Wow, last chapter. To be perfectly honest, I never thought I'd see the end of this fanfic. It has consumed so much of my time and, seriously, there is so much more I could have added to it before coming to this end, just exploring everyone's abilities and such, but I didn't want it to drag anymore than it already has. It has taken….twenty three months, holy shit. Endless rewrites, pulling of my hair, gnashing of teeth, euphoria when words just flowed, several bouts of writer's block, and the caressing of many plot bunnies, but I can finally mark this Complete. COMPLETE, BITCHES! That, that feels fucking amazing, let me tell ya. I've had this end in mind since the prologue, it was just getting there that was difficult. But, here I am, here you are, having navigated my horror of a brain and thought process, and I feel so much more developed as a writer simply because of it.

To everyone who reviewed, favorited, followed, and left PMs, you all are amazing, wonderful, hugely awesome people. Especially thanks for ScottyBgood, Azkadellio, Lushcoltrane, Masterkungfu2013, T0ran, TimelessReader, DDMKA for reviewing so much, and giving genuine critiques so I could better my skills. Speaking of reviews….

ScottyBgood-Yep, he finally got his comeupance, and I think in a rather spectacular way, too. I'm stoked I managed to keep you in the dark this long about the vindicis' identity, since you've guessed several major plot points throughout the story before they occurred. But yep, you nailed it again, with a few not so subtle hints at the end.

Azkadellio-Right? I wanted dissenters, cuz that's just how life is. Not everyone is cool with things out of the norm, but I wanted them in the minority, simply cuz I felt like it. You'll find out who the vindicis is this chapter! Yeah, she's a Goddess, specifically of magic users and their lives. I've read other fanfics where Cat is really intelligent and mature, and she definitely could be, but I enjoy writing, naive, optimistic, exuberant Cat since oftentimes, my characters are very serious and snarky.

Lushcoltrane-Thank you, glad you think I tied them up well.

DDMKA-Hahah lol you shall see the vindicis' true identity within; patience, young patawan. Thank you for the praise, I'm glad you liked the chapter. Read on!

Meg Rules-Hey, welcome to this Jori ship, refreshments are at the back! You're lucky, you've arrived at the perfect moment, as this is the epilogue! Read on!

Isutigers-Welcome to this Jori ship, have a seat, prop up your feet, and enjoy this last chapter! Read on!

T0ran-For some reason, your review didn't go to my email, so I almost missed answering you. You'll see exactly what the vindicis is at the end of this chapter. As to your concerns about how anticlimactic you thought Thomas' showdown and the magic users' coming out was, I apologize that it didn't come out the way you thought it would, but I'm not sorry I wrote it the way I did. I don't want to come across as a bitch or anything, I'm not trying to jump down your throat and justify myself or anything, I'm just saying I didn't really want a big showdown on either front. Below, I bolded why I wrote that chapter the way I did, and I hope I came across as respectful and not a total bitch because, again, I'm not trying to be. I'm glad you liked the chapter overall, even if you weren't satisfied with the showdown and coming out, and truly thank you for your honesty and the critique.

To those who were disappointed about the showdown/coming out: I really thought that everyone had been put through enough, they deserved a break. I love drama and angst as much as the next person, enjoying writing and reading it, and feel that, used correctly, it can really drive a story and give all sorts of wonderful, twisted, heartwrenching feels, but I thought about what I'd put everyone through already and just said Fuck It. They've been through enough just to get to this point, and I want them to enjoy this day, not worry about Jade's psychopathic father or angry townspeople with pitchforks and torches, ergo, understanding and a private showdown with a Goddess and specter. I definitely could have made it a knock down, drag out battle on both fronts, I just decided not to. Maybe I'll write an alternate ending with that, I haven't decided yet. What else….like T0ran pointed out in their review, different groups have different reactions to similar stimuli, so I had the gypsies at the festival react differently than Tori's family did when they revealed their magic. I think I covered everything….if you have other questions/concerns/just wanna rage about what you think should've happened, PM me, yeah?

After this, I'm taking a brief hiatus to draw (actually draw, and not just jot down notes or sketch quick outlines that then molder in my room) and really nail down outlines for other fanfics I'm working on. But after I've recharged and cemented things, I'm going to wade into the Pitch Perfect fandom. I've got two stories in the works, don't know which I'll put up first, but one is Bechloe and the other is Triple Treble, so if you wanna, head on over! If not, I'll see you around!

One last time, enjoy!

Respectfully yours,

Cheyanne

PS-this chapter follows after the festival and Thomas' death. The events are consecutive from that fall to the following spring, just so you're aware and not going 'what the fuck is going on?!' Read on!

Magic ebbed and swelled beneath her skin, thrumming in ecstasy and threatening to escape with every pulse of her heart, and silver overtook her eyes as Tori's shone with the same light. As the music swelled to its climax, Tori took Jade's waist in her hands and swung her around once, twice, and brought her in flush against her heaving chest as the last note rang strong in the air.

Silvered eyes met and held, ignoring the crowd around them, and Tori daringly leaned in and her lips caught the edge of Jade's mouth for a second. A sudden breeze flitted through the air and the scarf tied around Tori's waist fluttered madly around them, her shirt whipping around and baring the glowing tattoo on her chest briefly. Jade's tattoo gleamed on Tori's shoulder, and the magic hanging in the air was nearly tangible, thick and cloying and sweet on everyone's tongues. Tori giggled and grabbed Jade's hand and they escaped into the crowd, dodging people and questions alike until they were out of sight.

Its dragged a black nail over Thomas' name, crossing it out without hesitation, but paused as it glanced at each name in his own and his wife's line. The many names crossed out, slurs beside most of them, naming them Vipers, Devils, Unnatural. The way those names had been written carelessly, with knowledge that they wouldn't be for their world for long, while others were penned in with care, the branching lines continuing with few weavers in them. It shook its head and shuddered, turning its head to the side and closing its eyes.

The Goddess stepped forward, pain in her eyes for the hurt she felt through the connection with the shadow and the waste of life laying at their feet. With a wave of her hand, she sent the two creatures waiting in the shadows away and set her hand on the vindicis' shoulder, squeezing it in comfort. "It is done."

The barmaid, previously busy refilling drinks, boldly strode to the center of the room and was helped onto a table by a matronly woman sitting there. She set her hands on her hips and stared around the room, flushing faintly under the dozens of pairs of eyes staring at her, and gathered her courage. "They stay. They haven't gone wrong yet." After a moment's silence, one, then more voices joined hers in assent.

A few people shook their heads and made their way out of the room, but most of them were, if not in outright support of Sikowitz's family, at least willing to give them the benefit of their doubt. The redhead grinned as the rumble of many voices grew and touched her fingers to her forehead subtly in blessing, eyes flashing silver briefly before she stood and wound her way out into the darkening evening.

Sikowitz stared through the table at the house, coffee untouched and quickly chilling in the chipped mug in his hands. His lips pursed thoughtfully and he brought the cup to his lips, taking a sip and immediately spitting the lukewarm liquid back into it, making a face. He sighed and pushed it away as Cat meandered into the kitchen, an unusually excited expression on her face as she skipped over to him and pecked his rough cheek.

"Morning, papa!" Without provocation, she took the cup from him and dumped the coffee out, replacing it and setting the now steaming cup in front of him. She sat opposite him, eyes gleaming with intent and knowledge.

Sikowitz raised his brow as he took a sip and hummed appreciatively. "What has you up at this hour, Caterina? Normally, you sleep until your sister drags you from bed."

Cat smiled widely and leaned over the table. "Today's the first day of school," she said excitedly, squirming in her chair.

"Yes?"

"And I'm going with you!"

"You are? Since when, my dear?" Sikowitz took another sip of his coffee and watched Cat wriggle more in her seat, chewing on her lip and tapping her fingers on the scarred tabletop.

"To help you, of course, silly!"

His eyebrows rose further up and he nearly spit his coffee out. "Excuse me?"

Cat nodded emphatically. "You're going to be mobbed today, papa. Kids, everywhere!" She waved her arms in addition to get her point across and Sikowitz smiled a little.

"Saw this, did ya?"

"Yep! And, and! Uncle Jason and his sons are going to build another room for us, because there's going to be so many! It's going to be so much fun, papa!" She hopped out of her chair and danced around the kitchen, cutting several thick slices of bread and buttering them as she twirled around the room. Despite his half hearted attempts, nothing persuaded Cat to stay home and so she accompanied him into town.

True to her enthusiastic word, the schoolhouse was full to bursting when they arrived, kids, mobbing the packed down dirt around the building, playing and talking in the crisp morning. All heads swiveled their way when they appeared and Sikowitz was momentarily unnerved by the myriad eyes watching them silently. Cat, however, dashed into the thick of the kids and scooped up a little kid who had reached for her, babbling at him cheerily as his hands clutched her shoulders and he smiled a gap toothed grin. That seemed to break the spell and Sikowitz shook his head, directing everyone inside.

The day quickly grew dark and, as dusk rapidly settled in the treetops, Sikowitz sent their pupils home and quietly gathered scattered learning tools into piles on desks that lined the room. He caught Cat's eyes as she cleaned the blackboard with a rag and cocked his eyebrow. "So, what do you think?"

She continued cleaning, a serene smile on her lips, and giggled a little. "It's…terrifying, honestly. All those eyes watching you. But, it's thrilling, too!" She grinned tiredly and he smiled in return. They resumed their tasks, clearing the room for another day, discussing amongst themselves the lessons they were to prepare for the morrow.

Andre and Tori sparred in the cool comfort of the backyard of Abby's store, beneath the massive tree, serene rustling of the turning leaves and the quiet whisper of a yet-to-chill breeze that cooled the sweat that beaded on their brows. Tori narrowly avoided a kick to her hip and danced closer to the tree, bare feet kicking up little puffs of dust. Andre chased after her and she once more evaded his grasp, sticking her tongue out playfully at him as his brow lowered over his eyes in determination. Their game devolved into tackle-tag, and Tori kept moving until her back was pressed to the fence that lined the yard.

Andre stalked toward her, victory in his eyes, and lunged at her, only to yelp as his forehead collided with the fence when Tori jumped over his head, aided by a burst of air that pushed her higher, over the fence and onto the street.

She stumbled to catch herself before she fell and found herself under the wide eyes of the many passersby who had frozen when she appeared. Tori blushed and rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly, apologizing and keeping a careful eye on everyone at the same time. "Ahah, sorry, everyone…"

She edged toward Abby's front door and was stopped by a hand on her shoulder. Expecting the angry, fearful face of some stranger, Tori cautiously turned back around, tensing in preparation of a fight. She was stunned to find the grip belonged to a woman around thirty years old, dark hair pulled back into a bun and strands of hair escaping to frame her kindly, curious face. "I don't mean to sound intrusive, but…I'm curious. Could you show me how you did that?" Tori blinked and nodded dumbly, stepping away from the store front. She held her hand out, palm up and, taking a short breathe to steady the tremor in her muscles, snapped her fingers. The woman leapt back as a small flame appeared in her palm, flickering and snapping in a reflection of her unease, and slowly approached to stare in fascination at the flame. "Wow, that's amazing." Her awed expression threw Tori off and she watched several other people begin to close in, curiosity on their faces.

Andre peered out of the door and saw the crowd and began shouldering through the people blocking his way, ready to come to Tori's defense if she was in trouble, and paused as he saw her demonstrating one of her abilities to the awestruck townspeople. The brunette was holding a miniature dust devil in her palm, an equally awed expression on her face as she looked around at the people gathered near, and she held up her empty hand, curling her fingers into a loose fist.

The dust devil collapsed on itself into a compact ball, still swirling with debris and small stones, and when she spread her fingers wide and rotated her wrist, blowing gently on the cloud of dust, it expanded and twisted on itself until a small fox kit was sitting in her palm, dust swirling in its colorless irises and tail flicking as its head moved. It hopped off her hand, dust trailing behind it, fuzzing its rear legs to nothing until it landed and then re-solidified into a complete creature again, and running in circles to the amazement of the peoples' eyes. With a small hop, it dissolved into the wind and Tori wrung her hands when a dozen sets of eyes settled on her again. Andre smiled as she was nearly mobbed with questions, crossing his arms and chuckling as her attempted to field queries from all sides.

Jade was locking the servants' door of the house her father had owned when she heard footsteps behind her. Slim arms hugged her waist and warmth settled at her back as Tori's voice caressed her cheek. "Miss West, you looked like you were thinking on heavy things."

She could almost feel the smile pressing into her skin and leaned back against Tori's chest, rolling her eyes skyward. "Oh, no, Miss Tori, how could I possibly be thinking on heavy things with such lightness in my head?"

Tori laughed and squeezed her, lips brushing the back of her ear. "I think you just insulted yourself, Jae."

"That was the point, Tori," she deadpanned. Turning in her grasp, she pecked Tori on her tip of her nose and pinched her side. "I was just trying to figure out what to do with everything, that's all."

Tori's easy smile dropped and her fingers kneaded the dip in Jade's back as she tentatively sifted through the emotions filtering through her mind. "We'll work something out, Jade. Are there…is there anything you want to keep in there?"

"No, it's all his; everything mama gave me is already at Sikowitz's. I'd rather burn it all," she said, lip curling derisively and eyes lighting with fervor.

Tori's lips pursed and she tugged Jade closer, turning so they could slowly walk away. "How about you think about it some more? I really don't think you want to burn it down, Jae…"

Beck sat at his cluttered desk, penning a reply to a man that Lane was dealing with, when the lawyer walked in and set a thick folder in front of him. Beck eyed it warily, then looked up at Lane. "And this is…."

"Your new assignment. You've been dictating for me ever since the beginning of the summer, I think you've earned the right to this particular….client." He tapped the folder and redirected Beck's attention to it. "Don't hesitate to ask me if you have questions, but do as you see fit." He walked away and Beck immediately tore open the cover, pausing as he saw the name penned across the top of the first page. Thomas Carson West. He sat back in his chair and carded his fingers through his hair, then sat forward and began looking through the thick sheaf of papers.

Over the next week, Beck discovered the nearly obscene amount of money he had gambled away and the loan sharks he'd gone to in an attempt to pay it back. His poorly conceived plan to marry Jade to Beck and use the dowry he was going to ask for from Beck's father to pay back the loan made Beck's hackles rise and, once again, he cursed the dead man's name. At the end of the day, he laid a number of papers on top of the pile, wrapped himself in his long jacket and scarf, walked to Sikowitz's house and knocked on the door, smiling faintly when Tori opened it and let him in.

"Hey, you want to have dinner? We've just started cooking."

"Actually, I'm kind of here on business. Can I speak with Jade?" Tori looked concerned but led him into the kitchen, where Jade was halfheartedly shucking ears of corn with Robbie. "Jade."

She looked up, eyebrows curling at Beck's serious demeanor. "Beck, you're looking more dour than usual." He snorted and asked to speak with her privately, and she led them into the back porch, leaning against the wall to avoid the worst of the biting wind. "What's so important you can't say it in front of them," she asked, picking at her cuticles nonchalantly.

"It's….about Thomas."

Jade's eyes narrowed and her hands paused, curling into loose fists. "And?"

"Lane gave me his file to… handle his affairs, and I came across some things I think you should see." He dug the papers out of his case and showed her, pointing at different parts of them. "He owes a lot of money, and doesn't have much – anything, really – to his name. I've already found several letters threatening rather unsavory things if they don't see the amount paid in full by the time the year ends. What do you want me to do?"

Jade pursed her lips thoughtfully, tilting her head to one side and staring over his shoulder into the trees. "I need to speak with Sikowitz and Tori, but I think I have a solution." Beck nodded and Jade retreated to the kitchen, dragging Tori from her perch on the counter and into the living room. Several minutes later, all three stepped out on the porch and walked to him.

"Young Beck, it is good to see you," Sikowitz said conversationally.

He dipped his head and looked between them in question. "What did you decide?"

"We thought, since I have no plans to ever live in that house, that we could sell it, as well as most of the things inside. That should be more than enough to pay what he owed, and still have a little left over for… a later time." Jade shared a look with Tori, one Beck couldn't read, and their fingers twined between them after a long moment. Tori smiled and slid closer so her shoulder butted up against Jade's, eyes sparkling happily. "Can you set up an auction for the house?"

"Yeah, I think so. I'll have to ask Lane what exactly to do, but we can get something together, I'm sure." She nodded and turned to walk back inside, when he reached out and grabbed her wrist. "There's one other thing."

"Yes?"

"The papers…I found some other information in them, not related to his money problems." Jade crossed her arms and tapped fingers against her forearm impatiently as Beck fidgeted. "It's about…your brother. I found out where he sent him. Jade," he stepped forward and held her shoulders as she gaped, "we can bring him home."

Robbie was heading into town, gloved hands buried in the pockets of his vest to ward off the chill in the air that pervaded despite the sun shining overhead. He whistled to himself, pushing his glasses up his nose as they slid toward the end, and straightened when he heard footsteps fast approaching behind him. The air rushed from his lungs as he was tackle hugged from behind and he spared a glance over his shoulder to find red hair pushed against his shoulder. "Cat? I thought you were helping papa dig up the rest of the vegetables today?"

She shook her head fervently and pulled on his arm, looking up at him with wide eyes. "Where do you have to go?"

"Uhm, well, I have to go speak with the woman at the drug store about getting some new glasses; mine are more scratched than useful anymore." He adjusted his glasses as he spoke and continued into town, passing the first cluster of buildings that marked the edge of the ever expanding community, stumbling as Cat dug her heels in to try and stall his progress. "Cat?"

"Robbie, don't go to town today!" She pleaded with him, eyes wide and beseeching.

He frowned and gently removed her hand from its tight grasp of his collar, ducking his head to look into her eyes. "What's wrong?"

"I was pulling the carrots out and washing them in the bucket and saw you in the water," she began softly. "I saw some mean boys ganging up on you; they hurt you, Robbie!" She tugged on his hand urgently and he took a couple steps her way before hearing low voices from the narrow road to their left.

"Well, if it ain't that four eyed little viper and his pretty, redheaded girly." Three young men, eyes tight with ill intent and sneering lips, strutted from the shadows and Robbie eased in front of Cat when she squeaked in fear. He backed up slowly as they walked menacingly toward them and froze when he heard scuffing behind. Two more had strolled out from behind the far side of a house and were grinning maliciously, hands in their pockets in deceiving ease, although he could see their fingers flexing beneath the fabric, smoothing over hidden objects.

"We were just-"

"Slithering into our fair town, yeah?" One of them, well kempt and obviously well off, judging by the tailored clothes and expensive watch dangling from his pocket, sneered derisively. "You and yours come here and just expect everyone to kowtow to you because of some misbegotten magic?" He snorted and the others chuckled meanly.

He paced theatrically, smoothing a hand through his hair as he reached for the pocket watch, glancing at it with deceptive nonchalance. "I think you need to learn your place in the shadows and slither back beneath whatever rock you came from," he said arrogantly. The four young men closed the circle and Cat whimpered, clutching Robbie's vest and panting fearfully.

Robbie swallowed and held his ground as they circled, lunging at them with little steps, taunting them until Cat was shivering and crying quietly, unwilling to use her magic against them. Little sparks dripped from Robbie's fingers, his magic defensive and wary as one bully drew a small knife from his pocket and swiped at them, retreating with a low cackle as he instinctively backpedaled. The ringleader laughed, pocket watch twirling lazily in the air, and Robbie felt a bolt of anger straighten his spine when Cat sniffed again, clutching him tighter, and his vision tinted red on the edge. "You don't need to do this. We've never hurt any of you, I'm just trying to go to the drugstore," he said calmly, fighting down the rising wave of quiet fury as the boys circles closer, close enough so he could see the colors of their eyes, the coarse weaves of their clothes and the ragged patches that bound their elbows and knees and seams of their clothes.

"Oh, yes, I think we do." The young man closed the pocket watch with an audible click and, in the second's silence that followed, Robbie felt his magic thrum actively in his chest as the four circling them tensed in preparation. He felt Cat take a shuddering breath and their eyes met, his determined, hers terrified and uncertain. He offered a faint smile and snapped his fingers as they lunged, pulling Cat to himself in a hug and cradling her against his chest.

The knives were turned aside by dense earth instead of biting into skin and the foursome stumbled back in confusion as they were confronted by a wall of dirt and stone, the earth dipping toward the epicenter where Cat and Robbie were sheltered. Within, Robbie wiped Cat's tears away with his thumbs and smiled lopsidedly, kissing her forehead and then, shyly, her lips. "They won't hurt us, okay?" She nodded and her jaw clenched when taunts were heard. "Ignore them, Cat, don't listen. Can you do something for me?" She nodded and he leaned in whisper into her ear, a smile working over her lips as he spoke.

"Face us, you cowards!" They yelled and stomped their feet, pummeling the wall of earth and cursing. They all stumbled as the dirt shifted beneath their feet and the wall crumbled on itself, Cat's glowing eyes and twitching fingers putting them on edge. Before they could move, she splayed her hands wide and the loose earth began reshaping itself. They all stumbled back several steps as three large, intimidating wildcats manifested and snarled at the boys with flicking tails and eyes trained on their shaking hands.

Cat giggled in the sudden silence and the sound was disquieting, making everyone's hair stand on end. "Here, kitty, kitty." One of the wildcats pushed its large head against her hand, dirt and debris fuzzing around her fingers as it rubbed against her before taking a defensive stance in front, tail flicking dangerously and a grating, rumbling growl like stones sliding together slipping from its throat. She smiled faintly and snapped her fingers and the creatures leapt into action, chasing after the foursome with fearsome growls and chasing them out of sight.

The three creatures trotted back with their heads held high after the boys disappeared and laid lazily around the young man with the pocket watch, eyes watching him and tails dragging through the street, quietly rasping as stone and dirt bodies rubbed over the hard packed road. Cat walked over to scratch behind one's ears as Robbie approached the young man, cleaning the dust from his glasses and shaking it from his hair. The young man was frozen in place, slack jawed and monochromatic from the dust still settling on the road, and Robbie halted in front of him.

"I think," he began conversationally, reaching out and smirking as the young man flinched, "you need to…reevaluate your information. Get a different perspective." With those words, he shoved the young man, who tripped over one of the wildcats that had been lying behind him. It growled and swiped lazily at him with a large paw and he backpedaled frantically, eyes wide and demeanor disheveled. Once he gained his feet, he scrambled away, looking over his shoulder until he was out of sight, and Robbie waved in parting.

Cat skipped up beside him and grabbed his hand, swinging their entwined arms slowly as she waved at the creatures and they chuffed as they dissipated into the air, motes of dust creating spirals and whorls in the faint breeze. Robbie grinned widely and held up his free hand, the pocket watch spinning lazily on the chain and glinting in the light, delicate designs catching the light as it quietly ticked each second away.

"I don't want to do this," Jade said, arms folded defensively over her chest.

Tori stepped up to her and placed her hand on her biceps, kneading the muscle soothingly. "It'll be alright, Jae; we just have to speak to the guy really fast, you don't even have to stay for the burial, okay?" She coaxed Jade's arms from their position to twine their fingers together, swinging them lazily in the space between them. "Hey," she said quietly, ducking to look into blue-green eyes, "I'll be right beside you, okay? Nothing will happen, trust me." She smiled a little and Jade nodded, sighing as she released the remaining tension in her shoulders.

"Let's get this over with."

Sikowitz's brood followed Jade out of the house and they made their way into town, following the snow packed road to the low building that sat somewhat apart from the others around it. They were all unusually quiet, Sikowitz lingering at the back of the group as Cat stuck to Robbie's side, her hand threaded through the crook of his elbow. At the front, Jade and Tori walked side by side, fingers brushing occasionally between them. They were quietly welcomed by the mortician and filed into the receiving room, empty other than a handful of chairs, some guttering candles that gave off a pleasant scent, and the wooden box that was laid on a table at the head of the room.

Jade stared impassively down at the closed casket, backed by Tori and her family. Her hands curled into fists as lingering anger flowed through her and left a sharp taste on her tongue. She felt fingers work between her knuckles and loosen her fist to curl loosely around her hand, relaxing a little as she felt Tori step up beside her and faint feelings of comfort were pushed at her.

"Miss West?" She turned her head and saw the mortician shuffling his feet uncomfortably off to the side. He tugged at the rolled up cuffs of his frayed shirt and cleared his throat, barely meeting her gaze before it skittered away. "I, ahm, have prepared your father's body-" He froze when her eyes flashed silver and her lip curled in a snarl, shoulders stiffening with affront. "I mean – Mister West – yes, he, uhm, his body has been prepared for internment. What do you wish to be done with the body?"

Blue-green eyes stared through him and he turned his gaze aside to find, standing protectively beside her, Tori's serious amber eyes locked on him. He swallowed uncomfortably when she shifted on her feet, stepping marginally closer to Jade, and Jade's shoulders dropped a little. She closed her eyes, breathed deeply, and when she opened her eyes again, the trace of anger was gone, replaced with tiredness and a hint of peace. "I don't care," she said, turning so he only saw her profile, highlighted coldly by the sunlight streaming through the frosted window, "you could leave his corpse in a ditch for all I care." Tori laid her hand on Jade's shoulder and squeezed with barely-there pressure, and Jade's head dropped. "But….I suppose you should bury him."

The mortician nodded and wrung his hands nervously, fearing another burst of anger with his next question. "Where do you wish him buried?"

She glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes, silver gleaming faintly around the edge of her iris. "The plot in the churchyard on the other side of town," she murmured, turning away with Tori's hand still caught in her own. They walked out, followed by Robbie and Cat, and he faintly caught her last words before they walked out the door. "As far away from mama as possible."

"I…I don't even know what to say. How the hell do I…" Jade paced restlessly at the train station, wringing her hands and snapping at passersby that wandered too closely. She spun on her heel when a hand landed on her shoulder and stared into calm amber eyes.

"Jade, you'll be fine."

"But what if Jo-"

"He loves you, Jae." Tori stared seriously into Jade's eyes, pushing certainty and confidence at her. "I can guarantee he's missed his big sister, and when the train gets here, he's never going to want to let you out of his sight." Her eyes pleaded for trust that Jade wasn't certain she could give, but she nodded anyway and Tori pulled her in for a brief hug.

They waited for the train, which pulled into the station soon after. It came to a slow stop, releasing steam from the brakes as the ticket master hopped out of the open door and set down a small step for passengers to use. Jade began wringing her hands again, anxious to see the once-familiar head of dark brown hair, and stood on her tiptoes to try and find him faster. Tori stood beside her, sending calming thoughts her way and taking her hand as she began bouncing slightly on her toes. The station slowly cleared and Tori felt the disappointment from Jade as no one seemed to catch her eyes.

The ticket master called for final boarding and looked into the train car, extending his hand for a straggler to take. Jade's head whipped around as something tickled at the back of her mind, familiar and welcoming. A gloved hand, protected against the bitter mid winter cold, shook the ticket master's, and a well dressed young man disembarked with a small travel trunk. His head was topped with a simple cap that covered most of his dark brown hair, leaving the tips to curl riotously from underneath the edges, and playful ice blue eyes searched the station as his shoes touched upon the ground.

Jade froze, her eyes locked on the tall young man, and her hand shook in Tori's grasp. "Joseph," she breathed out, barely audible.

Tori released her hand and pushed her lightly his way. "Go get him."

Jade took one small step, then another, larger. She was quickly sprinting his way, and he turned as he heard the steps. He dropped the trunk and his arms came up as Jade threw herself at him, catching her arms around his neck as he circled her waist. "Joey, oh Gods, you're here!"

"Jade?" Disbelieving eyes searched Jade's face and his face seemed lit from within. "Jade!" He swung her in a circle and she laughed, gloriously light and carefree.

Her lips descended on his cheek and she reared back suddenly. "You have stubble!"

"Well, yeah, that's generally what happens when one gets older, sister," he said dryly. Jade's eyes dimmed suddenly and crushing regret pressed against Tori's temples and she made her way over as Joseph lowered Jade to the ground. "Jade?"

"It's nothing, I'm fine," she said unconvincingly, wiping her eyes with the heel of her hands. "Just – something in my eye, that's all." Her trembling fingers traced his face reverently, a watery smile reaching her lips. "I can't believe it's you."

Joseph caught her hand and leaned in to kiss her cheek, a suspicious brightness lingering in his icy eyes. "I'm home."

"That looks like the last of it," Sikowitz said to Joseph, groaning as he stood after they set down a trunk full of clothes. He stretched and glanced around the small home, the smell of fresh wood and crisp outdoor air permeating the air, as the front door was still open. The wagon outside, previously filled with trunks of their belongings and furniture donated from himself, the Byrd's, and Abby, now sat empty, the horses pawing through the still melting snow for the tender shoots beneath in the field beyond the new house.

Footsteps on the stairs, then Tori appeared from around the corner and hugged him tightly as she flashed a grateful smile at both men. "Papi, Joey, thank you so much for helping us today, I don't even want to think of how long this would have taken otherwise." She gestured at the piled trunks and yet-to-be-placed furniture scattered around the large, sunny room. Joseph grinned and clapped her shoulder before excusing himself to the porch for some cool air.

Sikowitz grinned and wrapped her in his arms. "Not a problem, my girl." He leaned in and lowered his voice. "And, you know, if you two ever find yourselves in a hard place, you can always come back home. There'll always be room for both of you."

Tori smiled and laughed, hitting his shoulder with her hand as she stepped back and opened the top of a trunk. "It's not like we're moving across the mountains, papi. We're only an hour walk from home." Despite her light words, her eyes were wistful, and he didn't know how to answer. They stood quietly, watching each other, until Jade walked in from the front porch, stomping her feet clean of the clinging snow after hugging her brother.

"Hey, I just saw the – did I miss something?" She leaned against the doorjamb, studying the two who wouldn't meet her eyes, and felt strong stirrings of melancholy from Tori. "Whose ass do I need to kick?" She strode to Tori, cupping her cheek and swiping her thumb across the arch of the bone, smiling when she smiled shakily back at her comment.

"Nothing, I'm fine. I was just talking with papi, he's already trying to convince us to come back with him."

Jade snorted and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, no. I swear, if Cat woke us up one more time at the ass crack of dawn, I was going to scream."

Sikowitz chuckled and stepped back, leading them onto the porch. He stared at them with serious eyes, a hand on either of their shoulders and his thumbs rubbing soothingly against their skin. "You'll let me know if you need anything, right? I will be more than willing to help you if you need it, and so will your Aunt and Uncle. Promise me?"

"We'll let you know if we need anything, papi."

"We'll be fine, don't worry. There's more than enough left over from the auction of his house for us to be comfortable until we find jobs."

Sikowitz nodded. "And you know we can always use help at the schoolhouse, especially with how many newcomers have arrived recently."

"Or you can come to Lane's office. We need some more secretaries, we're so swamped with work anymore," Joseph added.

Sikowitz paused thoughtfully. "You know, since you're on your own now, you might consider starting your own grimoire. I can bring mine to you to peruse, so you can figure out what you want to include, if you wish."

Tori's eyes lit up and she nodded vigorously. "Yeah! I can add to it, too, can't I?"

"Well, it would be your own, daughter," he said with a smirk, and she stuck her tongue out.

He laughed and brought them into his arms, hugging them again before he and Joseph stepped off the porch toward where the horses were tied. "I'll leave you girls alone then. Be safe, don't forget about dinner this Saturday with all of us." He waved and they climbed onto the bench of the wagon, clicking at the horses and snapping the reins lightly to get them moving.

Tori and Jade waved until they were out of sight and then walked indoors, arms around each other as they strode through the house – their house – for the first time on their own. Tori squealed and wrapped her arms around Jade's waist, lifting and spinning her with a giddy laugh. "I can't believe we have our own house! Jae, this is – it's so, wow!" She kissed Jade hard, still smiling and almost vibrating happily, and the rush of overwhelming bliss and excitement made Jade dizzy as they flowed into her mind.

"Finally, I don't have to listen to Cat every morning when the sun comes up," she sighed happily, nosing against Tori's neck. "Can we just sleep for a week?"

"We've got to unpack, Jae. Otherwise, we'll end up sifting through everything in the morning, and you know we have to go into town to see Andre before he thinks I've disappeared again."

Jade sighed theatrically and leaned heavily against Tori. "But he's just going to want to spar with you, and I won't see you again for hours," she whined, dragging out the word and rolling her eyes simultaneously. Tori scoffed and pressed her fingertips into Jade's sides, feeling her ribs moving with each breath. Jade leaned up and nuzzled her ear, whispering to her, "I've got a much better idea of how we can spend our first day in our house." She grazed her teeth over Tori's jaw and smirked when she felt her fingers dig into her waist harder.

"Jae-"

"Just let me do all the work," she said, hands slipping down to the waist of Tori's pants and pulling on her belt loops. "After all," she said conversationally as she unbuttoned her pants and one hand slid beneath the fabric, "you have been moving heavy furniture all morning. It's the least I can do."

Beneath the limbs of an old oak tree, high on the hillside overlooking the valley and town nestled within, the Goddess stood at ease, smiling faintly and hair tousled by the cool spring breeze. She watched the bustle below her, ears faintly catching the sounds a dog barking and someone laughing on the streets beneath her. "That took more work than I thought it would," she murmured to herself. Behind her, she heard feet stepping through the detritus on the forest floor, light as they moved through last year's dead leaves and fallen branches, and felt a slight tug at the back of her mind. "You have returned, then? Have you sated your curiosity?"

[Indeed, Lady. They seem well…happy and content with each other. Mine younglings thrive in their new environ, 'twould seem]

Stepping up beside her, the vindicis stared out over the valley, black vestments a stark contrast to the Goddess' pale green dress that fluttered around her ankles and her red hair that shone in the warming sunlight. "And now?"

[I would have thee uphold thine part of our deal, Lady]

"Yes, of course," she murmured, turning to face the vindicis. "You have performed admirably and completed the geas I set before you, and as such, are now released from this binding contract we have." She pressed one finger against the forehead of the mask and a crack appeared, spiderwebbing across the entirety of it and then shattering into pieces that disappeared into the wind. The black cloth, previously draped over the body of the vindicis, fluttered and rearranged itself, becoming lighter in color and similar to what the Goddess wore. A blue-green dress fluttered around pale ankles and lean arms, and the Goddess opened her arms wide with a beaming smile on her lips. "Welcome back, Prudence."

"It is….good to be in my skin again, Lady." Her voice, although rough with disuse, was still recognizable and soft as ever, her bearing regal and calming. Her piercing blue eyes remained unchanged, long mahogany hair shining richly in the light and buffeted gently by the breeze. She smiled joyfully, stretching her arms high overhead and sighing happily as her muscles flexed. "I can't believe what they accomplished." She stepped past the Goddess and peered down at the town in much the same way the redhead had, an expression of awe on her face.

"They have both done a great thing, braving their own fears and showing themselves to their small world. Your daughter's work has triggered the beginning of a new age of understanding and learning. You should be proud."

"I am. I am so very proud of her. Of them both." Pru wiped an errant tear from her eye and swallowed. "Both of my girls." She looked over her shoulder at the Goddess, who had stepped up and set her hand on her shoulder. "They will be good for each other, won't they?"

The Goddess gained a faraway look and a few seconds later she smiled lightly. "Yes. You should see their future, it is….brilliant." She shook her head and held her hand out to Pru, who set hers in it and squeezed happily as sensation flew through each nerve. "Come, my dear, we shall leave these two to their own devices. They have no further need of us at this time, I'm afraid."

Pru smiled tremulously and set her eyes on the far side of the valley, where she could just spy a small house, new of construction, that was nestled against the edge of the forest. She raised her hand in farewell, whispered words onto the wind and sent them racing away, and closed her eyes as they disappeared with a small pop. A whirl of leaves and the rush of warm air that filled the vacated space was the only indicator of their departure, as her words flitted through the air to the other side of the valley.

On the far hillside, Jade felt her hair raise in awareness as a whispered goodbye ghosted past her ear and a feeling like fingers pressing into her skin made her shiver. She habitually pressed against her mind for the secondary awareness she had yet to forget the feeling of, but only felt Tori's nearby giddy emotions and the faint stirrings of a song that teased at the back of her mind. She reminded herself that her mother had left them once again and, although sadness itched at her nape, she mostly felt a calming peace and soothing warmth as love and hope suffused her for a fleeting moment, her tattoo tingling pleasantly as the emotions washed over her.

Lean arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her back against a warm body, and Jade relaxed into Tori's embrace as she hooked her chin over her shoulder. "You felt that too, right?"

"Yeah. You think it was mama?"

"Probably. It felt like goodbye, didn't it?"

Jade nodded against the side of Tori's head and turned to press her lips to her temple, then snorted. "Gods, I feel like such a sap right now."

Tori laughed and tightened her hold on her waist. "And?"

"I blame you for it all." Despite her words, Jade smiled wryly and rolled her eyes skyward. "What happened to me?"

"You showed us a different way," Tori said, laying a kiss against her neck, "kept going even when it got bad," another to her jaw, "fell in love." She turned Jade's head to kiss the corner of her lips, then moved to kiss her fully, thumb swiping beneath her eyes lightly and curling behind her ear. "Is that such a bad thing?"

"No," Jade began, grinning lopsidedly, "I think I've gotten used to the mushy, nonthreatening side of myself. Although, I do miss terrifying everyone with my scissors." Jade pouted and Tori laughed, squealing when Jade poked her in the side. "I'm trying to have a moment here and you're ruining it!"

"I think it was ruined a while ago, Jae." Tori smiled against her lips and pulled back, taking Jade by the hands and walking backwards toward their home. "C'mon, we've got lessons to plan. I can't believe we've got our own students!" She danced a little jig in place, almost tripping over the bottom step of the porch, and Jade laughed at her.

"C'mon, Graceless, let's get inside before you break something."

"But Jade, aren't you excited! We get to teach little kids about weaving! I can't believe it, it's just so awesome! We're going to have so much fun showing them our grimoire and…" Tori disappeared inside the screen door, still chattering, with Jade close on her heels muttering all the while.

"It'll be an adventure, that's for sure."