To Have And To Hold

Pushing The Boundaries...

Chapter Fifty-Six: Pushing The Boundaries...

JACE

It was a week before Nicholas and Madeline’s wedding and Horacio remained in a coma, still absent from Raven and Mother’s visions. I wasn’t sure if it was the toll of the strain on her or the constant aura that she was keeping on him, but Mother was looking pale and completely exhausted—and too thin as she was eating next to nothing—even refusing Beast’s smoothies now, concerning us all.

The one thing she was doing, however, was making sure everything was in order for the wedding, taking small leaves from the hospital to finish up her seamstress work, including letting a growing and frustrated Luminara’s dress out further. As it seemed to be a welcomed distraction for her, we all took turns sitting with Horacio during her absence.

As it turns out, Mother wasn’t the only one we were concerned about. Raven seemed to be more tired than normal as of late, which was of particular concern to Talon, who wondered if she hadn’t been pushing the limits of her powers too far as well—something that while she denied it, proved to be true as my Firebird Phoenix tattoo suddenly lit up while I was sitting with Horacio...

“How odd. It hasn’t been a year yet—and the timing couldn’t be worse,” Raven despairingly sighed, as she and Talon sat in the corner with me.

“If you think about it, love, between the many battles faced, all the healing that’s been required, and learning to harness with Auntie, you have utilized your powers a great deal,” Talon lovingly told her, comfortingly rubbing his thumb on top of her hand.

Backing him up, I adoringly added, “He’s right, Raven. I’m not surprised that we are having to locate your moonflower a few months early. Fortunately, it is located not far from here this time from what I can tell and there’s still a week before the wedding.”

Mother appeared just as Nicholas and Madeline came in after my link informing them about the search that needed to be done. While Madeline was anxious about Raven’s upcoming forced slumber while the moonflower worked its magic, remembering the last time she was under its control, we all knew it was a necessity.

Fortunately, as I had hoped, Raven and I made quick work of finding the small iridescent deep purple moonflower in a small cavern on a remote area of land in Crescent Moon territory. The perfect bloom’s soft pink glow just as stunning and mesmerizing as the first time we had encountered it—only this time, I plucked the flower, not allowing Raven to touch it until we got her safely back to the hospital.

Talon, Nicholas, and Madeline were waiting for us in the room they prepared for her when we arrived back home and after quickly changing into a comfortable long cotton shirt and leggings, Raven laid down on the bed.

“Thank you for keeping the crowd down to just us,” Raven appreciatively said, “I hope everyone understood.”

“Happy about it? No. But they understood and respected your wishes,” Nicholas jovially told her, “Everyone sends their love and hopes that you’ll hurry back to us.”

Nervously grinning, Madeline lovingly urged, “You better hurry back. If you take longer than three days, I’ll start panicking. You can’t miss our girls’ night at Mystic Fire—or my wedding. I can’t stand up there without you.”

“I promise, three days tops—just breathe, Madeline,” Raven calmly assured her before looking over at Nicholas with a sympathetic grin, “I’m sorry to abandon you when you need me most, Nicholas. Keep my best friend calm as best you can until I return to relieve you a little. At least I’ll be re-energized.”

Wrapping his arms around Madeline’s waist, Nicholas kindly replied, “Just rest well for us, Raven, and hurry back.”

Talon came over to sit beside her with an expression full of hesitation and longing, devotedly promising, “I’ll be keeping a close eye on you, my darling Raven, and will hold you in my arms as much as I can until your return.”

Tenderly running her fingers up and down Talon’s cheek, Raven gently argued, “You and I both know my aura will keep you awake at night, tall, dark, and handsome. I’ll be fine in here on my own, so rest in our bed, please.”

Continuing to caress the side of his face, Raven tenderly kissed Talon, warmly smiling at him afterwards, “I love you and will be awake before you know it.”

Returning her sweet gesture, Talon placed a prolonged heartfelt kiss on Raven’s lips, thickly whispering against them when they parted, “I love you, Raven. Hurry back to me, my beautiful blackbird.”

We all turned as the door opened, revealing Mother, Loa, and Mahan. The minute she saw her aunt, Raven reprimanded, “You promised that you would stay at Moon Stone and continue to take it easy, Aunt Loa.”

“I’m perfectly fine, despite what my overprotective family thinks,” Loa stoically defended, “And as you are having to utilize the moonflower early, it would appear I’m not the only one who tends to overdo it.”

“Yes, that seems that runs heavy on the sorceress side of our family,” Mahan grinned, “Especially you three.”

Coming up to kiss Raven’s forehead, Loa dotingly said, “Rest well and feel better, my Raven, and if by chance your mother and father decide to make a visit during your slumber, send them my love. I’ll return when you wake.”

“Do hurry back, Raven,” Mahan sincerely stated, “And I’ll do my best during your absence to make sure your Aunt Loa continues to rest as best I can.”

“Thank you, Mahan,” Raven fondly returned, looking over at Mother, “Hopefully my parents will make a visit and give me some insight about Horacio, Auntie.”

“You just concentrate on regenerating your magic and feeling better, my darling,” Mother sweetly replied before like Loa, she placed a gentle kiss on Raven’s forehead, “I’ll keep an eye on things here.”

As our family backed away from her bed, Talon continued to hold Raven’s hand as I leaned forward, kissing her on cheek, earnestly whispering, “Love you, Raven. I’ll see you in a few days. Rest well, love.”

Placing the moonflower in her hand, Raven laid back on the bed, her eyes going wide, instantly entranced before the bloom sparked, igniting a bright pink light throughout the room, though at least this time, the force of the blast didn’t send us all flying backwards as it had the first time. Her eyes closing, Raven’s arm lit up in the beautiful bright blush aura that slowly extended its way up until she was fully encased in it, looking completely at peace in her magical slumber.

“I don’t like this part,” Madeline worriedly sighed, “Hopefully Raven’s magic regenerates quickly.”

“Though I have been through it many times growing up with our Mother, and then with Sarika as she joined her, I won’t lie—I don’t like it either, but it is necessary,” Loa anxiously said, wrapping her arm around Mahan’s and laying her head on his shoulder.

“Sarika and your mother had to do this together?” Mahan curiously asked.

“Yes and usually at the same time,” Loa thoughtfully replied, “Even though Sarika took over as the Firebird Phoenix, Mother still required a moonflower as well to maintain and control the immense powers that remained inside her. The same will occur when Raven has children and one is chosen to carry forth the gift. At one point in our family, there were four generations of the Firebird Phoenix that required moonflowers. But like it has done for Raven today, fate always provides for those who serve its desired legacy.”

***************

TATIANA

When I returned from Raven’s room, I found a tearful Charlotte sitting with Horacio, carrying on an inaudible conversation with him. Turning when she heard me enter, my sweet triplet quietly greeted, “Is Raven doing alright?”

“She is, but I’m concerned about you,” I warmly returned, “Are you alright, my darling?”

Biting her lower lip, she reluctantly asked, “What order were my sisters and I born in, Auntie?”

Not expecting her question, I was momentarily taken aback before answering, “Constance was first, followed by you, and then Tink, which shouldn’t come as a surprise—she’s very protective of you two—always puts you first.”

Charlotte laughed, but then turned serious again, “So, I’m the middle one.”

“Yes,” I curiously answered, sitting on the other side of Horacio, “May I ask the reason for your sudden curiosity about this?”

“I don’t know, Auntie,” Charlotte hopelessly sighed, playing with one of her long blonde curls before finally giving me some insight, reluctantly admitting, “While Constance and I are usually in sync and Tink is—well, Tink—I’ve always just let them take the lead, you know? Even when we were little. Staying more in the background as far as our sisters go. Tink was always a Daddy’s girl and though she always showered us all with attention, Constance was closest to our mother. It just—I don’t know—déjà vu now with you and Horacio. Constance even calls you Mother now. I know it sounds petty and jealous—and maybe I am—a little.”

There was a shameful look in her eyes as Charlotte dropped them to the blanket, fiddling with the corner of it as she voiced her inner thoughts, “And then there’s the fact that even though we’re identical, Constance is always referred to as Goddess.”

Bringing her gaze up to mine, she regretfully murmured, “I’m sorry, Auntie. As I’m saying it out loud, I realize that I am being incredibly petty and jealous. I guess that proves I’m the middle child and going through a silly bout of middle child syndrome.”

Taking hold of her hand, I pulled it away from the blanket, lovingly replying, “Nonsense. Though I’m the baby of the Power of Three, I’ve come to understand how you feel after going through several bouts of very similar feelings with your Aunt Reina over the years, which is why I am very appreciative of the middle child. Do you know why?”

After she shook her head from side to side, I sincerely told Charlotte, “The middle child is the most easy-going, which you are and have been from birth, my darling. Your parents, who wholeheartedly loved and adored all three of their girls, always said the same. But what is important about your role is you are the mediator and more flexible in your thought process. You are also very independent and an excellent peacemaker, Charlotte, always loving, social, generous, and fun, which makes you the favorite of both your sisters and the perfect match for our Carson."

Flashing her a knowing grin, I continued, “But at times, I understand that you feel like you’re in the background as your sisters have very strong personalities—especially our Tink. Reina felt the same, which is why I stepped back and allowed her to be the ringleader of the Power of Three for many years. I’m afraid, though, with our return, I took on that role again, which had her feeling much as you do now—restricted in a small space filled with boundaries.”

“I still feel foolish, but thank you for understanding, Auntie,” Charlotte kindly returned, her eyes moving over to Horacio, “I miss Horacio terribly. While I’ve remained out of Constance and Tink’s little battle for favoritism, I also love him—I love you both very much. You each have a special place in my heart and like the promise you made, I want you and Horacio to remain here with us always. We can’t live without either one of you. That’s what I was telling him when you came in.”

“I’m sure Horacio appreciated hearing that, much like I appreciate the reminder,” I adoringly exhaled out, “And I hope you know we love you more than words could ever express, Charlotte. For the record, to me, while you and Constance are physically identical, inside, you are unique and beautiful in your own special way. You are never in the background in my mind but shine brightly for the incredible young woman that you are. My love for you is the moon and back, my darling, forever and always.”

A single tear rolled down her face as Charlotte stood up and scurried around the bed, throwing her arms around me to envelope me in her warm embrace, “Thank you. I love you, Auntie, to the moon and back, forever and always—and beyond.”

*************

SAPHIRA

Over the last few days, I have grown to have a greater appreciation for Oralia, though I have always appreciated a strong woman who isn’t afraid to speak her mind and openly expressed her thoughts and ideas in what has always been thought of as a man’s world. In particular, I found myself impressed with her idea for Alpha Nicholas and Alpha Madeline’s wedding at Mystic Fire, though I knew it would be an incredibly tricky mission to embark on.

There was new news, however, that I found intriguing—one of my contacts close to The Council had learned that Raven was currently regenerating her powers, which meant Crescent Moon was down to one immensely powerful sorceress, the Fairy Queen, who was distracted by her mate’s continued coma, thanks to my little sister. That gave me an idea to make a little pre-wedding strike to see if the combined magic of my friends would be able to penetrate her defenses...

Sitting with my sisterhood, Igor, Oralia, and Lucious, I relayed my little plan, which was met with both interest and resistance...

Her coal black eyes blaringly locked on me, Uma harshly spat, “A strike at Crescent Moon? Have you lost your mind, Saphira? Regardless of Raven’s current absence, challenging Tatiana in such a way is not only dangerous, but foolish!”

“The spell will enable us to test the boundaries of Tatiana’s powers and give us insight as to what will need to be done in battle,” I adamantly defended, “And if we succeed, it will provide a delicious victory that will hit very close to home for both the Firebird Phoenix and Fairy Queen.”

“Indeed, it would,” Igor maniacally chortled, “and send The Council a message of what is to come.”

“Taking out two Crescent Moons wouldn’t hurt my feelings,” Lucious grinned, “Especially as they were an integral part of the downfall of Blood Horizon.”

“Two Crescent Moons, who are also Mystic Fires,” Oralia sneered, “The perfect targets in my mind.”

Pensively glancing over at her two sisters, Elveena silently asked her question as to their thoughts, leading Enora to hesitantly ask, “We’re merely sending the spell to Crescent Moon, not going there in person, correct?”

“Yes, and we will put a combined cloaking spell in place,” I encouragingly replied, “I’m quite positive utilizing our powers together will make it strong enough to keep our location hidden.”

“Quite positive, but not one hundred percent sure,” Cordelia cautiously admonished, “Judging by the lack of success we’ve had locating Sahar, perhaps this spell should be placed in a remote location that if found, will leave little trace, giving us the best chance at remaining hidden.”

“I actually like that idea, my dear friend,” I wickedly returned, “Thank you for working with me instead of against me, Cordelia.”

“Your plan is still risky, Saphira,” Azora steadfastly countered, “Provoking the Fairy Queen like this is not in our best interests if you wish to achieve the outcome you seek.”

“Yet again, I’m going to remind you that Azora’s involvement is also not in our best interests,” Temora coldly retorted, “Our little negative nilly is always going to be a no vote. Now would be the time to strike as the safety shield I’m sure is in place will have the necessary cracks in it with Raven being temporarily out of commission.”

“Fortunately, votes don’t matter in the decisions made here if Saphira and I are in agreement,” Igor authoritatively returned, “And I thoroughly agree with this course of action, so let’s discuss this spell of yours and the best location to perform it. Then, I’ll give you ladies a moment to prepare yourselves before we take advantage of this unexpected opportunity for another surprise attack against Alpha Nicholas and The Council.”

************

Standing in a circle in a small opening deep in the remote black forest between Moon Stone and Howling Wind with my eight fellow sorceresses, we extended our hands out, forming an intertwined cloaking spell for protection before each sending out two streams of our magic that soon took the form of identical large multi-colored orbs of deadly intent. Our words spoken in unison, we then directed our magic to work together on our mission...

Seek out the two enemies so stunning and fair

Crescent Moon and Mystic Fire—

Two packs the identical Moon Goddesses share

Their faces the same, much like our wishes now

Turmoil, toil, and trouble for two of the triplets

Their death is what see seek and we know just how

Magic, we command thee—

Secretly penetrate their protection, take away their air

At the bottom of the lake is where they belong and by our command,

Make sure by all means necessary, at least one dies—which one—we don’t care

With a grin full of satisfaction and menace, I brought my hands back before viciously sending the now swirling balls of magic to Crescent Moon, sending out our attack, feeling quite confident that ours would be a decisive victory...

***************

CHARLOTTE

Though Auntie made me feel better, I still felt like getting some fresh air, deciding to go for a walk alone along the bank of the lake, shutting off all communication so I could clear my head, except for Carson, who was busy helping Jace at his woodshop on a secret project for Nicholas and Madeline’s wedding.

I had walked for quite a while, twirling around a small pink flower that I plucked from the ground. Stopping to gaze out upon the water, I fell into deep thought about my conversation with Auntie, once more going over her sweet words, jumping when Carson linked in a ramble full of concern...

Hey ya, gorgeous! You okay? Constance, Jace, Tink, and Beast said that you’ve blocked them. Auntie told us that you’re down by the lake, but I wanted to check on my girl first—thanks for not blocking me, by the way—but tell me what’s wrong, Lottie. Do you want me to have Auntie bring me to you?

Shaking my head, I laughed under my breath at how many words my sweet mate could fit into a mere minute, diverting, I’m fine, Chatterbox. Just needed a few minutes alone to catch my breath with all the wedding chaos going on. You stay there and help Jace. Let me know when you’re finished, and I’ll meet you at Auntie’s bench.

While I’m willing to give you the space you need to breathe—Constance is not, Carson apologetically replied, Heads up, Jace says she’s about to pop in. Love you, Lottie. Let me know if I need to come rescue you before meeting you at the bench. I love you.

Letting out a long sigh as my sister did indeed appear in front of me, I pleasantly greeted, “Sorry I blocked you, Constance. I just needed a break from all the wedding stuff for a minute.”

Peering at me with a knowing grin, Constance quietly berated, “You seem to forget our triplet telepathy. You aren’t fooling me, Tink, or Carson. We all know whatever is bothering you has nothing to do with the wedding. Tink and I felt it and went to look for you at the hospital after Carson told us that’s where you went, but you had already gone by the time we got there. Mother wouldn’t tell me anything, so I had to have her search for you in her visions. Talk to me, Charlotte—quick, before our irritated sister shows up angry at me because I asked Mother to make her take the long way. Although as an added security measure, I asked Beast to come with her.”

“It’s silly, Constance—I just had a moment of middle sister syndrome, that’s all,” I exhaustively sighed out.

Her eyebrows shooting up, Constance perplexingly repeated, “Middle sister syndrome?”

Explaining that I asked Auntie about what order we were born in and how I was feeling from time to time, especially lately, I felt even more foolish as Constance’s eyes turned sad and tearful at my admission...

Taking several steps forward, Constance shamefully said, “I know our relationship has shifted slightly now that we have Jace and Carson, but the intertwined bond you and I have always shared—how could you ever think you were just stuck in the background, Charlotte? If I’ve done something to make you feel that way, tell me what it is and we’ll fix it—together, like we always have.”

Rushing towards her, I hugged her tightly, “I told you, I was just being silly, Constance. Truly. A momentary fit of jealousy over the close relationships you and Tink have with Horacio and Auntie. Please don’t cry—I’ll cry too—you know I will, especially since it’s my fault. I’m sorry for having those stupid thoughts and making you feel bad.”

“That was a crappy move turning Auntie against me, Constance!” Tink’s voice angrily bellowed out from a great distance away, “You’ve got Horacio—temporarily until after your wedding—and get to call her Mother instead of Auntie thanks to Smooth Talker. Taking her loyalty from me steps well over my boundaries. You know how I get when it comes to her. Now, tell me what’s going on with Charlotte since you got to her first!”

Turning her head, Constance amusingly whispered in my ear, “Don’t think for a second that I’m not about to inform our baby sister that I’m the oldest. Get ready for some fun!”

I giggled as Constance released me, taking my hand as she moved over beside me while Beast and Tink continued down the grassy path. Our humored states, however, were suddenly and frighteningly dashed a split-second afterwards as a deafening explosion rang out behind us sending huge splashes of water pelting hard against mine and Constance’s backs before two thick streams of multi-colored magic swiftly wove around our waists, knocking the air out of my lungs as it mightily yanked me into the harsh cold water of the lake. All of it happening so quickly that everything was a blur and Tink’s reactive panicked scream was muffled as I was instantly sent under water...