At the end where Destiny awaits: Book 6 of the Kinstone series
Chapter 21: Restoration

Near the start of September I finally have regained enough strength to begin my training. I fall back to the same methods I use while instructing Aria, namely focusing on reclaiming my abilities. I know my purpose, to fight and protect my girl. Yet it’s true I still have not a faintest clue to where she is right now.

Magic swirls around me each day, channeling and harnessing my power. I spent days casting spells, firing them at numerous targets. I grin, watching dozens of mud golems race around me, ever changing their speeds and directions.

Fire rages about while lightning arcs brilliantly as I strike at my opponents. If any come close to me, I beat them away, swirling my staff and striking them. Water comes splashing out from magic circles. I use my hands to direct the flow and speed of the water as I churn my targets within the torrential whirlpool.

It’s exhausting yet it’s what is needed. I have to laugh, knowing my own daughter is no doubt doing the same with Fenris and her knights. She always loves to train, to better herself.

During her recovery after her battle with Diana, she resorted to tai chi katas to regain her physical abilities while still unable to truly exert herself. I often do the same, having passed that proclivity onto her. I have to laugh, thinking Velhemina is right in that Aria and I truly are more alike than we know. She is my daughter after all.

Each day I train, I feel myself regaining my center. Each day I feel myself returning to where I was before that battle in July.

I am even soon joined by Sil’vari as she too has regained enough strength to finally leave her cave. We train hard, sparring both physically and magically, lobbing spells and dragon flame at one another. We can’t help but smile during our session, feeling somewhat connected to Aria.

The fields where we spar are constantly watched by the dryads to repair and prevent any damage that may come to the forest. Velhemina meanwhile maintains a vigil to ensure neither of us overextend ourselves.

Weeks soon fly by and the calendar soon turns to October. Our training continues unabated yet as a special day arrives. I can’t help but wonder if Aria has celebrated her birthday during all of this. It’s unfathomable to me that my little girl is now sixteen. I smile, that’s all I can think of her as, my precious little girl.

I remember turning her into a five-year-old child, one of the most incredible days of our lives. Oh the wonders of holding my little girl in my arms and carrying her about. She was so small and fragile as I held her, nervousness and yet a sense of new revelation filled her mind that day. Everything to her was new from her perspective. I still recall watching her sleep after a long day of exploring and playing. I only wish the spell lasted longer.

Even in my happiest of memories, I know she is out there. I still hope and pray that Marron somehow managed to replace her. Those two need each other in order to move forward.

As time moves by, the Manor is nearly repaired, yet more is left to complete. The fields themselves are harvested for what few extra crops survived the attack. I should be grateful that we had stored much away over the years in large cubes, the very same ones I filled Aria’s bag with. Food I placed into them decades ago still smell and taste the same the day they were placed into them.

I take a stroll down to the lake one day. The waters are calm and cold, much like the rest of the Estate. I gaze out onto the lake, hearing the absolute stillness. I sigh softly, feeling how empty it is without the gossip. This is their home, their sanctuary.

I turn my attention to where their grotto lies and then to the distant hills where their portal rests. I hope they were able to make it through and take refuge in Nerazon. While there I pray they were brought under the protection of Savero.

Savero is a good man, and I have to laugh how he is now an older brother to Aria. I am certain he has been extremely worried over her like so many others.

After he came here, on the same day Aria learned of her heritage, he sent a personal letter of apology for the actions of his minister. I know for a fact that Aria would have indeed killed the arrogant merman if he hadn’t retracted his threats.

A strong odor permeates the air. My attention turns the dozens of rotting dragon corpses that Aria and Sil’vari felled. I shake my head, knowing the rest of the Estate without a doubt can smell them as well. I still have to wonder what other manner of beings Regulus was able to ensnare into his ranks.

I walk over to Aria’s favorite outcropping, the site of many important events in and around her life. Here is where she met her sister, played with the gossip, dealt with Savero. I know there are even more to come.

I sit under the tree and lean back against it. I close my eyes, trying to sense her through our mana bond. After a moment or two of nothing happening, I come to remind myself that I can’t while we’re still sealed away. Just what more is there to do? I worry over her constantly, yet I'm helpless.

I sigh, shaking my head. As much as I want to try and leave here, I know that nothing can be done until we are free of the seal. In the back of my mind, I start to wonder if it ever will come down.

November arrives and with it we all decide to lift our spirits if but a little. All still residing here gather together and hold a massive dinner, giving thanks for those still here while again silently mourning and long for those who are not.

The event is solemn and quiet, yet we try and make the best of it. We sing songs, tell stories, and even have the children join in on the fun. The youngest of the harpies and dryads all sit with each other and play while their elders watch and smile, feeling the weight of it all being lifted if only slightly.

Velhemina, Sil’vari and I smile, feeling some measure of levity in this bleakness. The combat maids all join in as well. Marie finally pulled herself from her workshop and put on a show for the little ones using one of her many inventions. Bianca has been adjusting to her new eye, though it causes her some pain. It just takes time.

Lyra and Abigale each enjoy a moment while watching the others. The valkyire is a bit more jovial than her counterpart, yet she still reserves a great deal of her worries. Abigale merely smiles, obviously worrying over a great deal. She’s not the only one. I pray she can relax and enjoy herself if only for a moment.

December soon arrives and the repairs to the Manor are nearly complete. I start to order efforts to shift towards the restoration of the greenhouse. That in of itself will take a great deal of time. More steel and glass are produced each day.

Velhemina is active in its reconstruction, even having premade plans for a wholly new design. Her new home will be larger, more expansive than the last one. It’s been something on her mind for the past few years, seeing how a certain little girl came into our lives.

Sil’vari is now flying daily, having fully regained her strength. I smile from my balcony as I watch her.

I turn the page of the book I’m reading when I feel something strange. I peer up and out the balcony window to watch the sky shift slightly from the now normal hazy grey to patches of light blue sky. I feel my skin tingle as I step outside as the shifts become more and more frequent. Soon the sounds of glass breaking reverberate throughout the Estate as the sky begins to crack and shatter.

My heart instantly leaps into my throat, as I know what this signifies. A smile yet sense of urgency rise up within me.

“Professor, the seal is beginning the break,” I call out to him telepathically. “We need to erect a barrier as we are pulled back into the normal world.”

“I hear you, my Lady,” hearing him in my mind.

As the cracks and shifts increase, I can feel the rushing of mana from the leyline flooding back into the Estate. We link our magic, the same as we did upon sealing us away and slowly re-erect the barrier that once shielded us. The effort is exhausting, even with a sphinx combining his power with my own.

The barrier soon rises and covers the Estate while the seal crumbles and I can feel the outside world once more. I feel my legs tremble from exhaustion, forcing me to lean onto my banister, panting heavily. Yet a smile forms on my face.

The sound and wing flaps soon fill my ears as Sil’vari soon lands beside me, quickly catching me.

“Is…is this what I think I means? Is Aria safe?” she asks.

I nod, holding onto her, smiling from ear to ear. “Yes, she must be.” I then gaze out onto the Estate, now hearing the cheers and adulation of many. Oh how to finally have our hope and faith finally vindicated after so long.

I look up to her, “I plan on leaving soon.”

She looks to me, helping me up to my feet. “Are you sure you have the strength to do so?”

I smile, “I do, but not without precautions. I will wait a while longer.”

“Mom, where are you? I miss you.”

I then feel a wave of emotion rushing into my heart, causing me to stagger a bit with tears welling up in my eyes. I pant heavily, staring off into the distance. “Oh sweetheart, oh my precious girl.”

She’s there, truly out there. However her mind is jumbled and while the mana bond is intact, the link is a mess. I feel her, but it’s as though her presence is scattered like the wind.

“What is it?” asks Sil’vari.

I smile to her, “I felt her, and she is indeed alive however I can’t replace her.” I turn back out onto the Estate, “But I know someone who can help.”

It takes me a week or so to both recover from having to exert so much of my magic all at once and to prepare for my journey. Unfortunately, my plane was destroyed when I fell for that trap in England, and I dare not attempt any other method lest one of Regulus’ agents are watching any other form of transport. That leaves only one option, one I’m not particularly fond of.

In that time, the seal fully collapsed and we fully transition back to our world.

I pack up a few things, mostly some clothes and potions I made. I truly have nothing left to prepare for physically. It’s what I fear that has happened in my absence I’m more concerned about.

I head for the foyer, carrying my small bag. The Manor is still, feeling anxious. I know it senses my impending departure. Once more a critical piece of it is leaving. It, along with others, longs to be made whole again.

I step out onto the driveway, seeing that most of the broken pylons have been removed. That’s another item that will we have to work on in the future. I smile down as I met by Sil’vari and Velhemina and the combat maids.

Velhemina smiles, pulling me into an embrace. “Find our girl,” she says softly. I smile, nodding as I hug her back.

I feel a clawed hand on my shoulder. I pan up to see Sil’vari nodding. “I’m praying you will be successful, Rachel. I wish I could go with, we both know we can’t leave our home unprotected. Especially since we can’t count on a certain 'weed' for protection.”

The alraune huffs and glares at her. “Of all the nerve you gluttonous saurian.”

Sil’vari grins, baring her fangs in delight. I shake my head, smiling at the pair. They’ve always been like this for as long as I’ve known them. Always bickering, insulting each other, but never malicious. I often might replace Aria with a snack of some kind during one of their more heated disputes, simply to enjoy the show.

I turn to the maids who all are smiling to me. Abigale and Lyra’s faces are a mix of joy and longing. I know each of them are worried for me, yet also are anxious for news on Aria. I know I could call anyone I want to, but I have to leave and do this in person.

“Please replace her, my Lady,” says Abigale.

I nod. This isn’t the same as it was in the summer; we’re not nearly as frantic or with souls injured. I smile to her, “I shall, if not learn something of her.” The kikimora nods to me.

Lyra remains stoic however I can tell she’s as anxious as Abigale. She smiles, “I won’t repeat what Abigale has said, but I do miss my student terribly.”

I grin, nodding. I want to return to the loud clacking of wooden swords in the morning. It became a welcoming tune to wake to.

I turn to Bianca and Marie, both looking as worried as ever. I smile, pulling them close. They miss their friend deeply. Bianca and Aria are the closest in age and therefore very close. I often would see them together in the library, passing little notes to each other.

Marie on the other hand would often get into mischief with Aria. A kitsune and mischievous automata, we might as well have them set the world ablaze.

I smile to them all, slightly nervous to leave now, but leave I must. I know our home is in good hands. The barrier is up and stronger and more concealing than before. Our forces, while diminished to some degree, are back to full strength, and no one knows we have returned. Secrecy is our greatest ally at the moment.

“My Lady!!!”

I turn towards the side of the garage to replace Sebastian and the kobolds as they come into view. My eyes widen as the twins come running to me. I quickly kneel down with open arms as they rush into me. I feel their tiny arms clinging tightly to my coat, and bury the faces into my chest. They whimper softly as their furry faces rub against me.

I plant little kisses on their head while stroking their hair. “Oh how it is good to see you children.”

Micha looks up to me, tears rolling down his face. “We missed you so much, my Lady. We were so scared we’d never get to come home.” I smile, caressing his face. He then looks around. “Where’s Big Sister?”

Luna, oh precious Luna, equally looks to me. “Is Big Sister home?”

I sigh, shaking my head. “I’m afraid not.” She tears up and cries into my chest. Micha’s face seems to deflate with more worry. It’s obvious how much they miss Aria, seeing how they practically grew up with each other these nearly past three years.

“My Lady,” I hear their father say.

I look up, seeing Warwick and his family standing by. I smile. “It's good to see you, my friends, but how did you know to return? I haven't sent out a message to anyone.”

He smiles, “Somehow we knew it was time to come home. Granted, it took us a bit longer to get back together.”

“That would be my fault, my Lady,” adds Sebastian. I smile to him, ever so glad to see him home once more. His chiseled face remains the paragon of stability yet his beard is now slightly more defined, longer. I actually replace it rather endearing. He at times played the fatherly role to Aria, always nearby with a comforting word and gentle presence. I’m grateful she has such wonderful men in her life.

“Everyone was scattered yet I was able to replace many and keep them safe.” He then sighs, “The evacuation efforts were a success to some degree.”

Warwick places his hand onto the lycan’s shoulder. “Oh don’t be that way,” he says. “We were safe with my uncle and his family. Although I couldn’t help but wonder if someone else was keeping watch over us.”

I smile, Josephine, bless you dear. She lives not too far from where Warwick’s family resides, so it wouldn’t be all that hard to make sure they were safe. I know for a fact that Regulus would have loved nothing more than to use them to draw out Aria.

Warwick then looks to me, “I truly am glad to be home and to see you once more after these long months.”

I nod, “I feel the same as you my friend and I thank you.” His family all smile and look to me. I still can’t fully describe how happy and relieved I am to see them all here.

I feel the gentle tug of the little ones holding onto me. I smile, peering down to them.

“Are you going to replace Big Sister?” asks Micha.

I nod, “I am, there is much I do not know over these past few months.” I lean down and plant more kisses onto their little heads. “I do promise to bring her home.”

They grin, wagging their little tails. I don’t know how long it will take or how far I have to go but I will replace some clue to where my daughter is. She is a part of this place and the lives of those who live here. I peer up to everyone and smile as I slowly let go of the little ones.

I take a few steps from everyone and summon forth magic and then teleport away.