At the end where Destiny awaits: Book 6 of the Kinstone series

Another morning arrives and with it, a routine we’ve all settled into. It’s nothing spectacular, only just a very old yet still beloved tradition, breakfast as a family. I smile up at Marron and Mom as they enjoy their meals. No matter what’s happened, or how long it’s been, we’re all still in our usual seats at the table. Guess some things don’t or should ever change.

It’s still a somewhat quiet affair for the three of us, with the occasional conversation of any random topic. To be honest, we really don’t have that much else to talk about. Not to say that’s a bad thing.

Orga and Kateryna ate earlier with us, wanting to head out and get some more training in or to relax in their rooms. Mom definitely has been surprised to see how close we’ve all become. But now, it’s just the three of us at the table.

I down another sausage patty, smiling as the slightly burned spices tingle my tongue. Hey, I really don’t care if the sausage is burned, it makes it taste better. Though at times I sometimes wish I could cook breakfast like I did in Japan.

It’s been nice the last few days to enjoy meals at home again. I’d also have meals with the kobolds on the occasion, to which the twins instantly and constantly would have me sit with them.

There’s still this nagging itch in my mind, an itch that needs to be taken care of.

I hear the soft clack of a teacup echo in the small room.

“So, sweetheart,” starts Mom, “what do you plan on doing today?”

I sigh, placing my own cup onto the saucer and lean back in my chair. My thoughts are quick but thorough, something that I know we have to do. Hell I want to do it.

I look to her. “I think it’s time we let everyone know we’re back.”

Mom stares at me with Marron stopping mid-bite. My mother traces the rim of her cup, nodding softly. “You are correct that it is indeed time that we do. So how do you plan to contact everyone?” She asks. “It would take us a lifetime to call everyone.”

I grin, “Let’s use the device under the portrait in the parlor.”

Her jaw drops only for her to sigh and shake her head. “I really shouldn’t be surprised you know at that. In fact,” she smiles, “once more you never fail to amaze me, my love.”

I giggle. What I’m referring to it a device that’s given to everyone member family within Colburn. It’s basically a bigger, more elaborate version of the watchsphere, only you can actually communicate with it, rather than simply spy or record.

The only catch is that, instead of say a telephone in which you can select who you’re talking to, it contacts everyone at the same time. It’s kind of like hitting “reply all” in your email. So it’s only meant to be used in an emergency or when the occasion really calls for it.

I accidently discovered it when Mom was away in Seattle right before Marron and I reunited after nearly a year apart. Thankfully I didn’t turn it on, which would have really pissed everyone off.

I settle down and look to her, “It’s time that we do.”

Both Mom and Marron look to each other for a moment. They then sigh and nod, each turning back to me.

“You’re right, my love,” says Mom.

I pan over to Marron, seeing how obviously nervous she is. Despite all we’ve been through, the dangers we’ve faced, and the healing we’ve accomplished, Marron is still nervous about seeing anyone from the Coven. It’s a sore spot for her, even with Grandpa and Miriam both saying the Coven isn’t angry with her, she’s still nervous.

I slowly rise and walk over to her, hugging my sister from behind. I lay my chin onto her shoulder, letting my tails swish behind me. She holds onto my arm, pressing her cheek against mine.

We’ve been through so much together, both good and bad. She’s been with me from the start of everything. So even now in her nervousness and the shitstorm I’ve been through for nearly a year, I want to help her.

“You were there for me,” I tell her, “so I will always be there for you.”

No matter what, we’re sisters through and through. Through pain, betrayal, redemption, even lifetimes, nothing will ever change the fact we’re family. Family always is there for each other.

Marron instantly rises from her chair and pulls me tightly into a hug, holding me against her body. I cling to her sweater, burying my face into her chest.

“Thank you, sweetie.”

I smile, looking up at her. She smiles back, kissing my forehead.

Mom watches us both, equally with a smile on her face. She then leans back in her chair, “Well, if we plan on doing this, then we might as well do it after lunch.” She looks at the grandfather clock near the door. “I feel that would be the best time in order to do it.”

I nod, now feeling nervous myself. “Granted, I’ve been gone for so long, I’ve forgotten everyone’s schedule across the country.” I really hope I’m not doing this when kids are at school or maybe at work.

Oh wait…it’s the weekend. Duh, you idiot.

This isn’t going to be like when I was introduced to the Coven. This is us contacting everyone, after months of being separated and everyone having gone out of their minds with worry. I can’t even begin to add on about how little contact I’ve had with everyone because of everything that’s been going on.

Another thing to note about this device is that it’s only known to Colburn from what I’ve read on it. So it’s not something Regulus would know about. Even while Mom was with him, something that still makes my skin crawl, she would never have told him about it.

Mom smiles, “It’ll all be fine, my love.”

I nod nervously to her.

As promised, we all enter the parlor after having lunch. Now, my knights are present, but they’re sitting off to the side. Mom, Marron and I stand in front of the portrait that lies opposite of the couch, a memorable couch that is. Fenris and Athena both sit behind us near it, both smiling to me.

I nervously step forward, having temporarily resumed my human form, and see a long, brown box under it. I lightly tap on it, watching it slide open as a silver orb rises from it. A panel then appears with little knobs and switches. It looks a bit too modern for something that’s supposedly hundreds of years old. You can thank some modern tinkering of the last century for that.

Mom then fiddles with the base while I flip a few of the switches and knobs, trying to get the right settings until the light under the orb pops on.

We all stand there for what seems like a minute, waiting for something to happen. Yet…nothing does.

“Are you sure you turned it on correctly?” asks Mom.

“I did,” replying as I look it over.

“Are you sure you punched the right button?” asks Marron.

I groan, “Of course I did. I followed the instructions right here.” I then start to panic a little as fiddle with my hair. I look to her, “Does my hair look alright?”

My sister rolls her eyes. “You just put a call out to everyone and you’re now worried about your hair?”

I grin, “Yes.”

Mom sighs, shaking her head.

We then start to hear the sound of laughter coming from the box.

“Aria! You have to turn the orb around, it’s backwards.”

My heart flutters as I grin, reaching for the orb and spins it around. As I do, we watch as scores of images appear in front of us, all bearing the faces of everyone from the Coven. I gaze around, looking at people I haven’t seen since last June. I quickly spot little windows containing the images of my friends, feeling so relieved and excited.

I giggle as I start to tear up. “Hi, guys.”

I am soon inundated with dozens and dozens of people all talking at once, all trying to talk over each other.

“We’ve missed you so much,” says one person.

“You can’t imagine how worried we’ve been about you,” says another. It just goes on and on like an unending tidal wave of questions and worries.

“You girl are in big trouble,” says Mandy.

“We’ve been worried sick about you,” adds Heather. “No calls, no texts, not even so much as a letter. If it weren’t for your call before Christmas, we’d had gone nuts.”

I giggle, “Sorry guys. It’s kind of a long story on why.” They grumble, angrily crossing their arms. I know they’re mad at me, but when you’re lost on a fairy road for a couple months, not really sure what you can do.

I peer to Jenn and her family, still feeling guilty about not making it to St. Louis.

“What we can’t believe is that you’re home, Aria,” says Mr. Bigsby.

“We thought it was lost,” adds Mrs. Bigsby. “So to find that our little box had opened, only means you really did make it home.”

I nod, smiling to them.

“Aria,” I hear another voice chirping up. I peer over as the image of Miss Elizabeth and her family comes into view. “Thank God, I really wished you could have contacted us more.”

I smile to my old team leader. I still recall when Marron and I were traveling to Asha’s house as we discussed my trip to Italy a year prior. That was a great two weeks and it only served to strengthen my friendships with several people.

Several more people chime in, barraging me with questions. I giggle nervously as they do.

I then hear someone calling me “Sissy”. I peer down to see the image of Jonathan and Evie floating up to me. I grin as they both are holding Sammy and Liam.

“Hi guys,” I tell them. “Thank you so much for everything you did for me.”

Jonathan smiles. “We were glad to do so. Oh, and don’t worry about after you left. We’re fine. Edtrich pretty much was at loss with the little strafing run of yours.”

I giggle nodding.

“We were still worried about you,” adds Evie. “I nearly lost my mind after you left.”

I smile, nodding, twiddling my fingers. “We…ran into more trouble along the way. Only for us to end up on the other side of the world.”

She tilts her head, “What, do you mean by the ‘other side of the world’?”

I grin, “That…would be an interesting story to tell if we see each other in person.”

I then look down to see Liam and Sammy jumping for joy, making somewhat of a ruckus. I giggle, “Hey you two.”

“Sissy,” I hear another child call out. I look over to the Aitchesons’ window to see Susie waving to me. I grin to her, so happy to see her safe. As for her brother Robbie, he too is beaming. I giggle, seeing that he’s at least behaving, not that he can really do anything at the moment.

I look to the four little kids, “Have you all been good while I’ve been away?”

All four kids grin massively to me as they nod. I grin in return. Now…they’re parents on the other hand might have saying to say if they were and weren’t. However that’s an entirely different matter for another time.

Jenn floats to me. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you, Babs,” she says. “After you disappeared from the Parkstons, I wanted to come looking for you myself. However, my parents stopped me.”

I grin, “Thanks, Jenn.” To be honest I really shouldn’t be that surprised.

I look to Mandy, “Hey, thanks for everything you did for me. You really kept Regulus off my back.”

She grins, puffing her chest. “Oh…dealing with that asshole was fun. Now keeping his informants busy…that was tough.”

I then watch as her parents instantly scold her for her language. Heh, glad I’m not the only one. Granted, with what I have planned, that’ll shock everyone more.

I turn to Heather. “So…liking Nashville?”

She looks to me shocked only to start chuckling. “That’s what you’re worried about?”

I grin, “Yep.”

She shakes her head, “Priorities, you crazy foxgirl.” She then smiles. “We’re loving it here. Dad’s business really is taking off. We often head down to Franklin when we went a change in scenery.”

I grin, “Yep, know that area pretty well.” I do still think fondly of Franklin when I lived there a long time ago. It now feels like a fleeting memory from my old life, just a string in a long line of them.

“The kids here in St. Louis were being watched by the other covens,” informs Jenn. “Granted we did the same. Although we did get into a couple fights, nothing we couldn’t handle of course.”

I look to her, becoming worried as I remember Grandpa talking about there being a few fights here. I then look to her father, who looks like he recently was in one.

“Hey,” says Jenn perking up, “don’t you go worrying over us.”

She then looks to her dad. “Oh, right. Even the adults were ambushed. But you really should’ve seen who attacked them. Dad really only got hurt when he tried to carry Mr. Geese and Mr. Toller back.”

He smiles, “It wasn’t anything serious. Just know they’re both fine.”

I nod, still worried, now learning what we heard was true. Regulus really sent his goons after my coven. That’s something more I can add to the list of issues I have with him and what he has to pay for.

A window then starts to flash red. I peer down as it comes into view with text scrolling across it.

“I am glad to see you home, granddaughter. Know that I await your message and will be waiting for you.”

I grin as I respond. “Soon, Grandpa. Soon.”

I watch as Miriam face floats in front of me. She beams ever so brightly towards me. I can’t believe I’m seeing my grandmother for the first time in months. Each of our calls still holds something special to me. Just hearing her voice really put me at ease.

“You young lady are truly something else,” she says. “Making your poor grandmother worry over you.”

I grin, “I wasn’t gone that long. Well…maybe for me that is.” I then smirk, “Okay...it’s been awhile, Granny.”

She cackles softly, “You will have to explain that response to me at some point.” She then sighs, looking to me, “With that said, I truly am happy just to see your face once more. And I am in agreement that I too am relieved that you have finally made it home.”

“Hey,” says Henry whose face along with his family lights up as their window grows, “how are you home?”

I grin to him, my lovable rock wizard. I still think it’s flattering and cute that he wanted to ask me out. That was of course before I met Kenji.

A shadow then looms over me as Mom comes into view. “Hello, everyone. It truly has been awhile, hasn’t it?”

The entire coven goes silent as they stare are her. She chuckles, “Oh don’t be that way. I know I worried all of you, however I am indeed alive. Yet I do must apologize for being absent for such a long time.”

She smiles warmly, “I must thank you all for worrying over my daughter, even sheltering her when she needed a refuge.

Jonathan and Evie both smile to her. “We were happy to house your little girl, Rachel,” replies the latter.

Mom smiles and nods. She is then met with a slew of questions from the other adults, to which Mom happily takes as she causes their windows to follow her.

“Marron?” calls out another voice.

I watch as windows float in front of me yet still looks to her as my sister rests behind me. So many people look to her, all smiling with some still in shock.

Marron smiles, nervously waving to everyone. I smile to her, taking her hand. My sister smiles, gripping mine tightly. Like with Mom, they start with questions, but nowhere near the same in intensity. She smiles, answering a few. I lean into her, nearly wanting to revert to being a kitsune just to help her.

I then watch as Miss Annabelle’s face floats to her. Her eyes light up as they gaze at each other.

“Are you doing well, Marron?” she asks. “I hope you haven’t been over-stressing yourself these past few months.”

Marron nods, becoming sheepish. It’s not often that I see her like this, but never is it meant to joke about. Marron is someone I respect and love dearly. So even like this, I never tease her.

Miss Annabelle smiles warmly. “I’m glad to hear that. I miss my daughter dearly, always praying you are well.”

Marron stares at her in shock, move quivering. “D-daughter?”

Miss Annabelle nods. “Yes. You are officially now my daughter, and have been since the summer. I…never got the chance you tell you.”

Marron staggers back at this, holding on to the back of the chair behind her. I smile at the pair. It was something Miss Annabelle told me during the Gathering, yet given how insane the summer became…no one really got to get a word in.

She then smiles, “Thank you…Mother.” She eyes me and holds up her hand, taking the window and walks off a bit so they may talk in private.

“Big doggy,” I hear a child cry out.

I grin, panning over to him, seeing the black wolf both smile and cringe as several little voices all echo the title of their favorite babysitter. He always loved playing the role of the loving “dog” for the coven, acting as the de facto babysitter during the Gatherings, with kids flocking to him, granting their parents a much needed reprieve.

No…it’s just the title he cringes at. Yeah calling a wolf a dog isn’t always a nice thing to say, even if it’s not malicious.

“Fenris,” says Mr. Lancaster. “It’s good to see you again. I hope your little girl hasn’t been giving you too much trouble.”

He smiles, bowing his head. “Not at all, Matthew.” He looks to me, “She has as always been, someone who just needs guidance.”

I grin, silently thanking my lupine father for everything he’s done for me.

“There’s…there’s another big doggy.”

“There’s…a second wolf,” says an adult.

I smile, looking over to Athena motioning her up. “Guys, this is Athena. She’s my second bonded wolf and is the same as Fenris is to me.” I blush softly as she sits next to me, “Meaning she’s my mother as well.”

Everyone simply is in amazement over this. I then giggle as she starts to preen my hair.

“Athena,” I bashfully protest, “not in front of everyone.”

She grins, “You must always look your best, little Aria.”

I blush and giggle more. I then feel another cold nose brushing against my face, looking over to me to find Fenris beside me. I shake my head as I stroke his mane.

He smiles, looking to everyone. The kids go ballistic, all wanting to come see both of my wolves now. Fenris merely claps his jaw, causing them to settle down. Their parents all stand in silent awe; yet quickly remind themselves about him.

“Soon children,” he says, and then looks to me. “They have grown unruly without me.”

I laugh, “Oh, Papa Wolf.” He grins, baring his pearlescent fangs.

“So, Aria,” asks Mrs. Eckerts, “can you tell us more about Athena?”

I sigh, holding onto both wolves. “Sadly, that’s a long and complicated tale I’d much rather do in person.”

She nods.

Yeah, that’s an incredible understatement.

“So what are you plans?” asks Mrs. Davies. This is followed by several other people asking the same.

I nod, taking a breath. “We’re planning to leave for the Court next. There are a few things there that I need to take care of. Then from there, we’re I plan to go to Dewloura where I intend to end everything.”

“Why?” she asks. “Why not just stay home and forget about him? Presumably he doesn’t know you’re back so why not simply go about your life?” Again many express similar opinions.

I nod, they’re not the only who’ve said this to me.

“I have to leave,” I tell them. “If don’t I confront Regulus, then no one will be safe. If I don’t, he’ll release Dewloura on his terms and that will spell disaster for everyone.”

It’s actually true what he said about the city. The power lies within the knowledge and resources left behind there, stretching thousands of years and numerous civilizations. Not to mention the virtually unlimited source of mana he’d have access to for his own research that he could turn into new weapons or leverage on the world.

I take a deep breath. “As it’s heir, it’s my responsibility.”

“You’re just a sixteen-year-old girl, Aria,” says Evie. “You shouldn’t have to do anything. You shouldn’t even be thinking like this. You should be hanging out with your friends, going to the mall, enjoying life as teenager. Not having to carry a burden like this.”

I smile, nodding. “I know. If I could…I would. But I can’t.”

“No you shouldn’t,” says another.

“Just stay home and let someone else deal with him,” another protests.

“Sorry…but I just can’t,” I tell them.

“Okay…then if you’re not backing down,” says Carol Wieland as she puffs flames. “Then why not let us come fight with you?” Like before, this sentiment to share with many.

I look to her, “I can’t ask any of you to risk yourselves more than you already have.”

They’ve already risked a lot just to keep Regulus occupied here, even getting into fights with the covens who allied with him. I worried so much about my coven while abroad, so just the thought of losing them in combat is too much.

“Screw that!” exclaims Alexis as her face comes flying into mine. “We’re family, and family fights for one another.” She smiles, “You were doing the same for Marron.”

“That was different,” I start to protest. “This is war-“

“Hey,” interrupts Henry, “so what? We’ve been fighting in our own way for you this entire time. Now we are coming to fight alongside you, fuzz butt.”

“We’re coming whether you want us to or not,” adds Alexis. “Regardless of what you say, you’re our little sister and our friend so you should be damned sure we’ll be there for you.”

I look to them, all of my coven, trying to think of something that might dissuade them. This feels like I’m reliving when I left Japan and Kenji said the same thing. However like my boyfriend, there’s no way that I’ll be able to.

I sigh, nodding. “Fine then.”

They all smile. God I love these people so much, just willing to charge into the bowels of Hell.

“Now,” says Miriam, “it will be a small party. Nothing too large, just enough to fight while leaving the rest behind in case the other covens try and make a move on us.”

I look to her, smirking, “How are you going to get them to Dewloura?”

She grins, “Leave that detail to me, my dear. Along with more allies in tow.”

I tilt my head, but then simply smile. Knowing her, she’s already had this in mind.

I still sigh, yet now happily as I stand in the presence of my coven. Such a group of wonderful people that I’ve come to love so much these past couple of years. All walks of life, of backgrounds, all hailing from the same place, yet so much more.

I smile to them all, knowing I have something else I want to tell them. “When then is all over, there’s an announcement I’m going to make.”

Everyone smiles, with the kids looking confused at me. I know this will be an extraordinary announcement, something that’ll change a lot of things in the future. However, it’s time that it’s made.

“We’ll wait, Aria,” says Miss Elizabeth.

I smile, nodding as I then feel Mom wrapping her arms around me. I look up to her, holding on your arms. She looks to everyone. “Please remain safe until it’s time.”

Again everyone nods.

It’s a call to war, something even I know I called for. However this is different. Here they were fighting against other covens. We’ll be dealing with far worse than that.

“We want to see you soon, Aria,” says Mandy.

“This time in person, girl. When it’s all over,” adds Heather.

I nod, feeling tears starting to well up. I miss this so much, even though I’ve finally gotten the chance to see their faces after so long. To be with them in person is so must more important.

“Stay safe, Babs,” says Jenn.

I smile, nodding to her as I feel myself choking up. I really do want to burst into tears at how incredibly much I love my coven, love my friends. Soon…soon we’ll be fighting together, fighting to end all of this. I just hope my worries don’t make me sick.

“We need to make preparations,” says my mother. “There is a great deal we must put into place before we leave."

Everyone nods, I glance over to Marron, still blushing and smiling happily. Yet now with tears in her eyes. I smile softly to her, grateful she and Miss Annabelle finally got to talk after so long.

I then watch them say goodbye before watch her image float over to me. She smiles warmly, “I can’t wait to see you again, Aria. Just do as you have always done and look out for each other.”

I grin, nodding. “Until then, Miss Annabelle.”

We watch as everyone waves to us as their images slowly start to coalesce back towards the silver orb. Marron steps over to me wrapping her arm around my shoulder. I smile up at her as I turn and wave to everyone. I still don’t like the idea of them coming to help, but now I can’t say no and they are coming.

The final images melt into the orb as it then slowly floats back into the box, closing tight.

Mom looks to us, “Well, that certainly was fun. However we have much to do.”

We nod to her. Oh yeah, not so much training, but things to pack and a few other items on the docket for us.

A tingle then floats into my heart, something I know all too well has happened. I turn towards the back window, seeing the flash of pink light. I grin broadly, more excited than ever before.

“We just had more people show up,” I declare before turning and heading for the backdoor. Behind me I hear everyone following suit.