Chapter 46
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Chapter 46: In the Dark
Notes: Chapter 30 would probably be a good chapter to review to understand this chapter better.
Warnings: Post editing and special effects galore! :p
"It's been so long... I began to believe you would never return."
"I am here now." she replied, her voice low. Quietly, like a ghost, she had walked around the foot of the bed to relight a candle that had burned out. The wick hissed softly, flaring for an instant.
"It makes me... happy." her sister's voice was hoarse and wavered weakly. "I've dreamt of you. Terrible things. But it warms my heart to see you well."
"Are you in pain?"
"No. There has been no pain."
"I'm glad to hear this."
"It does not mean that she hasn't suffered, Helene," said her other sister from across the bed. Her voice was sharp and full of suppressed anger. "You can not possibly understand what has become of her. There is a darkness here and you've brought this down upon us..."
"Peace, Sibyll." The words from the sick woman were almost whispered but it filled the room. "Our sister has returned to us. There is no more darkness..."
"...For my sake... for all our sakes, forgive her for whatever you believe she's done. She is our blood. And it is what binds us and makes us so strong."
"You are wise, sister." Helene smiled and lowered herself to kiss her sister softly on the forehead. "I pray that your suffering ends soon. Now sleep... You've done well."
Jasmine could barely sit through class. She kept glancing down at her cell phone impatiently. The second it was over, she jumped up and practically ran across campus.
Gabriel's class was just about done as well, but he wasn't as eager to leave apparently. The girl from the Tri-Var sorority was doing her best to hold his attention.
She sighed, tapping Gabriel's envelope against the glass to get his attention. He tried to ignore her, but finally gave up the louder she tapped. He held up his hands, annoyed.
Gabriel: Sorry Tashia. We can talk later.
Tashia: It's okay. I guess none of the Baird sisters have anywhere important they need to be. Like class.
Jasmine rolled her eyes as Tashia smirked at her.
Tashia: I'll see you later, Gabe.
Jasmine: "I'll see you later, Gabe." Since when are you all overly friendly with the Tri-Var girls?
Gabriel: I think you've forgotten how to properly interact with the rest of society. If you thought I was being overly friendly with her, you're reading way too into it. I was just giving her some advice.
Jasmine: Yeah, I bet you were giving her advice.
Gabriel: Maturity, Jasmine. Give it a shot sometime, you just might find it interesting.
Gabriel: So, we're reading my mail now.
Jasmine: It wasn't sealed or anything. Ask my Dad something, especially with me around, and you know I'm going to want to know what it's about.
Gabriel: First of all, I had no idea you were with your Dad this morning. Secondly, you have an interesting concept of other people's privacy.
Jasmine: Like you weren't going to tell me what this is all about.
Gabriel: Well you've already gone ahead and read it, why don't you tell me what it's about?
Jasmine: You're researching the Landgrabb Mansion... the Secret Society House and you asked my Dad to get you information on this building. This isn't just another class "assignment" is it?
Gabriel: You don't know that.
Jasmine: But you know there's something weird about this place, right?
Gabriel: Go on, Sherlock.
Jasmine: The night you ended up there... with Willow. You guys were searching for something?
Gabriel: A ghost to be precise. Chasing ghosts. Perfectly logical thing to do when you're bored on a weeknight.
Jasmine: What if I told you that Cecilia found her ghost?
Gabriel: Does that have anything to do with the sorority girl who supposedly went nuts and tried to set the place on fire?
Jasmine: You found out about that.
Gabriel: All I had to do was ask to see the records.
Jasmine: Lucky that it was easy for you. The way I had to find out about it was completely messed up.
Gabriel: You're going to tell me something really weird happened aren't you.
Jasmine: Yeah, something weird did happen.
She hesitated a little as Gabriel waited for her to speak.
Jasmine: Let's just say that the other night, the ghost brought Cecilia... well both of us rather... back to the mansion. Stuff happened and things were settled. I don't think it will bother her again.
Jasmine: I think there has to be a connection between the ghost and whatever happened to Willow.
Gabriel: Right! Now I went looking around this morning. There is an extra floor. It's not an attic, it's another level altogether and there was at least one room up there. But that room doesn't exist... at least not on paper. And it's not like you can just freeze time and add an entire floor to a building in the middle of the night. You'd think someone would notice these kind of things.
Gabriel: Anyway, the blueprints and surveys exclude it. Anything above the second floor doesn't exist. So that got me thinking that the original owners way back when might have wanted to create a secret room. That happens more than you think in old buildings like these...
Jasmine: And there is a lot of weird stuff in that mansion.
Gabriel: Did the giant sim-eating plant in the front yard tip you off?
He rifled through the papers in front of him.
Gabriel: The place was purchased from the school soon after the little fire incident. Literally a couple of days, actually. And... by Malcolm Landgraab IV. Well, that's interesting. I mean, sure his family name is attached to it, but the Landgraabs donated the building to SSU over a century ago. What would the richest sim, like in the history of time, want with an old mansion in the middle of nowhere.
Jasmine: That's what I was wondering about. He's been buying up properties in Simtopi, investing in the city like there's no tomorrow.
Gabriel: So what makes this place so special? In all the years he's owned it, he actually hasn't touched it at all. He continued to let the Society use it. No interest in developing the surrounding land. No visits. Not even an ad poster for one of his malls.
Gabriel: Now I'm not saying that Malcolm Landgraab is tied up with everything going on here...
Jasmine: But that's what I was thinking... what if he is? What if he bought the place because of what was hidden in that room?
Gabriel: So Malcolm Landgraab has something to do with what's going on with Willow?
Jasmine: Well get this. You know who works for Malcolm? Clara.
Gabriel: Your dad's girlfriend.
He sighed and got up out of his seat.
Gabriel: If this is all an elaborate way to make your dad's girlfriend out to be the big bad here, you might be trying a bit too hard.
Jasmine: There's other things I've found out about her this morning, and all of this is way too much of a coincidence for me to ignore. Gabe, what if Clara is tied into all of this?
Jasmine: Willow said that the ressurect-o-thingy that used to be in that mansion was stolen. Clara works for Malcolm, so what if she has access to that mansion and knows about it. Wren and Raven said they saw that device in Clara's basement. Zombies have been trying to kill Willow and managed to burn down your dorm...
Gabriel: Wait, what?
Jasmine: Thinking out loud here...
Gabriel: No, go back a bit. What is this with zombies trying to kill Willow? I mean, how long has this been going on?
Jasmine: Oh...
Gabriel: Jasmine.
Jasmine: It's kind of a new thing.
Gabriel: How new?
Jasmine: It started happening before you two started going out. Actually, pretty much the night before. Why do you think they burned down your dorm?
Gabriel: I don't know, I figured that's what zombies do. I didn't know Willow was the reason they were there.
Gabriel: I didn't actually think about her being in mortal danger all this time. No one's told me any of this.
Jasmine: What would be the point in worrying you about it? Seriously, what would you even do?
Gabriel: Seriously? I don't know! I guess I learn something new about her every day. But the crazy thing, Jasmine...? Is that it's all stuff you'd think I should know about a girl before I start dating her.
Gabriel shook his head, grabbed his things and walked out of the room.
Jasmine: It's not like we could have done anything about it... anyway, she shouldn't be in any more danger... Gabe!
The old door slammed against the brick. Clara strode into the tiny chamber.
There was only so much Willow could do. She had stopped crying hours ago, and frantic panicking wasn't helping her situation at all. As much as she tried, she couldn't summon any kind of magic. She could yell, but no one would come. She didn't even know if anyone could hear her. After a while, all she could do was sit and wait for Clara to return.
Clara: And how have we been?
Willow pursed her lips and didn't respond.
Clara: Oh come now, honey, don't let all this kidnapping and imprisonment stuff get in the way of our friendship.
Willow: Let me go.
Clara: Of course. But only after you've given me your book.
Willow: Why do you want it this badly?
Clara: You're a smart girl, you haven't figured it out yet?
Willow: There are a ton of spellbooks out there and its not like you even need them to learn new spells.
Clara: Well. Not exactly. You see hon, there are some spells out there that not a lot of witches know actually. And some of those are in this little book of yours. Now I've never thought it was right for anyone to keep things to themselves and not share. I know you believe in sharing, don't you, Willow?
Willow: I'm not giving you my spellbook.
Clara: Then you could stay in there longer. It must be getting pretty uncomfortable, hmm?
Willow: Someone will know I'm missing.
Clara: You'd think so.
Clara: You've kept yourself in near isolation this past little while, haven't you. Alone in that little house in the woods that the Coven have set up for your comfort? And how are classes? You're not skipping any of them, are you? Oh... that look on your face... you haven't been an ideal student lately. Poor girl.
The air crackled around her finger tips as Clara began to summon.
Willow stared as the scrying ball appeared floating above her hand.
Clara: You've been gone a little more than half a day now. Word must be out, and I suppose your friends have gathered the search parties and released the hounds... the whole town must have dropped what they're doing to come out and search for you, right?
Willow watched, transfixed, as the mist in the glass began to form images.
Clara: Who is this? Your boyfriend?
Willow: No... no, he's not..
Clara: Well, he's still someone close to your heart, I'm thinking? He'd definitely worry about you if you were gone, right?
Clara: But he looks like he's just a little too busy talking to his pretty new friend? Oh, she is cute, the lucky boy.
Willow took a staggering breath and held it as she searched the glass. He seemed okay... he seemed happy to be talking to her. And Tashia kept leaning in closer...
Finally Willow stopped looking, turning her head away slightly, hoping that the other witch wouldn't catch her expression. The glass went blank.
Willow: It hasn't even been a day yet...
Clara:Sweetie don't be so sad. Of course he's worried about you. Maybe he'll start looking for you after he's done with her... oh, I meant class. Done with class. Silly me.
Jasmine: So there, I've told you everything. Now you know what I know. Happy?
Gabriel: No, "happy", isn't exactly what I'm feeling right now.
Gabriel: Though you thinking that your dad's girlfriend is a witch, that's pretty hilarious.
Jasmine: I just couldn't ignore the information I got.
Gabriel: From Wren and Raven. Wren. And Raven.
Jasmine: I know, I know.
Gabriel: You know, there was a time where I'd find all this talk about ghosts, witches, zombies and haunted houses ridiculous, but somehow this doesn't surprise me anymore. Willow didn't tell you anything new at all?
Jasmine: No, why would she tell me anything anymore. She's only supposedly my best friend. Anyway, what were you planning to do with all your new-found info about the Landgrabb Mansion?
Gabriel: I wanted to talk to Willow about it. Maybe she'll tell me what she found up there.
Jasmine: If she hasn't done that by now, do you think she'll ever? Are you sure this isn't all about trying to get back together with her?
Gabriel: Whether or not that happens, I don't know. All I know is that Willow needs our help.
Jasmine: Ours specificially? I think there's bigger people than us covering that. She doesn't need our help, she's made that clear. Like yeah, she's getting into a lot of crazy stuff, but what if it isn't out of anything influencing her. What if she's just changing?
Gabriel: Look, I know how Willow was before all this happened and so should you. Do you really think that she'd just completely push everyone away all of a sudden? If something went wrong, we shouldn't give up that easily on her.
Jasmine: I'm not saying that we should. But you just have a tendency to fall head over heels for any girl who'll give you any kind of attention, I'm just worried you might be expecting too much from all of this.
Gabriel: Why are you giving me relationship advice? I thought we were talking about some kind of huge supernatural conspiracy.
Jasmine: I know you, Gabe, and I know what you're trying to do. You're rushing to her rescue, aren't you.
Gabriel: ...
Jasmine: You're acting like you can break a spell and save her, like it's that easy. What is it with guys always needing to be the hero of everything?
Gabriel: It's called caring for someone and wanting them to get help if they need it. So what if it isn't easy. I'm not giving up. I'm not like you.
Jasmine: ... Care to explain that?
Gabriel: Jasmine. Come on. You've never had to try too hard in any of your relationships. They come and go pretty easily for you. I only wish I had your kind of problems.
Gabriel: It's like when we were kids and you'd manage to get everything you wanted by acting like you never wanted it in the first place. You pretend to not care, but fact of the matter, you get everything you want, and that includes guys. For all your moping about it, you'll probably end up getting Adrian that way too.
Jasmine: Leave Adrian out of this.
Gabriel: Uh huh. You know it will happen. You get your guy, have your fun, take them for granted and it all just fizzles out after a while. It's every big relationship you've ever had.
Jasmine: Gabe, that's not true! You make it sound like everything was that simple.
Gabriel: All I'm saying is that we handle things differently and you should probably shut up about how I want to deal with Willow.
Jasmine: Yeah, I didn't need a lecture about my relationships. Excuse me for caring.
Gabriel: You know I'm not wrong. When things get too deep for you, you swim back to the shallow end. All the time.
Jasmine: Oh and I suppose you'd just float out there and let her take you down with her. Gabe!
Adrian leaned against the wall, lowering his head. He wasn't exactly sure what he should be doing now, or even what to think. He had heard everything.
Jasmine: I should be so pissed at you.
Gabriel: Get over it, Jasmine. It doesn't make you the bad guy, okay. Maybe you'll prove me wrong and you and Adrian will get together after all, have ten kids, own a minivan and a house in the suburbs and live happily ever after.
Jasmine: Just shut up.
Gabriel: Fine. We can stick to talking about the big supernatural conspiracy? All of a sudden, it's become topical again.
Jasmine looked down the hall, seeing one of the professors talking to a familiar woman. She immediately forgot about everything she and Gabriel were talking about as Samantha Cordial turned her attention on them.
Jasmine: Dammit...
Gabriel: So one thing I'm unclear about. Everytime this one shows up, is that good or bad?
Samantha: Gabriel and Jasmine. Just the two I was hoping to run into.
Jasmine: What are you doing here?
Samantha: What else would I be doing here? Searching for Willow. I was hoping you'd help me out with that.
Jasmine: Why do you need my help? You're the ones with all the magical powers, why do you need me to get Willow to talk to you.
Samantha: Because of the simple fact that none of us can get near Willow.
Samantha: Let's cut to the chase. A few nights ago, one of our agents were killed. Here on campus. He was assigned to keep watch on Willow. He was found in the park, apparently struck by lightning.
Jasmine: Ew. I mean, um. Sorry to hear, that's gotta suck for you guys.
Gabriel: Is Willow in danger?
Samantha: She always has been.
Gabriel: Jasmine, that's not what you said earlier.
Jasmine: How much do you think I know?
Samantha beckoned them away from the busy hall as students ran back and forth to class.
Samantha: Now you don't have to worry too much. We don't think anyone out there is actively trying to hurt your friend. In fact, it seems that someone's going out of their way to keep Willow very protected. We find that interesting.
Gabriel: No kidding. But why? What makes Willow special... I mean, besides being like one of you.
Samantha: That's what I'm here to find out. I'm back on the investigation in full, so you may be seeing more of me.
Jasmine: Oh good.
Samantha: Whoever is watching over Willow has kept any other witch from finding out where she lives. Obviously they have no misgivings in using fatal force to keep us away.
Jasmine: So what did you expect us to do about it.
Samantha: Nothing, except for what I've asked you before. I need you to get Willow to come to us.
Jasmine: If I recall correctly, last time you met Willow you tried to kill her.
Samantha: No, I didn't try to kill her. It was simply a confrontation.
Jasmine: Yeah? And what makes you think she's just going to want to even talk to you after that?
Samantha: Look, you have no idea how important this investigation was...is... to me. You cannot possibly understand. However, as much as I hate to say it, it goes far beyond us now. It's beyond you, me, even Willow. If the Coven have gotten to her by now, it could spell a lot of trouble for all of us.
Jasmine: The Coven.
Jasmine: You mean the big league of "dark witches" that have been sending zombies out after Willow?
Samantha: I don't believe the Coven have anything to do with that.
Jasmine: So what's with all the undead then? Can you at least tell me where they're coming from?
Samantha: That, I don't know. I know a necromancy device had gone missing, but at the time it wasn't pertinent to my particular investigation.
Jasmine: Pertinent to your investigation? Seriously the living freaking dead roaming unchecked throughout campus isn't that important to you guys? Just what do you people do then?!
Gabriel: Jasmine, calm down already.
The doors behind them opened, surprising them. Jasmine looked behind her, taking a deep breath when she realized it was Adrian.
Adrian: Hey. What's going on? Are you alright?
Adrian noticed that she looked upset. He glanced over suspiciously at Samantha before returning his attention on her.
Jasmine: Yeah I'm okay. I just had a really, really long day. And she's not helping...
Samantha: Well clearly you're very stressed out about this and I have other things to do. But I really need you to think about what I've said, Jasmine. You too Gabriel.
Samantha: You have my number.
They watched as Samantha walked away.
Gabriel turned back to Jasmine and Adrian. It wasn't exactly subtle how Adrian rested his hand against the small of her back, and how she leaned into him. He smirked to himself... all this talk before about Jasmine trying to get Adrian. He guessed what she didn't tell him was that she already had him.
Jasmine: Give me a minute, I need to talk to her.
Gabriel cast his cousin a knowing glance as she walked by him, a look she immediately understood.
She glared intently at him as she passed him. Don't you dare say anything to him.
Gabriel turned back to Adrian, who was watching Jasmine leave, a confused expression on his face. He couldn't help but grin.
Jasmine: So what if I told you I had a theory about where all the zombies are coming from.
Samantha: I like that you assume that we haven't studied what all the possibilities might be. But okay, let's hear it, maybe it will prove to be insightful.
Jasmine: My dad is dating a witch. Clara.
Samantha: Clara St. Julien, yes we know of her.
Jasmine: Wait... you know Clara's dating my dad, or that she's a witch?
Samantha: Both. We do make it a point to learn as much as possible about who we're investigating, and that includes friends and family.
Jasmine: Why didn't you say anything about Clara being a witch?!
Samantha: It wasn't exactly relevant, was it?
Jasmine: Is there anyone else out there I should know about?
Samantha: Jasmine, we witches have been around for a long while and chances are there will be a few dozen of us in any area at any given time. There's a mutual respect among us. No matter what side of the spectrum we're aligned to, we don't run around pointing fingers and making public accusations about one another.
Samantha: Whenever things like that get out of hand someone always ends up being tied to a stake and roasted alive and it just gets complicated. No, it's much better if we all respect our discretion.
Jasmine: Okay fair enough. What if I told you that Clara had the necromancy device. The thing that makes zombies.
Samantha: How do you know this?
Jasmine: That...um, really doesn't matter... what would you do about it?
Samantha: Well, it is a dangerous device, but do you have any proof that she had been using it?
Jasmine: I don't know that. But it's a big coincidence, isn't it?
Samantha: Possibly. Though I maintain that the Coven have not been trying to kill your friend.
Jasmine: Can she be acting on her own then?
Samantha: It's an interesting theory and I do like that lead. Please don't go looking into it yourself, we'll go through the proper channels and investigate on our end.
Jasmine: How long will that take?
Samantha: Hopefully not too long. But it's out of your hands now.
She looked around and before Jasmine could blink, in a flourish of sparkling light, Samantha pulled out her wand.
Jasmine's jaw dropped, impressed.
Jasmine: Oh man, nice...
Samantha: What were you expecting? A broomstick? A pumpkin carriage?
Samantha: Remember, Jasmine. Don't do anything rash about Clara St. Julien. All I need you to do is get Willow to contact us, not risk your life. Is that understood?
Jasmine: Okay, I guess.
Samantha: There are a million and one ways an angry witch can make your life miserable. And death would be one of the less painful ones. Please don't forget that.
Clara: Well aren't they a cute couple. Wouldn't you agree?
Clara: And he's definitely a handsome one. I could see why you like him.
Clara: Too bad he looks taken. And by Jasmine Baird, too. Isn't she your best friend?
Willow: You can stop now, okay. I don't need to see all this. You've made your point, no one's coming for me. At least not right now.
Clara: Right. And how long are you willing to wait, Willow?
Clara: Wesley isn't going to help you this time. Your friends don't even know you're missing and even if they did, do you think they'd come running right here to save you? And honestly, I'm not going to wait that long myself. You see, I'm on a bit of a timeline and if I you don't give me that book, things will get ugly pretty quickly, and I'll be awfully upset.
Clara: I may have to resort to drastic measures, and honey, no one really wants to see that.
Clara: I'll make you one last offer, so listen closely.
Clara: Give me the book and I will be the bestest friend you'll ever have. I'll set you up with a good life that not even the Coven could grant you. Good grades, good looks, money, it's all easy. And I could help you be the best little witch that you could be. Though obviously not as good as I will be.
Clara: But there will definitely be advantages. Even if all you want is a normal life with the boy of your dreams, I can help you with that, and it won't matter who he's with right now. All I need you to do is tell me the book is mine.
Clara: Think about it, sweetie. I'll be back.
Willow crouched down, alone again with only her thoughts. But they weren't helping her right now. She knew with everything in her that she couldn't give her spellbook away. Not to that woman, whose name she didn't even know. But she was getting hungry and as more time ticked by, more fear began to creep in. What did that witch intend to do with her if she kept saying no?
"A pity..."
Helene: ... I thought you'd be much stronger than this. I don't know what Malcolm was thinking, selecting someone as pathetic as you as my heir. Any witch worth her salt would be out of here by now.
Helene: But because you are here, so am I. Trapped by this horrid spell, unable to warn my Coven.
Willow raised her head, looking out into the dim emptiness of the cell. But once again she did not feel alone. There was something with her... a presence that seemed to be growing stronger. It was almost comforting.
Helene: You are not ready, Willow Marlen. But I cannot let you succumb to the likes of her.
Willow: What?
The voice in her head said her name. It was soft and gentle, but there was a strength of command in it.
Willow: No! No, I'm not going crazy now. I'm not going crazy...
She closed her eyes tightly, trying to will the voice away. She tried to think of anywhere else other than here. She tried as hard as she could, as if somehow the suppression spell would break and she could teleport free. She had to will it enough...
Slowly she opened her eyes. Did she make it? Was she free?
She was on the hill top where Miss Cordial had given her the spell book years ago. She could feel the cool mountain air on her skin, the breeze through her hair. She could smell the pine and the earth and feel the sun warm on her face. She had to be free...
"Unfortunately, this isn't real, Willow. You're not free."
Willow looked ahead, across the stone circle. She let out a gasp of surprise.
Willow: Miss Cordial?!!
Kimberly: Yes, Willow. I'm here.
Willow: But.... how? You're alive?
Kimberly: No, Willow. I'm not. Unfortunately, I'm still dead.
Willow: You... you look so different. So beautiful...
Kimberly: And so do you.
Kimberly: You've grown so much. As a woman, and as a witch. I'm glad I get one last chance to see what you've become.
Willow: I've tried to remember everything that you taught me.I mean, I guess schoolwork got in the way, but I don't think I'm doing so badly now. And I still have your Book...
Kimberly: It's your Book, Willow. Remember that. Do not let Clara have it.
Willow: I wouldn't have let her have it. I don't even know why she wants it.
Kimberly: She wants it because it is one of the Sorceress' most powerful relics, and the Sorceress gifted it to you.
Willow: Who's the Sorceress?
Kimberly: The Sorceress is your destiny. She is what I've trained you to become. Everything up to this point are all steps for you to receive the power that is rightfully yours. You are so important to us, Willow.
Willow: I... I don't understand.
Kimberly: You will, soon. Please be strong.
Kimberly: Clara wants what is yours, but whatever happens do not fall to her demands. She cannot be trusted. Greed and ambition drive her and she will stop at nothing to get what she wants. I know this first hand. She used Wesley to kill me.
Willow: What?!
Willow: So Wesley... is innocent?
Kimberly: Wesley was merely the weapon. She is much more dangerous.
Kimberly: I... I have to go. But don't ever forget who you are. Only you could make the right decisions to help yourself and all of us.
Willow: But I don't know what to do!
Kimberly: You'll figure it out. I know you will. I am so proud of you, Willow.
Kimberly: You've done well.
Kimberly Cordial faded away into the darkness. Willow called out for her, tears springing to her eyes. She didn't understand what she meant by all this. Why she was even here?
Suddenly she did not feel alone again. Out of the earth, a figure rose.
A woman stood before her, someone Willow had never met before. But she seemed familiar.
The strange woman held out her hand towards her. Willow stepped forward. She was frightened but she couldn't show it. She wasn't sure if she should take it.
Helene: Come with me, Willow.
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