by T S Paul
"Yes. We serve him. We guard the Guardians. Protect and defend are our mission. We protect." I could feel my mouth drop open, and my eyes widen.
"Who is the one you serve? Why protect me like this?" Which God did I own my life to now? Is what I should have asked. It was weird talking to a chunk of metal.
Both bracelets warmed up suddenly. Lines of fire spelled out a name engraved upon both of them. It was in hieroglyphics. Quickly I grabbed my cell phone and snapped a picture. Time for the power of Boogle to work its magic.
"We protect the one who is worthy. The Daughter of Light."
My phone dinged, and I looked down. According to Boogle, that particular hieroglyph was used to describe Khonsu. Pursing my lips, I wracked my brain to remember which God he was. Egypt didn't interest me as much as Ireland and Greece did. Fortunately, I was still holding my phone.
"Whatever would I do without technology." The text that popped up said Khonsu was the God of the moon. On of his names was Defender. Another was Pathfinder. I stared at the gold bands with no end secured around my wrists. "Proof and Certainty doesn't fit you very well. Great-Great-Grandmother Verity may have named you, but I bet you had names even before her."
Running my fingers across the newer of the two I could feel the history it contained. Psychometry was not something I was very skilled at. I only get flashes of things when I really concentrate. I can remember disappointing the Witches Council teacher yet again when he tried to force me to perform. I am not a monkey, is what I told him. What I saw from Certainty would make an Egyptologist weep in amazement. I had no idea that what are ruins today once looked so magnificent when new. "Your name is no longer Certainty. I will now call you Pathfinder. You light my way when I need it the most."
"Yes." Echoed in my ear. I was on the proper path already.
Looking at Proof, I could feel the age of it more so than its companion Pathfinder. I couldn't get anything from it that I didn't already know. The impressions of the ages were dulled and muted by the new century and my own adventures. "I will call you Defender. You were there when I needed you, we have battled and won the field together."
"Now my friends, we have a mystery to solve and a Skinwalker to capture. Freeing the Unicorns has been taken out of our hands." I could feel the vibration of both bracelets. Changing their names may have been the key. I would have to see. As it is, they have only helped if I was in danger. Not intentionally.
It was going to be a long night. Looking around I didn't see the old woman who visited me before. She must be busy. The walk back to the bus was short.
"Did you get everything figured out?" Anastasia was sitting in the dark all alone.
"Sort of. I renamed the bracelets. They feel different now. Stronger. It's kind of weird, actually. Where are the others?" I looked around.
"Chuck and Bill are out by the SUV loading it up. Cat is crashing in your Hotel room. Bill said he wanted to sleep in a real bed, so he and Chuck got a room. Seven comes really early when you've been working hard." I frowned and stared at the Vampire.
"Seven? I thought we were going to go at five. Why so late?"
Ana chuckled and smiled. Her fangs actually slipped a little. She almost never dropped fang. It was impolite to do around strangers. "The local office. They like sleeping in is what their Chief said to Bill. They will meet us at the turn off outside the ranch at seven-thirty."
"Business is really slow out here then. I'm surprised they didn't try to wiggle out of even coming with us."
"They did. Bill baited the hook by telling them they would get credit for the arrest and could prosecute the perps." Ana smiled at me again.
"Perps? He honestly used the word perps? He's showing his age this week."
"You know nothing of age, young one. I was old when Bill was but a child. You know this." Ana laughed at me.
"True. It's up to you tomorrow. You can hang out here in the parking lot or bring the bus. I don't expect you to daywalk and freak out the team."
"I don't think that would freak them out. That ship has sailed, Agatha. They either know or don't care. Someone will find out. And soon. While one or two people can keep a secret, four and five cannot. Plus, while there might not be witnesses to what I did, there are reports. The bit of fudging we did to them won't hold up to a real investigation. Soon I will have to own up to my situation, and then it will really hit the fan. There is a total of five elders of my lineage and age still in existence. Once they know for sure who I am? I won't be able to hide. This world isn't big enough to hide from them."
"I might know a place you could go. Let me think on it. So far, I think you're safe. The FBI considers you an asset. Like me. They won't let us go anytime soon."
Ana shook her head. "You are young. Politics is a game. Trust me when I say that what you do now, affects the future because those who control us change. While we don't. The future is very fluid. Always have a backup plan. I think I will stay here where it's safe. I'll keep communications open and watch from overhead. Someone needs to keep an eye on the locals, anyway."
"Whatever makes you happy, Ana. I'm just the boss. See you in the morning. We have a big day ahead of us." I stepped out of the bus and went to my room. All I could think about was, would the Badger Hole Bar even accept a Vampire into their little community?
I tried to be quiet, but old fashioned Hotel keys aren't like key cards. They jingle. Cat was awake when I finally got the door open. "Have fun out there?"
"Maybe. I was touching base with Ana. She's going to run tactical from the bus here at the Hotel. There isn't any need to take her all the way out to the Magnus Ranch with us." I began stripping off my uniform and putting on comfortable stuff.
"Good. Less of a hassle. She can watch the locals for us. They are sure to screw something up on purpose. Bill said they really don't like us. Agent Zusteller told them a bunch of stories when he got back to the office."
"Not the first time that's happened and not the last. My biggest worry is the wild card in the mix. James Magnus. Where is he and what powers does he have? Grandmother told me that halves can have a mix of them. We don't know if his mother was Magickal or just human. I really don't think that Robert is our culprit. Walter sure isn't. His parents may be big time business people, but he isn't. Did he strike you as someone the family would allow to run something?"
Cat laughed. "No, he's a scared puppy dog. It's Robert or the kid. I agree. We just have to find him."
I lay back on the bed. Morning would come way too early, and I could only stare at the ceiling.
Chapter 16
My dreams were filled with battling Gods and hidden Magick users. But that isn't what woke me up. No, this was a terror only a few have seen.
"I'm hungry." The voice sounded as if it was right on top of me.
"Feed me!"
Opening one eye, I could see Fergus standing on my chest and now feel his hooves as he walked. I told him of the raid last night hoping he would be excited.
"Fergus, we are going to arrest Robert Magnus tomorrow for killing Unicorns and draining the land."
"So?" Fergus was standing in his new barn watching cartoons on his phone.
"Well, since you are coming with us I thought you might like to see your herd."
"Why would I do that? Marion won't be happy to see me at all, not without Albert. Sacrifices don't come back. I told you that." He switched off the show with his nose and looked at me.
I shook my head. "Robert Magnus is who killed your father. Don't you care?"
"Will it bring him back?"
When did my Unicorn become such a cynic? Sadly, I said, "No, buddy. It won't. I promise you, we will get justice for your people."
At the time he didn't seem to care much, but now he was gung ho about it. Sometime in the night, he painted himself in camouflage colors.
"How did you do that?" I asked him as I sat up rubbing my eyes.
"Do what?"
"You know what I'm asking about. That." I pointed at hi
s new art.
"I'm in disguise. It's what they wear on my new favorite show." Fergus danced sideways to avoid my hand.
"The ponies on that show don't wear clothes. It's why you like it so much."
"Not that show. This is a new one. It's about a bunch of guys named Jo. They run around fighting people." Fergus began lunging with his horn like he was fighting.
"Jo? Jo, who?" I'm not really up on my cartoons. Grandmother made me play outside as a child.
"He's a real American Hero. I'm ready to go fight the bad guys now. But feed me first!"
Hearing the sound of laughter, I looked towards Cat's bed. "Your Unicorn is too funny. Where'd he get the paint?"
"I'm trying to figure that out. Where did you get the paint?" I looked down at my green and brown Unicorn.
"What paint? No idea what you are saying right now. Where's the food? I'm starving!"
Leaning over I popped open a small plastic container. I could feel the keep-saver spell break as it opened. The smell of freshly cut hay permeated the room.
"Hay!" Fergus took a nose dive straight into the container.
"You know he isn't going to tell you, right?" Cat was still laughing at me.
"I know. We now know he's Magickal, but even I can't apply makeup to the back of my head. How he does, it would be nice to know. Are you ready for today? It will be our first major raid this year."
Cat climbed out of her bed and stared into the mirror. "It will be fun. Do you think they know we're coming?"
"I hope not. The locals might have told them out of spite, but I doubt it. They want the credit for the bust. If anyone even told them it was Frederick Magnus. He doesn't know about our raid, but he does know about being on the Witches Council's hit list. They are going after the whole corporation." I walked into the bathroom area to start getting ready.
"You never explained that part very clearly. I thought they were afraid of your Grandmother? Why would they listen to her now?" Cat called to me.
"She's very persuasive. Grams loves Fergus as much as I do and wants to help. The inside of that house is horrifying, and you know how intelligent Fergus is. To think they have been doing this sort of thing for centuries is sickening."
"Well, we're going to stop it now. Did you hear that Fergus? We're going to stop it." Cat was pulling out her tactical clothing.
<<< >>>
With no help from Fergus, we were up and dressed before the guys. Our SUV was fully loaded and ready to go. The sun was just starting to peak over the horizon when Bill and Chuck stepped outside.
Chuck saw us and cursed. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a bill and handed it to Bill. "You were right."
Bill only smiled and clapped him on the back.
Men.
"Good job loading the car. Are you two ready for this?" I asked.
"About as ready as we can be Agatha. We have our body armor stacked in the back seat. Your's is on top." Bill pointed at the car.
"Uh Oh. No, Agatha. We all agreed on this one. No more going into battle with just your bracelets and spells to protect you. Last time you were almost barbecued by a fireball. Bill and Chuck found a vendor that makes fireproof armor. It's used by the Forestry Service to defend against salamanders, sprites, sylphs, and undines. They have several volcanoes to supervise, and there have been incidences that never made the papers." Cat said.
I opened the car door and pulled out the top vest. It came complete with leggings and what looked like a skullcap hat. "Really?"
Chuck actually giggled and turned away. Bill stood his ground with only a smirk on his face. "You don't have to wear the hat. But it does complete the ensemble."
Sighing, I went back to the room, closing the door behind me. It was then that the terrible trio all burst into laughter. Shaking my head, I started stripping off my outer layers. Their hearts were in the right place.
The armor fits like a glove. It was designed to be worn under my outerwear and was actually very comfortable. I could see myself ordering several more sets of these. Looking in the mirror, I could only see the edge of it sticking out from under my shirt collar. I grabbed the matching gloves and stepped outside. "Ready to go now?"
The others had put on their vests and wore the stereotypical FBI windbreakers over them. Ours said 'Magical Division' rather than just FBI on them. Chuck grabbed the keys from Bill and climbed behind the wheel. He was our best driver.
"This will be the first time we've ever coordinated an arrest like this. So some basics. Anastasia will run tactical from her bus. Her primary duty, beyond watching from overhead, is to ride herd on the local FBI office. Even though we told them they get to make the arrest and prosecute, they might do something stupid. It's her job to not allow that, and if it does happen, she will document the aftermath.
"Our task is to raid the house, capture and arrest Robert Magnus, and Walter Magus. If James Magnus is found, arrest him too. If they attack or resist arrest, respond with force. They are half Fae, so we have no idea of what powers they have beyond Mind Magick. Which brings me to this. That house is a giant Magickal battery that seems to have a will of its own. If it starts to affect you, get out of there. Fighting it will only give it ammo to be used against you. The amulet I gave each of you will protect you for sixty-seconds if you are attacked. Use that time to get out of there." I looked at all my friends.
"Can it neutralize the Magick in there, Agatha?" Cat gave me a look.
"If it's a spell, yes it can. But I think it's the Unicorn parts in there. They are what's powering the place. Short of burning them I don't know what else to do. Just get out if you feel anything. Cat and Chuck, you are protected from most Magick in your changed form so change if threatened. Bill, you are going to have to stay outside for this one. Can you guard the rear? If anyone other than us comes out, tase them. Better to be wrong than let them get away. The locals are supposed to meet us just before the turn-off. Please be nice to them. We are on the same team."
<<< >>>
"We don't take orders from you!"
I looked heavenward and shook my head. What is it with idiots? "Special Agent Cartero, this is our bust. I've already explained that you and your team can have the suspects after we are through with them. We have no intention of bringing them to trial. Our job is to catch them and pass them off. I need you and your team to watch our backs while we do it."
"My TEAM, as you call them, are perfectly capable of taking down any suspect by ourselves, thank you very much. We didn't ask for you or even want you in our jurisdiction!"
In my ear, I could hear Anastasia give me the rundown on this Agent. "He's an up and comer in the Bureau out here. According to records, he has taken credit for every bust and capture that any member of his team has completed. Including two operations on separate sides of the state. My contact in Washington says he's a real brown-noser. Agatha, he has political aspirations. He's not going to back off."
"He will don't worry. Thanks, Ana." The lead agent was starting to wind down as his voice gave out.
Looking Cartero in the eyes I smiled. My right hand began to warm slowly as a fireball formed in it. "Agent, if you're finished? Good. Now we were sent here by Washington to investigate a crime. During the course of that investigation, we discovered an even bigger crime was being committed. This raid is the result of that. We know that each one of your team is uniquely capable of taking on a charging bull or a local drug dealer. But what happens if someone throws a fireball at you?" Turning my hand over I showed the red-faced man a green tinged ball of flame.
The agent recoiled away from me. We were standing literally at the crossroads in the middle of nowhere. The grassland surrounding us was dead or dying. A sign advertising the Ranch was off to one side pointing the way. Looking around, I couldn't see anything that would be counted as collateral damage except the sign. So I tossed it at the sign. The ball of rolling fire shot like a comet, hitting the sign dead center, and burning a hole directly through it. With a wave of
my hand, I reabsorbed the energy and Magick. From the corner of my eye, I saw Cat's eyes widen.
I couldn't do that a month ago. "If that had been you, you would be dead. How are you going to defend yourself now? We are here for a reason. Let us do our jobs. When it's over, you can investigate your little hearts off. We will even give you the redacted records." I held up my hands to stop his protest. "Some things Magickal shouldn't be in the hands of those that don't understand them. Do you understand now?"
"Does Magnus have that kind of power?" Agent Cartero pointed at my hands.
"No idea. He and his nephew Walter Magnus have some sort of Magick. It's not illegal to have Magickal ability. Only how you use it. Trust me when I say that Crowley Prison isn't a fun place to visit. Let us take care of this. Anastasia, our technical specialist, is on Tac-channel four. She will direct you and your team via satellite imagery. Trust her. She was recruited to our team by J Edgar Hoover himself. She knows things. We will be on Tac-channel two, but direct everything to her."
