything ..."

I hear his voice break.  He turns slightly at that moment, just enough for me to see there are tears in his eyes.  I can feel he's hurt.  I'm hurt as well.  Mason doesn't wait though.  

"I..."

The words can't come out.  

"Don't answer that.  I don't want to know.  I can't handle it right now," he tells me. He just walks away before I can even answer and the truth is I'm glad he does.

As he barges out of the room I can see someone was waiting outside the entire time.  I look over and see who that person was.  My sister.  Micki.  The girl has a smile on her face as she walks past.

"Trouble in paradise?" she asks me.

"Mind your business."

I didn't grow up with Micki.  She was always around.  I always spoke to her, but not in the way that I was with Mickson.  See...Micki was dead for quite some time.  Her spirit stayed with my brother and I, protecting us in a way. And I came to know her.  I came to know what Micki cared about, what she desired and what she feared.  A spirit didn't hide too much.  

She was reincarnated, just like Brandon Ferris, Rio Wright, and a host of other sacrifice witches.  This was our second chance to actually have a true coven like the others.  Already we lost several...

"I saw Mickson when I was leaving, he says you need help," she states.

"Not from you."

"Why not?"

"I know you Micki.  I know what you care about.  There is war at our gates and a mad king who has turned against Genesis and you don't care.  Look at you.  You're wearing this seasons high fashion and we aren't even allowed to leave Eden."

I can see my sister.  Her hair is short almost in a pixie cut.  She is tall, lean and effortlessly beautiful. She has that thing about her.  That thing that Mason has.  That thing that Genesis has.  Not many witches have it but the ones that do are really popular.  That thing makes them leaders.  It's hard to put a finger on just what that thing was.  I knew I didn't have it.  Fashion has always been her thing but it was all about presence. She comes over and looks at me feeding my birds.  This has never been her thing.  Even now I can imagine her being that spirit, always on my shoulder, always making fun of the fact that I was the head of the Boss family now.  It was something she never seemed to get used to.

"It's more important to look good than feel good.  Unit has it Walid is remarrying."

"Yas?"

"I'm not sure. He's making his move. It's smart.  We should get smart. Besides I'm not crying any tears that Genesis is in trouble.  We are safe in the witch towers.  Genesis is no friend to our family," she states.

"It's not about the family anymore," I respond, "It's about all the witches and the witches need Genesis.  Walid knows that.  That's why he keeps wanting to meet with us."

"Haven't you thought about it?" she asks, "Taking it yourself?"

"Taking what?"

"The Crushed Crown."

This is why I didn't want her in my ear.  I needed Mickson.  I needed someone who didn't just think about themselves.  

"This isn't about that."

"Yes it is," she tells me, "Walid is going to strike.  But you know that already.  It's only a matter of time.  If Genesis was going to come he would have been here already.  The wolf lied to you.  He played you. Genesis is probably long dead."

The thought had crossed my mind too.  Basil promised me Genesis would be here by now.  Where was he?  Why hadn't Yuma delivered Genesis to me safely.  I could make a plan then.  As long as I knew Genesis was safe I could make a plan.

"What should I do?"

"War.  Take the throne for yourself.  These witches are prepared.   The Witch Towers are all about preparation.  While the vampires gossip and the wolves party, the witches prepare," Micki states, "WE knew this time was coming.  Genesis should have never had a wolf near him.  It's time we take Eden for the witches.  For ourselves.  For the Boss. Take the throne for yourself, Micko."

This wasn't the first time my sister whispered things like this to me.  Today she had a point though.  The Witch Towers had prepared the witches. Every witch was prepared from the black witches who could change the forecast with the wave of a branch, to the white witches who could tell the future, to the purple witches with their dolls to the red witches.  The sacrifice witches were ready.  We were prepared.

They were all waiting.  Waiting and ready.

And she had a point.

"Tell Angelica to gather the witches."

Micki smiles, "Seriously?"

"Yes.  We are going to take the blood palace from Walid."

I break the cage doors at that moment.  All my white doves fly out of their cages.  The 5 birds fly out of the cages and out of the windows, escaping.  

And the white doves leaving meant something to me.  Walid wanted me to come to the blood palace.  Sure.  I'd come.  If you insist.  I'd be flying too, but not with five doves...

...I'd be flying to the blood palace with hundreds of witches at my back.

~

Casts of witches gather in front of the gates that lead out of the Witch Towers.  All you see is a sea of hooded figures.  Black, red, white and purple.  We've spent so long preparing for this day.  Lightning crackles in the sky.  No doubt a black witch giving warning to King Walid, letting him know that his day was coming.

Mason walks over to me.  I can see he has concern in his eyes, "Are you sure you want to do this Micko?  We can't take this back once we attack Walid."

Mason is nervous.  I can tell he is.

Micki butts in before I second guess myself, "Of course he's sure."

Mason reaches over me ignoring Micki, "You don't have to do this.  There is no pressure.   Ignore her." Mason responds, "I support you no matter what but if you feel like you want to wait for Genesis a little longer..."

"Fuck Genesis.  My brother sees right through you.  He knows you just want the best for Genesis," Micki retaliates.

"Bitch shut the fuck up," Mason responds.

"BOTH OF YOU shut up," I respond.  I look over at Angelica, "I need unity now. I need a plan. Headmistress, Can we win?"

"We're ready," Angelica states next to me, "I've prepared everyone for quite some time now.  We're ready."

Angelica was loyal.  Forever loyal.  If she tells me that we can win this war I believe her.  She wasn't the type to take risks.  The wolves were strong.  So were vampires, but the magic was limitless.  She knows just as I know that there was only so long we could wait for Genesis to come back.  Basil's beta didn't deliver. I don't know why. Maybe Genesis was dead. If he couldn't come back then we would have to do what we would have to do. We would have to take Walid down.  One way or another.  There was no way that I could sit by and allow a wolf to lead the covens of the Witchdoctors.  

If Genesis couldn't rule then he would be replaced.  

Micki looks over at me, "They are waiting for you to give your marching orders.  We are going to put a plague down on Eden like ancient times.  They won't know what hit them."

That's when Catalina Bah says something.  I'm not surprised she's in the crowd.  She is with a host of Genesis loyalists.  It's not hard to tell who they are.  They had been in the palace with Genesis this entire time.   I can see how she looks when she approaches.

"What's the point of attacking Walid now if Genesis is still missing?" Catalina Bah asks, "Who is going to sit on the throne?  You?"

"Who better?" Micki answers back.

"Genesis, " Catalina answers, "Genesis is better."

Hearing Catalina look me right in my eyes and tell me that Genesis is better to rule than I am hits a nerve, especially with Mason standing there.  

I see Mason look at me. He's not the only one. They all wonder what is on my mind. What my plan is. Would I replace Genesis? Would I be the new Witch King of Eden? 

"I don't want it," I announce.

I say it loud enough.  My voice echoes at the base of the towers.  I want everyone to know what my intentions are.

"What are you saying?" Micki asks.

She's disappointed.  I don't give a damn.  

"Under the palace, Walid is holding the royal family.  Santos, Nero and Justice.  They have been buried alive. Our goal is to go to the palace and release them no matter what.  We will release Santos. He will rule andwe'll find Genesis and put him back on the throne where he belongs."

Micki looks pissed, beyond pissed.  I wonder if I'm making a mistake.  This would be the best time to take the throne for myself if I wanted it, but I didn't want it.  I didn't want to have anything to do with it.  I wanted to free Santos.  I wanted to stop the rebellion.

I should have acted faster but I was being patient. Now was the time to help Santos.

That was my priority.

The crowd breaks out in applause.  I don't expect it.

Just at that moment I see Mason standing next to me.  He reaches over.  He grabs my hand, "They are proud of you..."

When he explains it I don't get it at first.  

"Why?"

"Sacrifice," he explains, "That's why I love you.  You may not be as strong as Genesis.  You may not ever have his presence, but you are willing to sacrifice your own needs for the needs of all of us.  That's why I love you.  You're doing the right thing."

At that moment I let Mason hold my hand.  It feels good, getting his support knowing that I was doing the right thing.  I look in his eyes.

I smile.

It's been so long that I've smiled around Mason.  Overhead I see doves flying.  My doves have appeared. They didn't fly far. They had returned.  The five white doves.  I look up at them.  And it's that moment that I hold onto Mason's hand harder.

Sometimes caged animals return to their cages.

Sometimes they don't mind their cages.

Sometimes a cage feels like home.

"Angelica, let's begin our march on..." I start.

I try to finish.  I can't.  My voice has been silenced.  It's magic.  Powerful magic.  All of a sudden as I open my mouth to talk nothing comes out.  Nothing at all.

The birds fall out of the sky!

I look over at Mason.  He's saying something but nothing is coming out either.  He looks at me.  He's panicking.  Everyone is just noticing now that our voices have been muted.  Almost as though they've been taken away from us.

"I'll require silence," a voice says, "For what I have to say."

The voice comes out of no where but it comes in our ears.  All of our ears.  It's so silent that you can hear a pin drop.  It's not a pin that we hear though.

It's footsteps.

The wave of witches separate.  Someone is coming through.  The person is taking her time.  I look through the crowd and see who it is.  

Brandon Ferris is walking with the person, helping the person along.

Why?  Why was he with her?

She climbs to the front where I am.  She can hardly walk.  She has a cane in one hand and in the other hand she has Brandon's arm as he helps her through.  She makes her way to the front and I can see her old eyes set on me.

We all knew who she was.

Old Lady.

She was the oldest Witch I knew.  She lived back on Moreen Island.  I hadn't heard from her in some time.  She always kept to herself.  The fact that she was here now.  It meant something.  

"The witches will not be going to war.  We will not be fighting werewolves.  Something else is more important, something else is coming..."

The old lady begins to cough slightly.  I can tell she probably hasn't spoken loudly in quite some time.  I can see Brandon holding her up.  Soon I realize he isn't just her crutch, but he acts as her mouthpiece.

In a few seconds everything was turned upside down.  If the Old Lady was here then it had to be important.  

"Fatima sent me on a mission," Brandon tells us, "I was the only one qualified for it. She let me know of a threat that was coming.  It's not Walid and his wolves.  It's not Santos or the royal family of vampires.   It's not the rebellion.   I worked with the rebels for one reason however.  I know Genesis more than anyone.  A threat is coming and I used the rebels to bring back her son Lafayette.  He's a witch strong enough to defeat Genesis."

The Old Lady looks at me, "He wants to know why  bring back Lafayette."

Brandon looks at me.  I feel betrayed by him or at least I did.  With him working with the Old Lady however things had changed.   Maybe this whole time he was on the right side and I was the one who was nothing more than a distraction.

Brandon walks up to me, "The Old Lady now has a mission for the rest of us.  We will not be going to defeat Walid.  We have one mission and one mission only.  One mission for every witch.  Stop Genesis from giving birth.  No matter what."

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