Goddess Reborn

Real world application

"I know she is my best friend, and that I have to go to her party, I just don't understand why she is having one. Our entire lives she has never celebrated her birthday like this, and besides, her birthday is next week, so why is she having the party tonight?" I asked my boyfriend. I was so confused on why he would be mad at me not wanting to go, he never wanted me to go out to a party, but tonight he was frustrated that I did not want to go.

After a long day of learning and exploring my past and abilities I found myself exhausted and had a restful nights sleep. I had not wanted to move from Deacon's arms, but I knew it would be best to not get things too confused yet. Waking up in the morning I felt much more calm and in tune with myself, excited to see what the day held. As I walked out of my room the guys were again in the kitchen and as I walked in was greeted by a glass of chocolate milk again. "Good Morning Roo, D, how are my men?" I asked with a smile. Both men stopped and starred at me, making me worry I had forgotten to put on pants or something. Suddenly they looked from me, to each other and back to me with huge smiles.

"You just greeted us the way you used to, long ago. Long before you and Deac got together. You have called me Roo for ages, this must be a sign of memories coming back. Do you remember anything else?" Roman asked, excited at the idea of it all coming back. I did feel different, like there was more there, but it was behind a fog. Like hearing a conversation through a wall. They told me not to worry, "it's been two days and you already remember so much, it will come."

As we ate and laughed through lighthearted topics we made a plan for the day. We decided it was time to try some real world application of what we can do, showing me how to blend into the world and hide my appearance. The guys believed that seeing a dead woman walking around downtown might be a little upsetting if we saw anyone the knew me. "We can go anywhere in the world and you are worried about me being recognized by the humans that knew me in my last life?" I asked with a giggle. They explained that being able to glamour and stay hidden would be an important step for the day, and every day beyond this. They also wanted me to learn how to walk in the human world without being seen, the difference between a mask and a complete camouflage.

Once dressed to leave the first thing the guys needed to show me how to create a way out of our retreat. My clothing options are limited so I decide to try some of what the guys have taught me, thinking about outfits I had worn in the past and pulling it into existence. I picture the night of the accident, I had been wearing dark jeans, a fitted purple tank top and a black sweater over top. As I look in the mirror I know if I have really made this appear or if it's only a glamour by what I see in my reflection. Thankfully, it has worked and I am dressed, if it had not worked when I looked in the mirror I would see myself standing there in my underwear.

As I look over the outfit I remember the control Marcus had put on my life, forcing me to wear baggy sweaters and other items that hid what was underneath. I did not want to be that person anymore, I wanted to feel like I am in control of my own destiny. Pulling off the sweater I turned back around looking back to the mirror to see a black fitted leather jacket and black boots to match. I did not feel like someone's secret anymore, but like myself. I felt stronger and prouder of my existence than ever before and I was excited to show the guys.

Walking out to the main living area I am greeted by the guys, definitely looking more put together than they have for the past couple days. Roman in faded jeans, a t-shirt that fits tighter than it needs to, but I am positive that us by design, and converse. Deacon is dressed similarly, but with a blue tee over Roman's green. Both men look like they could could make any man or woman fall to their feet. As they see me Roman gives me a whistle, causing me to strut a bit more than normally would. Deacon comes over and takes my hand, telling me I look great before leading me into the living room to a couple chairs and a mirror.

"Before we head out we need to make sure you have your identity under wraps. This mirror here is enchanted, so you can see what you have achieved. Making a drink change colour, or a pillow appear is one thing, but this is going to be much more taxing. You will need to maintain the image the whole time we are out, so, if you tire you need to tell us." Deacon explained. I nodded and he moved me to sit on the chair in front of the mirror. Then standing behind me, with his hands on my arms. I found myself captivated by his touch, but worked to focus on the task. "Now, start with something simple, change one feature, then work on another."

I started with my hair, imagining that instead of my long flowing brown hair it was shorter and red. Then I pictured my nose becoming more angular than it is, then slightly thinner lips. Piece by piece I watched as my image of myself disappear and this new person emerged. Looking up into Deacon's eyes I saw nothing but pride in my success. "How do I look?" I asked as I jumped up and turned around to them. Deacon said perfect and lead me back to the door, he assured me that to him I still looked like myself, but to anyone not supernatural I looked like the woman in the mirror. Holding my hand he brought me to where Roman was standing waiting for us, straightening when he saw us approach. Suddenly something struck me, "How will we know if the glamour slips?" Since none of us could see it.

Deacon pulled a silver cuff bracelet with a stone that looked like moonstone from his pocket. Pulling my hand he had clasped in his he put it on my wrist and the stone turned black. "If at any point we look and this is white, then it's time to head home. I'll keep you close to me if that's OK?" He asked, as we did still have our fingers intertwined. I nodded with a smile, being connected to him like this just felt so natural. I may not remember the love we had, but I could definitely admit to myself I felt something for him.

"OK, kids, let's get moving." Roman said clapping his hands. As he grasped the doorknob he paused and looked deep in thought. When he finally opened it we were stepping out of the cottage and into the hallway of an apartment building. The transition had me thoroughly confused, since when I looked back behind us it was no longer the cottage but a beautiful upscale apartment. Knitting my eyebrows together I looked around perplexed and Roman just smirked about the whole thing.

"Ignore it, the door was for show mostly. This apartment is one we keep as a through point for moving between realms. It is easier to arrive into a human city through a door than just plopping down in the middle of Times Square. Most of the apartments here are held by one supernatural being or another, so don't be alarmed." Deacon offered, pulling my hand up to his lips and giving my knuckles a kiss. I instantly felt myself blush at the action, but it was so comforting.

As we walked out of the building we walked by shops and restaurants. The smell of coffee wafting out of cafes by the sidewalk, or fresh bread, was intoxicating. It felt like I was seeing and smelling it all for the first time. At one street corner I saw the date on a newspaper in a stand, it is only the day after my accident. "How is this possible? We have been there for days, practicing and healing. I don't understand." I asked, feeling confused and needing help to get my head around it.

"We told you time moved differently there, we can be there for a year and it could have been seconds here. One of the most difficult things you need to come to understand is that you are no longer bound by the rules of their world." Deacon explained. I just nodded, unsure what else to say in that moment. "Tell me what's going on in there Isla, this is part of you moving forward." He said as he poked my forehead.

"I am just thinking about my grandma, my aunt, Casey. They were all I had in life, them and Marcus but I know he doesn't miss me. I just want to see them, know how they are. Then I get angry and I want to know who Marcus was talking to, he was cheating on me, and he killed me. I want justice." My feelings went from sadness to anger. I wanted to rip his heart out, I wanted him to know the pain he caused me. Through all of it Roman listened and Deacon held me close. Neither told me I am being foolish, they both just gave me the time to feel it.

"So, let's do that then. You get strong enough, we go after him for answers. We never said he wouldn't pay for what he did, we just didn't talk about it because we care more about getting you back than anything else." Deacon explained. His grip on my hand had gotten tighter, like he was trying to put all his love and support into that single point of contact. Hearing their determination to allow me to get what I felt I needed have me a new drive to succeed. We stayed out for the day, shopping, having lunch and laughing. It felt like a perfectly normal day out with friends and I was blown away by how comfortable I felt.

Sitting at a Cafe, the guys with their coffee, me with an Italian soda and all of us sharing some sweets we were in a comfortable silence when Roman had an idea. "We should go out tonight, dancing maybe, and we can show you what it is we do." This sounded intriguing, I wanted to see how we could use our persuasive gifts. The idea of going out seemed like a great one and I only had one request as to where. I had never been able to go out when I was with Marcus, he always tried to control everything, so whenever Casey talked about going into the city to go dancing I would get jealous. The guys agreed because apparently the knew the place well which made me upset, the idea that they could have been there when she was, that she could have had her hands on either one made my skin crawl. "Settle down there killer, what has you in a twist?" He asked with a smirk.

"Nothing," I replied curtly, wanting to change the subject. They both pointed out that I had been so upset I had crushed the last cookie into crumbs, pointing down at it. As I felt my cheeks turn pink I knew I had been caught. "I was just thinking that meant there is a good chance you two were there when she was, and I know if she had seen you both she would be all over you. I wouldn't want that." I explained in a sheepish voice. Deacon just chuckled beside me, pulling me into his chest for a hug.

"Don't worry Isla, when we are anywhere, there is no one I would want with me more than you." He comforted me with his words, with Roman feigning heartache. "Yes, even more than you brother." Deacon added with a chuckle.

"You call him brother, but are you really? I still don't entirely understand how we came to be." I ask them both, but more Deacon as I look up into his eyes.

"We have always called each other brothers, because that's what it feels like. How we all came to be is a bit fuzzy, for any of the gods, but like any other supernatural creature we are born of something. Likely created by one of the others to bridge the gap between man and God." Deacon explained. It made as much sense as anything else, and decided to drop the subject.

"So, if we are going our tonight, I need an outfit, shopping and then back to the apartment to get ready?" I saw jumping to my feet and pulling Deacon with me. Both men groaned at the idea of more shopping, but as I explained, "I don't want to have to create every piece of clothing I wear out of thin air. Suck it up, and let's get moving so I can look like myself for a bit."