📎A/N. Hello my lovelies. Looks like you all enjoyed the end of the last chapter, I was literally laughing with each comment that had the word 'finally' in it. Anyone would think I had been torturing you all *evil laugh*

Let's see what this weeks chapter brings... we are certainly getting down to the wire with Leviathan standing on the other side of the door, waiting for her little army to open it for her.

This chapter is a little long, so sit back and enjoy.

Take care and thank you all so very much for your support :-)

❤ ℳ

P.S. This chapter is dedicated to tamoja - go and check out her story Bird, it is not for the faint of heart. You won't regret it.

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The moment the front door to Deacon's mansion opened, Keira and Dayna raced upstairs. Before entering Keira's room, they unwarded the area, and she retrieved the Grimoire from under the bed. She placed it on the bed, sat beside it and began to flip through the weathered pages, yellowed with time.

"Maybe we can use the strengthening spell to increase the vampire's abilities," suggested Dayna. She had taken up a similar position to Keira and studied the passages as they considered each spell.

Keira shook her head and turned the page. "Won't work. That spell was to strengthen something that had been broken; bones; a chair leg, a window. The vampire's abilities are not broken."

They continued to pour over each page in case an idea popped out at them.

"So, what took you two so long to get back to the car?" asked Dayna.

Something in her tone made Keira look up. This was no idle curiosity.

Keira reached for her amulet and fingered it nervously. "We were right behind you."

Dayna raised an eyebrow and stared pointedly at her. "If you say so."

They resumed scanning the pages for a possible solution. The room was quiet for all of ten seconds before Dayna said, "So why did you look so guilty?"

Keira groaned inwardly. Her sister was like a dog with a bone. She had spent the entire ride back to the house trying to not think about that kiss. However, the more she tried not to, the more her body remembered it. The feel of his lips against hers as he lit every nerve ending she didn't know she had, was a bliss she hadn't experienced in a long time. Keira face heated even further as she recalled just how aroused he had made her in such a short amount of time.

"So you did get up to something," said Dayna, "you're blushing."

Keira, not able to meet her sister's intense gaze turned back to the Grimoire. "I am not."

Dayna giggled. "Methinks the lady doth protest too much. Are you going to tell me what happened or can I just use my imagination? Even with his vamp skills, there's no way you had enough time to do the deed. That leaves so many options." Dayna tapped a finger against her bottom lip. "Which one to choose that would have my boring sister all in a fluster?"

Keira rubbed her forehead in exasperation. "Oh for Mother Earth's sake, it was just a kiss, so you can get your mind out of the gutter."

Dayna squealed, jumped on the bed, fell to her knees and began to bounce. "I knew it. I knew it. So how was the tonsil hockey with Sheriff McSexy? Was it hot? What am I saying—of course it was. The man knows what he's doing, and from your particular shade of scarlet, he's very good at it." She clapped her hands together. "I want details; details I tell you."

The moment Dayna had leapt onto the bed, Keira had snatched the Grimoire out of harm's way. "You can want all you like; it's not going to happen."

Dayna scrunched her nose in a childish sulk. "Not fair! You spoil all my fun. Well, you leave me no choice." She jumped off the bed and headed towards the door. "I'll just have to ask Ryker. I'll get him to rate your ability. Even you can't have stuffed something up as simple as a kiss."

At her sister's threat, Keira dropped the Grimoire on the bed, raced towards the door, and placed herself between the exit and Dayna. "You will do no such thing. It was a one-time thing that shouldn't have happened."

"Poppycock," scoffed Dayna. "You're deluding yourself. You two are a ticking time bomb. Give me some credit. I'm neither blind nor stupid, I'm just surprised it took that long." She paused. "Actually I'm not, it's you we are talking about."

"Look, there's nothing between us. You know as well as I do it can't work."

Dayna rested a hand on her hip. "Last time I looked, he's a man; you're a woman – just. You both have bits made to work together. So, have you seen his bit yet? It's been a while since I've been with a vamp, but let me warn you, they are like the Eveready Bunny, they go on and on—"

Keira covered her hands over her ears. "Dayna," she cried out in desperation. "Enough! I'm not having this conversation.'

Dayna crossed her arms over her chest and regarded Keira. "Fine. I'll let it drop for now. But just let me say this; whatever crap you have going on in that head of yours, you need to rethink. Mother raised us to get the most out of life; when are you going to start?"

Keira opened and close her mouth in a fish-like motion. This wasn't the time nor the place to have this discussion. Instead of replying she headed back towards the Grimoire. "We should be focusing on Leviathan, not trivial matters such as this."

Dayna snorted. "Suit yourself; but don't consider this the end of the conversation."

Keira flipped the book open and muttered, "I wouldn't be so lucky."

As she resumed leafing through the pages, Keira drew in a deep breath when her eyes fell on writing she hadn't seen before. While they had only recently been reunited with the book, she knew it well. The smell of the worn leather that protected the secrets within, the feel of each page under her fingertips as she brushed them across the words, her mother's clear script, Dayna's flowery, and her careful writing. Each held a memory. Some happy, some not so much.

Over the past few days, they had poured over the book that many times there was no way they would have missed this.

"Dayna, you haven't added anything, have you?"

Her sister stood in front of the large dresser mirror, her long locks bunched upon her head as she turned from side to side, deciding on whether to leave it up or down. "No," Dayna said as her hair fell and dropped over her shoulders and down her back. "Why?"

Her hands swept over her tresses and blond was replaced by shocking pink. She swiveled around to face Keira. "What do you think."

When she took note of Keira's shocked expression, she stopped. "What's the matter?"

Keira pointed to the book. "I think you'd better take a look at this."

As they investigated further, Keira counted five new spells and a message addressed to them. She wasn't sure what to be more concerned about, the fact they hadn't noticed the pages before, or that the pages were penned in their mother's hand. Without meaning to, she clutched at the amulet around her neck.

"How did we miss this?" Dayna whispered.

Keira scanned the page, her eyes faltering at the first sentence. "We didn't."

My dearest daughters,

If you are reading this, it heralds Leviathan's imminent breach to the gates of this world. For it is only then these words will be revealed along with five spells. As I do not know the manner in which the attack will take, I can only hope they will help you to fight her and the masses that worship at her feet. Be strong and mindful that there is power in strength, not numbers.

This missive is not the way in which I expected my last words to you to take. My intention was to live well into senility with my grandchildren and family near. However, daughters, fate has intervened and written another path in which I must travel.

Do not think ill of me, children of my body and heart, for I will be with you always; if not in body, in spirit. We are standing at an impasse, and I must put an end to it. I believe it is because we failed to admit our own weaknesses, and thought ourselves too superior to not realise the danger that lurks beneath the surface. Evil knows no bounds and will always find a way. My daughters, you must be vigilant.

The decision I make today is the only course of action. It will once and for all cease the Legions ability to walk through the door.

We will win this battle, but the war still wages. She will never stop; her hatred for man is too intense to allow her solace in her reign of the underworld. I know not the outcome, but sure as the sun will rise each morning, Leviathan and her army will not stop in their quest to wreak havoc on earth.

As I write this, my last words to you, my tears fall to the page in grief. I do what I must to protect you. If things unfold as I expect, the Legion will not be able to walk through or march between the worlds unless the door is open. As long at the door remains closed, their bodies will never set foot on the earth. With my last breath, my dearest daughters, lights of my heart, I will leave you with two gifts.

The first is the gift of life. You, as I, have a purpose. What yours will be, I cannot say, but you will age with the earth itself. This is a gift, a burden and a prison. No doubt, by the time you read this, one, if not all three of these states will have come to pass.

The second gift will not manifest itself until needed. The elemental laws will bend, and you will be able to draw upon earth, fire, water and sky. Which of these elements you command will depend on your ability to command them.

Use this power wisely. It is given for a single purpose. To protect man. I know what I ask of you dear daughters is a heavy weight to carry. It will not be an easy journey. I only hope you walk it together and feed upon each other's strength. You are mightier than you think and deserve every goodness that life has to offer.

When the time is right, you will be endowed with your final two gifts. What they are and when, I am unsure, but know this: he will only show himself when he sees fit and not before.

I can only hope that with time you forgive me for leaving you in such an abrupt manner. Have courage. You are the children of my womb and daughters of the earth. Know I love you with my every fibre, and even in death, my love will remain.

Your loving mother,

Annabeth

As she read through their mother's words, tears streamed down Keira's face. It was if she were standing beside them, guiding them forward. She wiped her eyes and glanced across at her sister. Dayna wept quietly. Her hands clenched on her lap as her body convulsed in silent sobs.

Unable to see her sister in so much pain, Keira moved across the bed and wrapped her arms around Dayna. The moment she did, Dayna rested her head into the crook of Keira's shoulder, and the floodgates opened. They'd not had the chance to say goodbye. One moment she was there, full of life and vitality. The next—gone.

When she was spent, Dayna pulled away and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. She reached across to a box of tissues and blew her nose.

As she did, Keira smiled. Everything else Dayna did, was gentle and ladylike. This, however, did not extend to nose blowing. It was as if the trumpet of Jericho blew.

"Well, that at least explains the balls of fire and the bag," said Dayna between blasts. "But I still don't understand how she knew. And who's this person that's going to show himself?"

Keira rubbed her face with her hands in frustration. They were the same questions that ran through her mind. However, she did not see any answers forthcoming at any point in the near future. "I don't know, but maybe there's an answer with one of the spells she left."

"Hopefully there's one to smite Legions who have taken over a person's body," said Dayna.

Keira sucked in her bottom lip, and her shoulder sagged.

Dayna's eyes widened, and she looked as if she were about to break down again. "Surely we'll try and save the hosts?"

As much as Keira wished otherwise, the poor souls who had the misfortune of being taken as hosts were gone. Short of divine intervention, nothing would bring them back.

"Are you sure?" asked Dayna reading her dower expression. "Maybe there's still something left?"

Keira shook her head. "This is going to end in one of two ways. We will have to explain nearly one hundred dead tourists and locals."

"What the other?"

"Leviathan will turn those hundred into thousands."

Dayna's clenched her hands. "Well, we'll just have to stop that skanky bitch then."

"One step at a time. First, let's work out how."

Keira and Dayna set to work studying the content of the additional pages. When they emerged downstairs two hours later, Keira was surprised to discover Ananya carrying a large tray across the foyer towards the large front room.

"Hey you old tart," Dayna called out as they reached the bottom step. "I thought you'd gone home."

Ananya gave Dayna a toothy grin. "I heard the others were headed over, and I couldn't leave my boys when they needed me the most."

"What are you talking about? What others," asked Kiera.

"They just arrived. I've made a nice pot of tea for everyone," Ananya said over her shoulder as she disappeared through the door.

Keira and Dayna followed, none the wiser. The moment they stepped into the room, Keira stopped short. What was left of the CrossRoads coven, milled around the lounge in small groups. In addition to them, there were at least another dozen people she had never seen before.

"I figured we were going to need them," said Ryker as he materialised by Keira's side.

Deacon nodded towards the far corner where a small group of men lurked in the shadows as if trying to blend in with the wall. "We also have every vampire in the area and more will be here tomorrow. That includes at least three Primordial Vampires."

As they spoke, Maize moved towards them. "We also have the strongest witches from some of the local covens. I figure every bit will help."

Keira stiffened. It was bad enough that the vampires knew what was going on, but to take it outside of the CrossRoads was unheard of.

Maize raised her hands. "Now hear me out. I know the other coven will have no abilities to help with the door, but from what you've told us about the Order, we are dealing with a bunch of deranged humans. I made a judgement call and let them know what was happening. They were more than happy to help."

Grant stepped forward and placed an arm around Maize. "They took our baby girl. I have as much a right as anyone here to seek revenge. While I may not have the right magic to fight what's coming through that door, I and the others can certainly deal with the scum who got us into this mess in the first place. And," he took a deep, shaky breath, and looked pointedly at a tall man in wireframe glasses who could have passed for a librarian. "It turns out that that many of the older covens know CrossRoads was protecting something, just not what."

There was a murmur of agreement from the others.

Speechless, Keira looked around the room. While she had no choice in the matter, the others did. They did not ask for this fight, nor were they expected to lay down their lives to keep a deluded god from her vengeance. However, from their determined expressions, this is exactly what they were hell-bent on doing.

"So," said Maize, breaking the silence. "How are we going to kick their arses?"

The sound of someone clearing their throat caught their attention and Keira swung around. Deputy Wilbur Mitos stood in the doorway, shuffling from foot to foot.

Mother Earth! How much did he hear?

Ryker was the first to recover. "What are you doing here?"

"To help."

"Help with what?" asked Ryker as he glanced towards Keira.

Mitos let out a snort. "I've lived in this godforsaken zoo all my life." He crossed his arms over his chest. "The people are about as retarded as they come. There's too many chinks, i-ties, towel heads, fags, girly-boys, and general fuckheads for my liking; but they are my retards. Fuck with them, and I'm going to have something to say about it."

Ryker stiffened and adopted a menacing pose. "I'm still not sure why you're here."

"I know what you all are," Mitos said as he pointed around the room. "Always have. Don't know what's going on, but I know shit's about to hit the fan. Whatever it is, I wanna help. I 'ain't no walking freak show like you bloodsuckers, and the only magic I know is how to make food disappear off a plate in record time. But I do know how to use a gun, and I know every inch of this goddam state."

From his determined stance, there was no budging him. Keira didn't know who was more surprised. Her for the odd turn of events, or Ryker from the sudden discovery that he hadn't been as careful around the deputy as he thought.

Ananya thrust a cup of tea in Mitos's hand. "That doesn't mean I'm going to let you win at Bingo next week," she said.

Once Ananya had ensured everyone was not about to dehydrate, she sat on the nearest chair and looked to Keira. "You were about to tell us about the plan?"

Ryker stared at her, and he hitched a thumb into his utility belt. "And it better not include a part where you catch a bullet for the rest of us. You need to tell us how we are going to stop the end of days."

Keira grimaced at his menacing tone. "It's less of a plan and more of an educated guess."

It turned out that in addition to the spells, their mother had imparted as much information as she knew on the Legion and Leviathan. Most of it, the sisters were already aware of. However, there were enough new facts that gave them a vague idea of how they might go about fighting the threat. With the additional witches and vampires, they might have a chance of getting through this.

By the time Keira and Dayna had outlined what they needed to do, it was only a few hours till sunrise.

"I suggest that everyone gets a couple of hours sleep," said Deacon as he glanced around the room. "There's still a lot of work that needs to be done before this evening, and it would not do if you are fatigued or below par. Provided you don't mind doubling up, we have enough room for everyone."

He turned to Keira and Dayna. "Do you think you could place a protection spell around the property? I'd like to give everyone a break and to recharge, so to speak."

Keira nodded. Even though the vampires did not require as much sleep as humans did, they would need to gather their strength and feed.

Ananya rose from her seat. "I'll show everyone to the spare rooms upstairs."

As she rounded up the witches, Deacon addressed the Vampires. "You are welcome to the guest house. Should you require sustenance, you will find it amply stocked. I will notify the others standing guard to join you."

Before she followed the others, Maize reached out and gave Keira a hug. "No matter what happens tonight I want you to know that we appreciate everything you've done for us. Without you, we would have never understood what we had lost. We are stronger because of you. You are the reason we have a chance to win this thing."

Once she left, the room fell silent. Only Ryker, Deacon, Dayna and Keira remained.

Keira, not able stand any longer from the weight that had settled on her shoulders, sunk down into one of the leather couches. "I am also responsible for their deaths," she whispered.

A low growl vibrated across the room. The next moment, Ryker stood over her and had tilted her chin upwards to meet his intense gaze. "You are not to blame yourself for what might or might not happen. Leviathan is responsible for all of this, not you. Never forget that," he said.

"He's right," said Dayna, "Mother may not have had a choice, but you read her words, we clearly do. We have the tools; we just need to work out how to use them."

Dayna placed a hand on Deacon's arm. If you'll show me to the guest house, I will place a protection spell around that first." She then turned back to Keira, "I'll do upstairs if you take care of down here?"

Keira took a deep breath and nodded. There was no way she could sleep anyway, she may as well make herself useful.

Dayna tugged on Deacon and pulled him out the door. "Come on big boy, I need my beauty sleep, and then I need to work out what to wear to go into battle with an army of Zombies and an evil Goddess." There was a short silence followed by a little squeal. "Oh, you must try on that grey polo neck, you'll look so dapper, and it'll be easy to move in when you're breaking their necks."

When they heard Deacon respond with an indignant, "You will go nowhere near my wardrobe," both Keira and Ryker relaxed and broke into laughter.

"And you're sure she's your sister?" Ryker asked, his eyes full of mirth.

Keira chuckled. "Of course she is, we look alike."

"She could just be a doppelgänger."

Keira raised an eyebrow. She knew what he was up to. Surprisingly it had worked, she was less panicked and more focused.

Ryker shrugged. "Okay then, she's your sister." He held out a hand towards her. "Let's make a start on the protection spell down here."

She took his hand, and he pulled her up into a standing position.

"You go ahead," she said, "you heard Deacon, you need to feed. I'll finish once Dayna is finished with the guest house, then head up to bed."

Keira made a move towards the small candle by the window that had taken up permanent position over the last few nights. Before she got too far, Ryker blocked her path. "You do know that sort of speed makes one dizzy," she said as she attempted to move around him.

"Moving at that speed doesn't affect me."

"It wasn't you I was referring to."

Once again Ryker blocked her from moving around him.

Keira placed her hands on her hips and glared at him. "What are you doing? Are you trying to irritate me?"

His mouth twitched into a half grin. "There are many things I'd like to do to you, irritating you is not one of them."

Keira physically pushed him to one side and marched the rest of the distance to the candle. Once she had finished the protection incantation, she turned, only to bump into his solid chest. Her heart thumped out of beat at the sudden shock.

She took a step back and looked up. Ryker's expression was unreadable as he regarded her.

"What?"

"Promise me you won't take any unnecessary risks tonight."

Keira wilted under his unrelenting stare. The intensity was unsettling. "I'm not planning on committing suicide by Leviathan, if that's what you are thinking."

"If what you said about the message your mother left you is true, you do not need to do what she did to beat them."

Keira cocked her head. "I'm aware of this."

"Just making sure," he said. "Dayna needs her big sister. Who's going to keep her grounded?"

She let out a half laugh. "My sister can take care of herself. Haven't you worked that out by now." Finally managing to get around him she headed towards the door. "Let's get the other rooms done, and we can all get some rest."

"I want you to come to bed with me."

The words were spoken so quietly she nearly missed what he'd said. Keira stopped in her tracks. Without turning around, she asked, "What did you say?"

A gentle hand rested on the nape of her neck and goosebumps erupted across her skin at the contact. Exerting very little pressure, he brought her around to face him. Keira's breath quickened at the intimate movement.

"Doc, as much as I'd like to find just where those runes of yours are, you need to rest. I just want to make sure you do. If that means I need to be in the bed beside you to make sure that happens, it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make."

Ryker then dipped his head down and grazed her lips with his. He raised his head again and said, "And I wouldn't bother fighting me on this one. You'll lose every time."

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📎A/N..  Ryker, you sly dude!! you are getting a little forceful ;-) LOL!!

.....well that was a turn of events... they actually have a plan... or at least I hope they do.

And mumma Annabeth leaving them a note... how freaky!! I hope she's given them enough ammunition to be able to deal with the Legions. It must have been sad for the sisters reading their mothers last words to them a few hundred years after she actually penned it, then hid the words :-(

The CrossRoads coven has turned up with some friends and the vampires are in as well, not to mention Mitos giving us the surprise of our lives.... perhaps he's not as bad as we thought??

Don't forget to vote and all feedback welcome.

Take care,

❤ ℳ