The Moon Goddess

Changes Incoming

Mary clicked off. Mara made it back to her house in record time.

Mara lugged Ivy through the gate to the backyard to her mom’s shed. Mara only recently started going into her mom’s shed to learn. The door opened as she got to it. Eddie and Mary filled the frame of the shed’s doorway. Both women were of equal height, though Eddie was a bit stouter than Mary. Both women came out to take Ivy from Mara. They walked in and laid Ivy down on the table. Eddie turned and started grabbing jars and setting them next to a large bowl. Mary kissed Ivy’s forehead. Mara rubbed Mary’s back. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to stop it.” Mara looked sad. Mary put her arm around Mara and kissed the top of her head. “Mara my love, you have not been trained for this. You have only just begun. We don’t even know what happened.” Eddie turned for a moment and looked at her daughter and her sister in craft. She smiled then looked at the child on the table. Her smile vanished.

“Mara, tell me all you know.” Eddie started putting powders into the bowl and set about mixing the ingredients. Mara stood up and looked at her mother. “She spent most of History staring out the window, but she seemed fine. We were walking in the hallway, and I had just suggested going shopping before next week when I noticed she wasn’t behind me anymore. I turned and saw her standing there with her hand above her heart, her eyes closed as if in a daze, and a light glow about her.” Eddie and Mary exchanged a look. “What? What happened?” Mara asked.

“What color was the glow? Did she snap out of it? Was there anyone around you?”

Mara shook her head. “The glow was a light purple haze and no, it was like she wasn’t even there. Everyone was just walked around her like there was this invisible force field they couldn’t see or touch but knew to just walk around it. No one was fazed by it. I honestly did not look around for anyone, I was too concerned about Ivy.”

Mary sighed. She looked at Eddie and Eddie nodded.

“Mara, I am going to tell you something that is particularly important but even more so a secret. One that involves Ivy’s life. Ivy is not my daughter.” Mary said in a profoundly serious tone. Mara’s eyes bugged wide. “What do you mean she isn’t your daughter? I grew up with her at your house. I feel the same energy in her that I do in you.” Mara started asking questions a mile a minute. “Mara Isis!” Mara stopped and looked at her mother, her eyes still wide. “Are you my mother?” Mara asked, feely lost, and confused. The question pulled at Eddie. Mara knew it was wrong of her to say but this was too much. She knew that Ivy was Mary’s daughter. She saw pictures of Mary pregnant, of Mary and Ivy when Ivy was a new babe. No, this couldn’t be right.

“Come sit while your mom, and yes, she is your true mom, tends to Ivy. I have a story to tell you.” Mary led Mara to the small couch inside the shed. Eddie began to murmur, and she sprinkled the mix of powders over Ivy. Mary and Mara sat down and Mary held Mara’s hand. “I was 6 months pregnant when I woke up in the middle of the night in the most pain I had ever felt. I got out of bed and woke up Jim, there was so much blood. I was losing the baby. I could feel the energy slipping out of my baby.” Mara grasped Mary’s hand at this and squeezed. A tear escaped the corner of Mary’s eye as she was recalling the memory of that terrible night. She continued, “As daughters of the moon, you know there are certain rituals and prayers and spells we use, some we don’t and some of those come in dire times. I did not think much during that time, I was in so much pain, and I was scared to death. It was a full moon. I went right out to the balcony, and I started whispering into the night sky and to the moon. I prayed and prayed for the Moon Goddess to spare my baby.” Mara handed Mary the tissues that were next to her. “Thank you. I sat there on my knees begging for the Goddess, in the Full Moon’s pale glow for what seemed like an eternity. I felt no energy coming from the life that was inside me. Jim came out and covered me in a blanket and just sat there holding me. It felt like hours when I finally had the energy myself to stand and go back in. There was this bright flash of light. It was so blinding.” Mary smiled now.

“She was so beautiful. The Moon Goddess appeared before us. We just knew it was her. In her arms, a baby. She looked at us and in our heads, we could hear her asking us to take this child. To raise her as ours, for the loss we experienced. Jim and I did not think twice. The Moon Goddess was giving us our baby back. She smiled at us then looked at the baby for a little while. The baby floated to us and landed in my arms. I could not stop looking at her beautiful face and her eyes. Before she started to go, the Moon Goddess told me this child was special, and she would need protection and guarding. Ivy was not to know how she came to be until the time was right. We would be informed about her steps and powers as they started to grow so we would know what to watch out for and vice versa, we were to advise on how she was growing and developing. Over the years, we have gone through multiple channels and resources of giving and gaining this information. This morning, Jim received a call. It was one of his foremen, however, it wasn’t him. It was a messenger. The message let us know that Ivy will become full bloom on her 17th birthday. All her powers will be active and the only way she can control her powers will be to find her mate. He counteracts her. The message warned us that her enemies would be able to find her as her powers came in, and we would know when she found her mate. There would be signs. Jim let the messenger know that we were starting to back off on the potions.” Mary looked at Ivy now. She lay peacefully as if dreaming.

Eddie wiped the sweat off her brow. The protection spells needed to be stronger each time. This would have to be it though. Next week was the girl's birthday. Eddie looked at Ivy. She mumbled the last of the spell. Ivy’s breathing changed. Eddie could see the girl’s aura and wondered if Mary could too. As if Mary heard Eddie’s thoughts, “Yes, I can.” came from the couch. Eddie chuckled. Of course, Mary could. Mary was the best damn Seer anyone could ever meet. Although, she did not see this one coming and perhaps that was for the best.

“Mom, I am so sorry I said those things.” Mara got up and went to her mother. She wrapped her arms around her mother’s shoulders and laid her head on her back. Eddie patted Mara’s arms. “It’s ok, my sweet. We just need to up your history and training is all.” Mara laughed. Things were ok.

Ivy stirred. She blinked open her eyes and saw she was on the couch in her living room. How did I get here? She thought. The last thing she remembered was her and Mara coming home for lunch. Just as she was thinking about her, Mara walked in holding a cup and some pills. “Here, mom said this will make your headache go away. I barely got you home before you went out.” Mara sat at the end of the couch.

“How? Thank you?” Ivy looked confused as she took the cup of orange juice and the pills from Mara. She swallowed them down and sat back. “Thank you. I did not know I was going to pass out from the headache. It just came on so suddenly.”

Mara looked at Ivy. She looked better, just tired. “Well, I called and told the school you weren’t feeling well and I’m staying here to look after you. So, how is your head?” Mara scooted in a little closer. Ivy looked at her best friend. Ivy leaned her head on Mara’s shoulders/ “Thanks Mar, you take such good care of me.” Mara smiled but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Ok, well let’s get you upstairs in the shower! Then you are napping girlfriend!” Ivy chuckled. “Actually, I feel great. Let’s play hooky and go shopping.” Mara looked at Ivy. This kind of thing never happened. Mara shook her head. She feigned a gasp and put her hand on Ivy’s forehead.

“Are you sure you’re feeling alright? Missy good too shoes wants to play hooky?” Mara said in surprise. She wasn’t going to let a shopping trip go but she needed to be careful.

“Alright. Let me just text mom that the pills worked, and I am staying with you.” Mara sent a quick text to her mom and included where and what they were doing. Eddie replied they would be there in an instant if she needed them. Mara looked at the text. Something is happening with Ivy. Mara wasn’t quite sure what else to expect but she knew danger was near.

The girls loaded up into Mara’s car and headed down to the southern shopping plaza. The shops there were a mix of everything you could ever think to wear, see, grab, or touch. It was one of Ivy’s favorite places to relax. It wasn’t quite as busy as normal since it was midday but there were still a lot of cars in the parking lot.

After about five stores, they were starting to get hungry, so the girls made their way to the food court to order lunch. As the girls sat at their table with their food, Ivy got a tingle on the back of her neck like she was being watched. Ivy looked around her but could not see anyone looking her way. Mara noticed her looking around. “What’s up?” she asked with food in her mouth. Ivy looked at Mara. “Eww, swallow before you talk.” and threw a napkin at her. “I don’t know, it just felt like someone was watching us.” Ivy sounded nervous when she spoke.

Mara swallowed her food and scanned the area. “I don’t see anyone here.” Mara said. Ivy shrugged then went back to eating. So Mara watching Ivy as to not make it known, dug a little bit and rescanned the area, with her powers manifesting, the area cleared her scan. “Well, I mean looking at us. You sure you’re up for this, Iv?” Mara asked her. Ivy looked back at Mara. The tingle was gone from the back of her neck. Ivy nodded. “Yeah, it was just a feeling I got. I’ve been getting them a lot lately now that I think about it.” Ivy popped a fry into her mouth. Mara took a fry and pointed it at Ivy. “You know, maybe you’re just really stressed, miss ‘I’m good at everything I do’.” Mara’s voice laced with concern. Ivy looked at Mara and thought for a minute.

Could I be stressed? Maybe I need a break from everything. There are only 7 more days until I leave for Ireland. Only 9 more days until my birthday!

“Ok! Ireland is the place and time to relax. There are a few things I NEED to see while we are there but otherwise, call me; ‘miss relaxy girl’!” Ivy said with such enthusiasm that Mara busted out laughing. Mara held her hand up for a high five that Ivy responded to with a loud clap. Both girls moved their hands quickly at the sudden electric shock that went through them. Ivy laughed. “Electrifying! Spooky.” Mara faked her laugh but looked at her hand and saw the imprint Ivy’s hand left on her own in a faded purple shimmer. Mara quickly grabbed her phone and pulled up the camera, she took a picture to see if it would show on her camera. It didn’t of course, so Mara sent a quick text to her mom. “Sorry, mom texted to see what time we were coming home.” Mara explained at Ivy’s reaction.

The girls finished their lunch and went to a few more shops. By the time they entered Ivy’s house, both girls were complaining how much their feet hurt. “Damn, I should not have worn these shoes shopping. I know better.” Ivy complained.

“You? Girl, I have blisters I’m sure should not be on my feet.” Mara whined. The girls kicked off their shoes into the shoe bin by the door. Both rubbed their aching feet before heading off to the sound of voices down the hall. Mary and Eddie were sitting in the kitchen, at the island sipping their tea and having a conversation.

“Hi Mom.” Ivy leaned in for a kiss on the cheek. “Hi Mom.” Mara wrapped her arm around her mother’s shoulders. “Hi girls. How was shopping?” Mary asked them. “It was awesome, except for the aching feet.” Ivy laughed. Mara started rubbing her foot. “Mara, you are in the kitchen for Goddess’ sake!” Eddie exclaimed. Mara blushed a little. “Sorry ma.” Mara said bashfully. She knew better and walked over to the sink to wash her hands. Ivy chuckled. She loved that her auntie Eddie talked about the Gods and Goddesses like they were real. Ivy loved mythology of all sorts; in any realm the books take you. “Mara, I am going to haul these bags upstairs and take a quick shower. Are you all staying for dinner tonight? I actually feel like a pizza and movie night.” Ivy asked the room, winking at Mara. Mara looked at her mother with pleading eyes. Ivy knew Mara’s weakness for pizza. Eddie chuckled as she also knew her daughter’s weakness. “I suppose since you hit the right button there, Iv.” Mary just sat and laughed. Ivy smiled coyly. “I don’t know whatever, could you possibly mean.” Everyone in the room started laughing. “I’ll be down in just a little while. Mom, will you order?” Mary murmured an affirmation. Ivy headed up the stairs will her bags humming a small tune.

The second Ivy’s door to her room closed, Mara spun and looked at the two most powerful women she has ever known. “I know it sounds crazy, but I really think there may be someone watching her. She got a feeling today and was anxious about it. I used what I had but I didn’t see anything when I scanned. She told me she's been getting these feelings a lot lately. We shared a joke afterwards and high fived. She left an imprint on my hand; I tried to capture it on my phone but the pic didn't show what I saw.” Eddie grabbed both her daughter’s hands. She murmured something Mara couldn't quite understand. Mara’s hands glowed then the left hand went back to normal. The right one, the one she hit hands with Ivy, glowed a bright purple and showed the trace of Ivy’s handprint on the inside of Mara’s palm.

Mara looked on in awe. “What does that mean? Will it go away?” As soon as the words left her mouth, the mark faded as if nothing happened. Mara rubbed her palm; she could still feel the tingle. “What that means is a few things. One: you need to read your books, little witch. Two: It means we were correct, and you are Ivy’s guardian.” Eddie looked at her daughter with pride.

“Guardian? Cool, I guess. So yeah, what’s a guardian?” Mara asked. She was confused. Guess I need to read those books my mom gave me. Eddie and Mary laughed at Mara’s expression. Mary went to the phone and ordered the pizza. Eddie sat across from Mara and faced her daughter. “A guardian is one of the Moon Goddess’s warriors. She is the protector of great magic. A bond is forged between a guardian and prophet. After the Goddess visited Mary and Jim and brought them Ivy, Mary called me. She knew my status within our world. She knew she could trust me with her secret. We had not seen each other for many years at this point, but I went as fast as I could. When I got to their house, the instant I sat you down, you crawled right to Mary. We didn’t know what was happening, but you pulled yourself up and reached for the baby. Mary leaned her down to you.”

“I won’t ever forget that moment.” Mary came back to the island.

“When your hand touched Ivy’s face, you both glowed this purple and blue light. It encased you. Then, in a moment, it was over. You crawled over to the recliner and looked at me. I put you up there and you just fell asleep. We were both puzzled at the time.”

“We knew it meant something. So, I kept you overnight that night while your mom did research. You were such a good baby. Only a few months older than Ivy and it felt right having you in the house.” Mary reached over to touch Mara’s hand.

The door to Ivy’s room opened and the smell of vanilla floated down the stairs. The women in the kitchen looked at each other and resumed different conversation as Ivy made her way down the stairs.

“Pizza is ordered and on the way. What kind of movie were you thinking, darling?” Mary asked Ivy as she entered the room. Ivy made her way to get a glass from the cupboard. She stopped and turned around. “I’m thinking RomCom tonight.” Ivy smiled and made her way to the fridge. The doorbell rang. Mary went to get the pizza as the other ladies made their way into the living room. It was a nice evening with the 4 of them watching a movie, eating pizza, and just laughing together. Ivy sat back and thought to herself, this is what I needed.

Later that evening, Ivy laid in bed tossing and turning as the dream floated through her mind.

Ivy looked around her, but she couldn’t recognize the place. It was dark with the only light from a streetlamp that was across from Ivy. Ivy could hear the waves of water behind her. She turned around and saw she was on a bridge and the ocean was beneath her. The wind felt crisp and cold. The leaves blew across the ground and made a rustling noise. There was a sudden change in temperature. Ivy could feel herself getting cold and scared. She didn’t know if she needed to run or hide. Ivy saw a large Oak leading the way into the woods just over the bridge. Ivy ran as fast as she could behind the large Oak. Ivy didn’t know what was happening, but she heard footsteps. Ivy’s heart started beating a little faster. Her hands touched the giant Oak and Ivy immediately sensed the life inside the tree. The calmness from this old tree gave Ivy the sense of security she needed. Ivy peeked around the Oak and saw a woman standing there. The woman was thin with pale skin and long honey brown hair. She held a bundle wrapped in a pink blanket close to her chest. She looked worried. Ivy thought about stepping out from behind the Oak, then thought better of it as a small shock went through her hands as if a warning. She looked at her hands lying on the Oak and felt the tingle from the shock, Ivy looked up at the giant tree in awe. Just then she saw the water start glowing from the corner of her eye. Ivy shrank back behind the Oak. ‘This is crazy’ she thought. Ivy watched as a woman floated across the water and spoke to the woman on the bridge. She couldn’t make out what was being said. Ivy gasped as the woman on the water looked at over at her and smiled. Her face clear as glass looked a lot like Ivy only older. Her eyes were of a dull lavender color, her cheekbones were lightly dusted with a faint rose blush and her smile said everything would be alright. Then she looked back to the woman on the bridge. Everything happened so quickly after that. Ivy saw the woman on the bridge go to hand the bundle to the woman on the water, but the white light just enveloped the bundle, and it floated to the woman on the water. A quick shimmer and the woman on the water and the baby were gone in an instant. The woman was now alone, and it was back to being dark. Ivy thought it might be safe to step out now but then she heard a branch crack. There was a man now when Ivy looked back at the bridge. Ivy could hear the man shouting. “I want her NOW!” Ivy shrank down even farther. Ivy could feel the rush of the power from him. A warm hum came from the Oak and Ivy felt calmness wash over her. Ivy watched as the woman went flying over the bridge, but just as the woman was about to hit the water, she was enclosed in a green light. Water splashed up from the impact, and Ivy was confused. She didn’t see the woman go into the water. Ivy looked back at the man. ‘How am I supposed to get home?’ Ivy wondered. Just as Ivy was about to stand up, she looked and saw the man talking with another woman. This woman was short and looked older. Ivy watched as the woman disappeared in a cloud of grey smoke and the man lifted his arms and black fog covered him and he turned into a bat! ‘This is too much for me.’ Ivy closed her eyes and wished to be back in her bed.