Difference between revisions of "02 - Release Of Magic"
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| − | + | {{Book|preseq=01|prev=Waking Magic|nxtseq=03|next=Protection of Magic|series=The Leira Chronicles|asin=B074SSXT22|img=51SIulGXFOL|blurb= | |
| + | Magic is Returning to Our World… Early. | ||
| + | Detective Leira Berens had her case blow up in her face. | ||
| − | + | Literally. A last-minute surge of magic was the only thing that kept her in one piece. | |
| − | + | Now, the necklace is still in play, she has no leads and it's time she got in touch with her feelings. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | + | She'd rather wrestle a felon to the ground than deal with her feelings. Fortunately, there are still road trips, Cheetos and Dr. Pepper. Correk, a Light Elf is willing to help... along with a swearing troll and an entire magical community she never knew existed. Austin, Texas just got a lot more interesting. | |
| + | |||
| + | Her new-found powers hint at something more about her DNA and oh yeah, the Feds have noticed. | ||
| + | But in the end, family comes first and Leira has a shot to free her mom. She’s got to take it and still do her part to save the world. | ||
| − | + | The adventure is just beginning… | |
| − | + | Welcome to The Revelations of Oriceran. | |
| − | |||
| − | + | Because some believe you can't handle the truth. | |
| + | }} | ||
| − | |||
| + | ===A REVIEW=== | ||
| + | ====Chapter 1==== | ||
| + | Somers dead, and necklace missing. Job only half done. And Dean’s family will have no closure on means of his death. Will be a permanent cold case. Silver Griffins held ceremony on Montrose Beach, pouring ashes into Lake Michigan. And necklace far too powerful to stay hidden. Correk feels there is a lot more for Leira to learn, both about herself, her magic, and her mother. Mon is probably ½ light elf, so maybe not crazy, even after 15 years in a psych ward. | ||
| − | + | Eireka was still in the ward, still casting invisible spells over her meds so she didn’t have to take them, and still hoping that one day Leira would come and get her. | |
| − | + | Leira and Correk stop for pizza, Correk insisting he stay by her side in any work she does, Yum will go home, but Correk not a babysitter. Agreed, no magic will be used. Leira’s phone rings – new case. A child is missing, presumed kidnapped, and one person is already dead. | |
| − | |||
| − | + | ===THE FIRST CASE=== | |
| − | + | ====Chapter 2==== | |
| + | Yellow tape around a Pick One Up’s parking lot. Officers, spectators. Location and clues (See Miscellaneous, [[Clues to Lucy Kate Kidnapping/Murder]]) After examining the scene, her hands started to glow, and she went out to talk to Correk. "Think about the first thing you learned. Feelings control magic. It’s all tied to your DNA, your very cell structure. The more you can focus, the more you can bend and shape the magic and use it purposefully. I suspect you are far more powerful than I am. Even with Earth’s limited power I believe you’ll be able to find her. You are more amazing than you realize, Leira Berens. The half of you that’s from my world is from a very, very rare strain. An ancient and powerful one I might add. I was just hoping you could learn that gradually. Every event, every emotion, every act leaves behind a trail of energy. Focus on the stronger ones that are closest to you right now." Symbols appeared on her arms. | ||
| − | + | Leira and Correk try to mentally track the kidnappers. Can do so, with Hagan standing in front of them, hiding them, as the magic will not affect him. (See Technology [[Magic, Oriceran]]) . New clues, obtained by magic "The dead man," she gasped. "It was revenge. The owner’s sister slept with the wrong man. Wait, there’s more. The tangled knot gave off sparks again, but this time Leira was prepared and held the energy. The dead man stopped paying his protection money. He didn’t know anything about the affair. They were making an example by killing him. Taking the child was a last-minute decision. The child was sleeping," she said. "They’re going to move her out of town. She’s being held inside of a small, rundown house on the northeast side of Georgetown, about thirty-five miles from here. There isn’t much time." Leira, Correk (in the Mustang), and Hagan (in his car), quickly drove to where Leira had seen the child. Leira’s magic senses had let her into the thoughts of the kidnappers, so she knew where they were, how many of them there were, and that The killer is still in the house. Only one guard there. Suddenly a wave of dark energy hit her in the chest, which she allowed to pass through, not fighting it. They went into the house, Correk helping with waves of energy that controlled the kidnappers, and Hagan cuffed them. Found the girl, unharmed. Went back to Austin, Leira worried about the silver Griffins and their reaction to the use of Magic on Earth, Correk feeling that it was justified. Hagan and Leira will need to lie about how they got to the house, girl, etc. Got a tip, and they were close, so they went. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Leira | ||
| − | + | Paperwork to be filled out was enormous. Nothing like solving a case a little too easily to make the higher-ups cough up more paperwork, more interviews. It wasn’t that everyone wasn’t happy with them, and there was talk of a commendation for her and Hagan. It’s just that by nature, law enforcement is skeptical of anything that ties up too neatly. Hagan comes in, catches her in start-up, she (with him as look-out) conjures up computer screen, questions pop up in her mind, she thinks answers, and they’re there. Too easy. They’ll have to wait before submitting, or everyone will wonder how they typed so fast. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| + | ===THE P. D. F.=== | ||
| + | ====Chapter 3==== | ||
| + | The Paranormal Defense Force, housed in a nondescript grey brick building in Alexandria, Virginia. An Oriceran Group, created to monitor use of unregistered magic on Earth. (See Groups [[P. D. F.]]). Lois and Patsy(witches) monitoring a screen showing a huge amount of unregistered magical activity. Report it to G4? They were looking at the amulet exploding, killing Somers and the Dean. Past history. Covered up by Silver Griffins. Now current raid on house, girl, taking place. Leira Berens, Detective, on their list. Oriceran, a Light Elf, with her! PDF will have to get someone to put a tag on her. Easier to track. Lois keeps tracking Leira, sees her doing computer paperwork, worried at unauthorized use of power, but they both have found that Silver Griffins think Leira is an asset. Will listen in more, find out what’s going on, before they rat her out. | ||
| − | + | ====Chapter==== | |
| + | Lois scoots down the hall to warn Patsy – Brass is on their way and they look determined. Lois and Patsy determine to be uncooperative, and silently whisper spells that will confuse the symbols the generals are seeing, and erase the smell of pizza in the room. Patsy restored system, and General was better. They were there to inquire about Berens. Patsy got them the file (funny scene!), and they went away, Patsy and Lois warning the Order that the government had inquired about Berens, to warn her. Review news – to Chicago blasts, Hannah Beecham’s betrayal, Leira’s Lavender Rock incident ([[Lavender Rock]], the Full Moon Party. | ||
| − | + | ====Chapter 15==== | |
| − | + | ''Invited to Work for P.D.F.'' Generals about to enter office (Alarm had sounded), and query Patsy and Lois about something. "We want to find Leira Berens and offer her a position with the United States government. We have a special consultant job for Detective Berens. Her unique skills could be of great use to us… and, well, everyone. This letter we prepared has an outline of the job. Act as a liaison between the human beings and the magical world at large, including other worlds or dimensions." Patsy calls friend, Herman, and asks him to send ball of light with message to call her back. | |
| − | + | Leira talks to General Anderson, will meet him in an empty warehouse, in Austin. Is considering, because her ability to hide what she can do is getting harder every day. Time is going to run out on her. Discuss portals opening in twenty years, want Leira to work with Oriceran, but for Earth, on our behalf to set ground rules that everyone can live with." | |
| − | |||
| − | + | Leira talks to General Anderson, will meet him in an empty warehouse, in Austin. Is considering, because her ability to hide what she can do is getting harder every day. Time is going to run out on her. Discuss portals opening in twenty years, want Leira to work with Oriceran, but for Earth, on our behalf to set ground rules that everyone can live with." | |
| − | '' | + | |
| + | ''Mother and Other Magical Beings Freed -Leira’s Conditions:'' "I stay here in Austin, I name my own salary, want my Mother released, with clean records, expunged, etc. I retain the right to say no to any directive I find unethical or that crosses the line, and I decide where the line is. And, here’s a carefully curated list of other magical beings that are being held in mental hospitals as well, all over the country. They’ll all need to be freed, given a clean slate." Agreed. Mom will be released by morning at latest, she will start work on Monday, and she will report to Anderson directly. | ||
| + | ===THE SHOPPING TRIP=== | ||
| + | ====Chapter 4==== | ||
| + | Leira and Correk go to Costco. Leira finds that Mike and Craig and others have offered to split with him if he purchases items (tube socks), giant crunchy cheese balls , Double Stuffed Oreos, Topo Chico, etc., Yum finds old green gum on back floor of car, chews it, plays with it, gets it stuck all over himself. Rolls in crumbs and dirt so not sticky, goes into Costco in Correk’s pocket, with "nesternium" command to quiet him down. Described Correk as "You’re like a dog in a warehouse full of shiny squirrels. You’re going to chase after everything. My plan is to stop you at the point of exit." Correk eats at all of the sample ladies’ tables, snacks on a package of cookies he opened, etc. Meets Leira at checkout. | ||
| − | '' | + | ====Chapter 5==== |
| + | ''Eireka'' Leila decides that she wants to go and see her mother, perhaps help with healing her after fifteen years in a mental hospital. Correk offers to go with her, but not to try to take her out right away. If they don’t do this by the Earth rules, they’ll just come after her again, and put her back in under even tighter security, and best case she will live the rest of her life looking over her shoulder or worst case, die in a hospital under a diagnosis that isn’t true. There’s also a chance she may have some valuable ideas of her own about how to get her out of there that we haven’t thought of. | ||
| − | + | ====Chapter 6==== | |
| − | '' | + | ''Their Night Out:'' Craig, Mike, Scott, Margaret, et al. Craig suggest they go down the street, listen to Music, dance. Leira and Correk agree, all go. Wine, women and whiskey ! ! Go to Hotel Driskill, a building supposedly haunted. It was. Leira’s grandmother, Mara Berens, had accidentally fallen into the World in- Between, and had been trapped there, in that hotel, in an in-between dimension, since she had gone missing. Leira makes Correk promise he will take her to Lavender Rock, and introduce her to all of the Elven family she might have on Earth who might be there. He promises to do so. |
| − | + | ===THE VAULT=== | |
| − | '' | + | ====Chapter 5==== |
| + | ''The Necklace:'' Witch (in long charcoal gray yoga pants and an even longer powder blue puffy coat that went to her ankles. That’s what pegged her as a local), and Wizard, meeting in front of the vault on a lower floor of the Pumping Station, the Silver Griffin’s home base in Chicago, secrete the Prince’s necklace (a braided necklace with a diamond-shaped lavender colored pendant) in a velvet box in the drawer with his other items. Wizard had stolen it from the Chicago explosion before anyone had thought of it. They were hiding it in the vault, and had a bad feeling about it, that maybe the vault wasn’t strong enough to withstand the forces involved in this event. But, "It’s seen the worst and been fine." | ||
| − | + | ====Chapter 7==== | |
| − | '' | + | ''The Meeting - The Necklace'': Rhazdon’s Followers, who have designs on the magic necklace, meet in New Mexico, locate the necklace in Chicago, make plans to go to retrieve it, to carry out Rhazdon’s work. (See Technology, [[Magic, Rhazdon's Way]]) (Characters, [[Rhazdon]]) |
| − | The Griffins investigate, cover all deaths, injuries with protocols created for similar situations. Find Hannah missing, and, looking at images , saw her leave with box. Head Griffin calls up a young pretty blonde, introduces her, Kate Toller. Special agent to investigate new uprising Rhazdon cult, and who had brought the battle to the station. | + | ====Chapter 11==== |
| + | ''Battle at the Pumping Station - The Necklace'': Chicago was disturbed by a big explosion under the pumping station. No one hurt, accident, old gas pipe had exploded. But Silver Griffins knew better, and were covering. Griffins stood in street chanting "Never was, never will be", and people just kept on with their day. Virus programs went out, seeking Explosion items and deleting them. All members received an emergency phone chirp to Report at once to your primary battle station. Stop the offenders. Defend by any means necessary. Use lethal force as required. They did so, with their battle cries of "Best of everything", and "All the best in the world." Underground, Griffins fought with Rhazdons trying to get into the vault. Dark spells, sent out by Rhazdons, bubbling and festering in Griffin wounds. Wizards and witches from both sides sent out streams of magic which, upon meeting, swirl and spiral, the stronger ones subduing the weaker energy. The spells on the doors made all of this invisible to the passing public, the doors being impenetrable. One of the young Griffins put on a glamour spell and exited the building, carrying a red velvet box to an old man at a close subway station. Although she might be betraying the order, she felt that she was saving the vault. But the Rhazdon followers now had the necklace. The old man sent the order to retreat, and the Rhazdons did. The Griffins were puzzled, and knew they had been betrayed when they found the red box/necklace gone, taken by one of their own Griffins. Kate Toller appointed as Special Agent to find new uprising of Rhazdon cult. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The Griffins investigate, cover all deaths, injuries with protocols created for similar situations. Find Hannah missing, and, looking at images , saw her leave with box. Head Griffin calls up a young pretty blonde, introduces her, Kate Toller. Special agent to investigate new uprising Rhazdon cult, and who had brought the battle to the station. | ||
Leira feels pulse, battle, goes to Correk to find out info. Not strong enough. Need to go to Lavender Rock, full moon, celebration, to find out. | Leira feels pulse, battle, goes to Correk to find out info. Not strong enough. Need to go to Lavender Rock, full moon, celebration, to find out. | ||
| − | + | ====Chapter 16==== | |
''The Delivery - The Necklace:'' Rhazdon group meet again at Lavender Rock, chosen to deliver the necklace to the new priest in Oriceran. The leaders of the movement who had planned and executed the theft were still in hiding from the Order. Their children and younger members were to finish the mission. Will get message to Oriceran group re circumstances. Need to return the necklace, not use it. Portal opened, old gnome reached through, grabbed the necklace, and shut the portal, leaving the group amazed and dumbfounded. No plans for future, no advice ---- | ''The Delivery - The Necklace:'' Rhazdon group meet again at Lavender Rock, chosen to deliver the necklace to the new priest in Oriceran. The leaders of the movement who had planned and executed the theft were still in hiding from the Order. Their children and younger members were to finish the mission. Will get message to Oriceran group re circumstances. Need to return the necklace, not use it. Portal opened, old gnome reached through, grabbed the necklace, and shut the portal, leaving the group amazed and dumbfounded. No plans for future, no advice ---- | ||
| + | ===THE SECOND CASE=== | ||
| + | ====Chapter 7==== | ||
| + | The Robbery case. (See Miscellaneous, [[Clues to Second Case, Robbery]]) Jewelry store on Ben White near the Trader Joe’s. Can’t miss it. Big sign with a diamond on it. The fact that they responded to gunfire with gunfire suggests ordinary humans who took a lot of precautions trying to make the robberies as smooth as possible. They also seem to have figured out what days each store has the most cash on hand. Inside man?" "Would have to be." | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====Chapter 10==== | ||
| + | Leira and Hagan sat outside the jewelry store, waiting for anything, to happen. Had been there for hours. They had a tip from an informant they both trusted, Pink Harry, that this was the next target. The store was known to have a lot of cash and diamonds on hand. Older woman comes to store, looks around, goes in. comes out, looks around, sends text. Man runs from store, robbed! They had come in the back, left the same way. Leira feel magic present in the store as she went in to investigate. Will try different idea. Use magic to find gun which killed guard in last robbery, get a warrant, go get it and the people. Correk helps Leira learn a finding spell. She does, she sees the gun on the bottom of Lake Anne. They will suggest to Pink Harry that he call in a tip, and the station’s divers will find the gun. He did, and they did, finding a partial print on it. Follow it up, find the three criminals Case solved. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===LAVENDER ROCK=== | ||
| + | ====Chapter 8==== | ||
| + | Only twenty miles from Leira’s home in Austin. into McKinney State Park. The road wound back to the right till it reached an oversized lavender-colored crystal spread over three acres. Lavender Rock. Discuss opening of portals, effect on magic on Earth. (See Locations: Oriceran) At the rock. Leira experiences an exponential expression of her magic. (See Characters:[[Leira Berens]], ''Her Magic''). Leira decides to go see her mother, after they go to the Rock and meet the others, who would have felt her burst of energy. Need to re-assure everyone. Meets Toni, glass of wine, people treat her like they’ve known her for years. Weekly family re-union that helps to center our energy and remind us of who we are as a whole being. Not just human. This is how we stay connected, and get/stay recharged. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====Chapter 9==== | ||
| + | Has new "tribe". Likes them. Toni (met her first), Jim (likes Yumfuck, gives him cheese), Mary Ellen/Molly,( likes to swear), Perry and Lucy, with twins Fran and Fern, Eric (Philosopher of group) and others. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====Chapter 12==== | ||
| + | ''Full Moon Party:'' Go to Full Moon Party to get more info on Chicago event, meet Brian (cousin with Griffins), Jeff (works for Google – ancient myths on the air), Stacy, (Earth group for over 100 yrs. ½ Lt. Elf and ½ Southern Baptist). Learns she has appeared on government watch list for activity in the Chicago explosion. Requests info on name of betrayal witch (Hannah Beecham), and anything you know about breaking a magical person out of a psych ward. (Find someone who’s got enough power in the human world and trade them something they want in exchange for vouching for your loved one. In most cases, that’s not an easy trick to pull off, but with the power coming off you, it should be a snap!" Toni snapped her fingers. "You could even use a spell or two to make them think it was their idea all along.") | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====Chapter 13==== | ||
| + | Yumfuck disappears, Hagan sees him in Voodoo Doughnut Shop stealing doughnuts, disappears again from shop, comes back with doughnuts to contribute to the party. Leira has to perform a Magic trick for everyone, AND SHE DOES – LEVITATES. - all impressed. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===MARA BERENS=== | ||
| + | ====Chapter 9==== | ||
| + | Mara Berens Leira’s grandmother, a denizen of the In-between world, needs to warn Leira about the Light Elf, and makes a deal with a poltergeist to learn how to do so. (See In Between Worlds, Locations) | ||
| − | + | ===NEW JOB=== | |
| + | ====Chapter 16==== | ||
| + | Katie Toler meets with Leira, asking her to keep her in the loop, or she will have to investigate on her own. Toler leaves. | ||
| − | + | ====Chapter 17==== | |
| − | + | Leira’s boss, Captain Napora, calls her into his office, congratulates her on work, on her way to the top. Will tell Hagan after work. Goes back to house, to Correk. | |
| − | + | ====Chapter 18==== | |
| − | + | The General at Hospital to handle release of Eireka Berens. Director reluctant. General tells him he signs, or he’s fired. He signs. General takes papers to Leira. Mon will be out next morning, with a new life and $1,000,000 as restitution for an error. Other papers to sign, etc. | |
| + | Leira goes out to Estelle’s, tell everyone her mother is coming home tomorrow, and starts to cry. Correk came back, and all celebrated, party on Estelle. Bowling later, with Correk and everyone from the bar – the Pin Pushers Team. | ||
| + | ====Chapter 20==== | ||
| + | Leira and Hagan missed their drink (date night with his wife, Rose), so have breakfast the next morning. "It’s not the job. It’s the magic. Eventually, I was going to get found out. I couldn’t use magic on the force and I was finding it impossible to not help someone by pulling out a little something. This way I can use the magic and do some good without getting into some kind of bad situation." "You gonna stay in touch? Send me a picture from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial." "I’m not going to D.C. Another condition of mine. I’m staying right here. You and I can still catch a beer once in a while." "And if I ever need some help?" Leira re-did Rose’s garden that Felix had accidentally mowed down. | ||
| + | ===CORREK=== | ||
| + | ====Chapter 17==== | ||
| + | Correk must go back to Oriceran to recharge, etc. She will be fine without her. He congratulates her on her learning, changing, etc., He opens portal, goes back, meets with his friend Wood elf Perrom, who clued him in on events since he had left. Queen Saria still grieving (but has stopped blowing up the willens), dark bazaar is getting bigger (illegal Earth tech), there is an unknown prophet visiting the tents, so watch your back, and Ossonia missed you. | ||
| + | Correk arrives at the castle to find Palmer the passenger pigeon waiting for him, with mail. See me first. The King. The king was standing by the window and when he turned Correk could see that his crown was starting to bloom. For him, at least, the grief was passing. It would be time, soon, to return to the more familiar crown of silver vines. Correk home only to recharge. Prophets would want him back on Earth ASAP, anyway. There are rumors everywhere about a dark force growing in our midst. I have sources who frequent the dark bazaar and someone is stirring trouble. Whoever it is they have managed to buy loyalty with fear or money, or both." Stay vigilant. The gates will be opening sooner rather than later and we cannot risk starting off with dark forces threatening." | ||
| + | ===MOM=== | ||
| + | ====Chapter 19==== | ||
| + | Leira goes to pick up Mom, unhappy with condition in home. Eireka just calm, happy to be going, waiting it out. Correk determined to see Director, give him a piece of his mind. Leira wants out ASAP! | ||
| + | Correk puts a curse on him: You will work tirelessly for the rest of your life to improve the quality of care for everyone who comes through these doors or I will return." The fireball spun faster, finally slamming into the man’s chest and seeping into his shirt, and under his skin. "Think of it as a GPS that will not only tell me where you are, but what you’re doing. I will always know. Veer from your mission and I will get angry. You don’t want to see me angry. Tell anyone, and prepare to join the people you have treated so miserably and become one of their own. This I swear." Sends a fireball with nits to help the staff. | ||
| + | Mara tries to visit Leira, with Poltergeist. Visits with his family first, then, when he is pulled out of in-between, goes to find Leira. Finds her in Mustang, in hospital parking lot with Eireka, waiting for Correk to return. Mara tries to contact Eireka, but wormhole pulls her back. But Eireka felt traces of her magic, called to her, but she was gone. | ||
| − | + | ====Chapter 20==== | |
| + | ''Mara'' While sitting in the patio the next morning, Eireka senses Mara's energy in he area, and calls on Leira to join her in channeling it. She felt/saw all the generations of women who had preceded her, including her grandmother, Mara. Smelled Lilacs. Eireka then knows that she’s trapped in between. But she’s alive. and Leira says she can work with tha ! Eireka and Leira promise to get Mara back together. | ||
Latest revision as of 21:58, 9 August 2018
| << Waking Magic | The Leira Chronicles | Protection of Magic >> |
| Magic is Returning to Our World… Early.
Detective Leira Berens had her case blow up in her face. Literally. A last-minute surge of magic was the only thing that kept her in one piece. Now, the necklace is still in play, she has no leads and it's time she got in touch with her feelings. She'd rather wrestle a felon to the ground than deal with her feelings. Fortunately, there are still road trips, Cheetos and Dr. Pepper. Correk, a Light Elf is willing to help... along with a swearing troll and an entire magical community she never knew existed. Austin, Texas just got a lot more interesting. Her new-found powers hint at something more about her DNA and oh yeah, the Feds have noticed. But in the end, family comes first and Leira has a shot to free her mom. She’s got to take it and still do her part to save the world. The adventure is just beginning… Welcome to The Revelations of Oriceran. Because some believe you can't handle the truth. |
 |
Contents
A REVIEW
Chapter 1
Somers dead, and necklace missing. Job only half done. And Dean’s family will have no closure on means of his death. Will be a permanent cold case. Silver Griffins held ceremony on Montrose Beach, pouring ashes into Lake Michigan. And necklace far too powerful to stay hidden. Correk feels there is a lot more for Leira to learn, both about herself, her magic, and her mother. Mon is probably ½ light elf, so maybe not crazy, even after 15 years in a psych ward.
Eireka was still in the ward, still casting invisible spells over her meds so she didn’t have to take them, and still hoping that one day Leira would come and get her.
Leira and Correk stop for pizza, Correk insisting he stay by her side in any work she does, Yum will go home, but Correk not a babysitter. Agreed, no magic will be used. Leira’s phone rings – new case. A child is missing, presumed kidnapped, and one person is already dead.
THE FIRST CASE
Chapter 2
Yellow tape around a Pick One Up’s parking lot. Officers, spectators. Location and clues (See Miscellaneous, Clues to Lucy Kate Kidnapping/Murder) After examining the scene, her hands started to glow, and she went out to talk to Correk. "Think about the first thing you learned. Feelings control magic. It’s all tied to your DNA, your very cell structure. The more you can focus, the more you can bend and shape the magic and use it purposefully. I suspect you are far more powerful than I am. Even with Earth’s limited power I believe you’ll be able to find her. You are more amazing than you realize, Leira Berens. The half of you that’s from my world is from a very, very rare strain. An ancient and powerful one I might add. I was just hoping you could learn that gradually. Every event, every emotion, every act leaves behind a trail of energy. Focus on the stronger ones that are closest to you right now." Symbols appeared on her arms.
Leira and Correk try to mentally track the kidnappers. Can do so, with Hagan standing in front of them, hiding them, as the magic will not affect him. (See Technology Magic, Oriceran) . New clues, obtained by magic "The dead man," she gasped. "It was revenge. The owner’s sister slept with the wrong man. Wait, there’s more. The tangled knot gave off sparks again, but this time Leira was prepared and held the energy. The dead man stopped paying his protection money. He didn’t know anything about the affair. They were making an example by killing him. Taking the child was a last-minute decision. The child was sleeping," she said. "They’re going to move her out of town. She’s being held inside of a small, rundown house on the northeast side of Georgetown, about thirty-five miles from here. There isn’t much time." Leira, Correk (in the Mustang), and Hagan (in his car), quickly drove to where Leira had seen the child. Leira’s magic senses had let her into the thoughts of the kidnappers, so she knew where they were, how many of them there were, and that The killer is still in the house. Only one guard there. Suddenly a wave of dark energy hit her in the chest, which she allowed to pass through, not fighting it. They went into the house, Correk helping with waves of energy that controlled the kidnappers, and Hagan cuffed them. Found the girl, unharmed. Went back to Austin, Leira worried about the silver Griffins and their reaction to the use of Magic on Earth, Correk feeling that it was justified. Hagan and Leira will need to lie about how they got to the house, girl, etc. Got a tip, and they were close, so they went.
Paperwork to be filled out was enormous. Nothing like solving a case a little too easily to make the higher-ups cough up more paperwork, more interviews. It wasn’t that everyone wasn’t happy with them, and there was talk of a commendation for her and Hagan. It’s just that by nature, law enforcement is skeptical of anything that ties up too neatly. Hagan comes in, catches her in start-up, she (with him as look-out) conjures up computer screen, questions pop up in her mind, she thinks answers, and they’re there. Too easy. They’ll have to wait before submitting, or everyone will wonder how they typed so fast.
THE P. D. F.
Chapter 3
The Paranormal Defense Force, housed in a nondescript grey brick building in Alexandria, Virginia. An Oriceran Group, created to monitor use of unregistered magic on Earth. (See Groups P. D. F.). Lois and Patsy(witches) monitoring a screen showing a huge amount of unregistered magical activity. Report it to G4? They were looking at the amulet exploding, killing Somers and the Dean. Past history. Covered up by Silver Griffins. Now current raid on house, girl, taking place. Leira Berens, Detective, on their list. Oriceran, a Light Elf, with her! PDF will have to get someone to put a tag on her. Easier to track. Lois keeps tracking Leira, sees her doing computer paperwork, worried at unauthorized use of power, but they both have found that Silver Griffins think Leira is an asset. Will listen in more, find out what’s going on, before they rat her out.
Chapter
Lois scoots down the hall to warn Patsy – Brass is on their way and they look determined. Lois and Patsy determine to be uncooperative, and silently whisper spells that will confuse the symbols the generals are seeing, and erase the smell of pizza in the room. Patsy restored system, and General was better. They were there to inquire about Berens. Patsy got them the file (funny scene!), and they went away, Patsy and Lois warning the Order that the government had inquired about Berens, to warn her. Review news – to Chicago blasts, Hannah Beecham’s betrayal, Leira’s Lavender Rock incident (Lavender Rock, the Full Moon Party.
Chapter 15
Invited to Work for P.D.F. Generals about to enter office (Alarm had sounded), and query Patsy and Lois about something. "We want to find Leira Berens and offer her a position with the United States government. We have a special consultant job for Detective Berens. Her unique skills could be of great use to us… and, well, everyone. This letter we prepared has an outline of the job. Act as a liaison between the human beings and the magical world at large, including other worlds or dimensions." Patsy calls friend, Herman, and asks him to send ball of light with message to call her back.
Leira talks to General Anderson, will meet him in an empty warehouse, in Austin. Is considering, because her ability to hide what she can do is getting harder every day. Time is going to run out on her. Discuss portals opening in twenty years, want Leira to work with Oriceran, but for Earth, on our behalf to set ground rules that everyone can live with."
Leira talks to General Anderson, will meet him in an empty warehouse, in Austin. Is considering, because her ability to hide what she can do is getting harder every day. Time is going to run out on her. Discuss portals opening in twenty years, want Leira to work with Oriceran, but for Earth, on our behalf to set ground rules that everyone can live with."
Mother and Other Magical Beings Freed -Leira’s Conditions: "I stay here in Austin, I name my own salary, want my Mother released, with clean records, expunged, etc. I retain the right to say no to any directive I find unethical or that crosses the line, and I decide where the line is. And, here’s a carefully curated list of other magical beings that are being held in mental hospitals as well, all over the country. They’ll all need to be freed, given a clean slate." Agreed. Mom will be released by morning at latest, she will start work on Monday, and she will report to Anderson directly.
THE SHOPPING TRIP
Chapter 4
Leira and Correk go to Costco. Leira finds that Mike and Craig and others have offered to split with him if he purchases items (tube socks), giant crunchy cheese balls , Double Stuffed Oreos, Topo Chico, etc., Yum finds old green gum on back floor of car, chews it, plays with it, gets it stuck all over himself. Rolls in crumbs and dirt so not sticky, goes into Costco in Correk’s pocket, with "nesternium" command to quiet him down. Described Correk as "You’re like a dog in a warehouse full of shiny squirrels. You’re going to chase after everything. My plan is to stop you at the point of exit." Correk eats at all of the sample ladies’ tables, snacks on a package of cookies he opened, etc. Meets Leira at checkout.
Chapter 5
Eireka Leila decides that she wants to go and see her mother, perhaps help with healing her after fifteen years in a mental hospital. Correk offers to go with her, but not to try to take her out right away. If they don’t do this by the Earth rules, they’ll just come after her again, and put her back in under even tighter security, and best case she will live the rest of her life looking over her shoulder or worst case, die in a hospital under a diagnosis that isn’t true. There’s also a chance she may have some valuable ideas of her own about how to get her out of there that we haven’t thought of.
Chapter 6
Their Night Out: Craig, Mike, Scott, Margaret, et al. Craig suggest they go down the street, listen to Music, dance. Leira and Correk agree, all go. Wine, women and whiskey ! ! Go to Hotel Driskill, a building supposedly haunted. It was. Leira’s grandmother, Mara Berens, had accidentally fallen into the World in- Between, and had been trapped there, in that hotel, in an in-between dimension, since she had gone missing. Leira makes Correk promise he will take her to Lavender Rock, and introduce her to all of the Elven family she might have on Earth who might be there. He promises to do so.
THE VAULT
Chapter 5
The Necklace: Witch (in long charcoal gray yoga pants and an even longer powder blue puffy coat that went to her ankles. That’s what pegged her as a local), and Wizard, meeting in front of the vault on a lower floor of the Pumping Station, the Silver Griffin’s home base in Chicago, secrete the Prince’s necklace (a braided necklace with a diamond-shaped lavender colored pendant) in a velvet box in the drawer with his other items. Wizard had stolen it from the Chicago explosion before anyone had thought of it. They were hiding it in the vault, and had a bad feeling about it, that maybe the vault wasn’t strong enough to withstand the forces involved in this event. But, "It’s seen the worst and been fine."
Chapter 7
The Meeting - The Necklace: Rhazdon’s Followers, who have designs on the magic necklace, meet in New Mexico, locate the necklace in Chicago, make plans to go to retrieve it, to carry out Rhazdon’s work. (See Technology, Magic, Rhazdon's Way) (Characters, Rhazdon)
Chapter 11
Battle at the Pumping Station - The Necklace: Chicago was disturbed by a big explosion under the pumping station. No one hurt, accident, old gas pipe had exploded. But Silver Griffins knew better, and were covering. Griffins stood in street chanting "Never was, never will be", and people just kept on with their day. Virus programs went out, seeking Explosion items and deleting them. All members received an emergency phone chirp to Report at once to your primary battle station. Stop the offenders. Defend by any means necessary. Use lethal force as required. They did so, with their battle cries of "Best of everything", and "All the best in the world." Underground, Griffins fought with Rhazdons trying to get into the vault. Dark spells, sent out by Rhazdons, bubbling and festering in Griffin wounds. Wizards and witches from both sides sent out streams of magic which, upon meeting, swirl and spiral, the stronger ones subduing the weaker energy. The spells on the doors made all of this invisible to the passing public, the doors being impenetrable. One of the young Griffins put on a glamour spell and exited the building, carrying a red velvet box to an old man at a close subway station. Although she might be betraying the order, she felt that she was saving the vault. But the Rhazdon followers now had the necklace. The old man sent the order to retreat, and the Rhazdons did. The Griffins were puzzled, and knew they had been betrayed when they found the red box/necklace gone, taken by one of their own Griffins. Kate Toller appointed as Special Agent to find new uprising of Rhazdon cult.
The Griffins investigate, cover all deaths, injuries with protocols created for similar situations. Find Hannah missing, and, looking at images , saw her leave with box. Head Griffin calls up a young pretty blonde, introduces her, Kate Toller. Special agent to investigate new uprising Rhazdon cult, and who had brought the battle to the station.
Leira feels pulse, battle, goes to Correk to find out info. Not strong enough. Need to go to Lavender Rock, full moon, celebration, to find out.
Chapter 16
The Delivery - The Necklace: Rhazdon group meet again at Lavender Rock, chosen to deliver the necklace to the new priest in Oriceran. The leaders of the movement who had planned and executed the theft were still in hiding from the Order. Their children and younger members were to finish the mission. Will get message to Oriceran group re circumstances. Need to return the necklace, not use it. Portal opened, old gnome reached through, grabbed the necklace, and shut the portal, leaving the group amazed and dumbfounded. No plans for future, no advice ----
THE SECOND CASE
Chapter 7
The Robbery case. (See Miscellaneous, Clues to Second Case, Robbery) Jewelry store on Ben White near the Trader Joe’s. Can’t miss it. Big sign with a diamond on it. The fact that they responded to gunfire with gunfire suggests ordinary humans who took a lot of precautions trying to make the robberies as smooth as possible. They also seem to have figured out what days each store has the most cash on hand. Inside man?" "Would have to be."
Chapter 10
Leira and Hagan sat outside the jewelry store, waiting for anything, to happen. Had been there for hours. They had a tip from an informant they both trusted, Pink Harry, that this was the next target. The store was known to have a lot of cash and diamonds on hand. Older woman comes to store, looks around, goes in. comes out, looks around, sends text. Man runs from store, robbed! They had come in the back, left the same way. Leira feel magic present in the store as she went in to investigate. Will try different idea. Use magic to find gun which killed guard in last robbery, get a warrant, go get it and the people. Correk helps Leira learn a finding spell. She does, she sees the gun on the bottom of Lake Anne. They will suggest to Pink Harry that he call in a tip, and the station’s divers will find the gun. He did, and they did, finding a partial print on it. Follow it up, find the three criminals Case solved.
LAVENDER ROCK
Chapter 8
Only twenty miles from Leira’s home in Austin. into McKinney State Park. The road wound back to the right till it reached an oversized lavender-colored crystal spread over three acres. Lavender Rock. Discuss opening of portals, effect on magic on Earth. (See Locations: Oriceran) At the rock. Leira experiences an exponential expression of her magic. (See Characters:Leira Berens, Her Magic). Leira decides to go see her mother, after they go to the Rock and meet the others, who would have felt her burst of energy. Need to re-assure everyone. Meets Toni, glass of wine, people treat her like they’ve known her for years. Weekly family re-union that helps to center our energy and remind us of who we are as a whole being. Not just human. This is how we stay connected, and get/stay recharged.
Chapter 9
Has new "tribe". Likes them. Toni (met her first), Jim (likes Yumfuck, gives him cheese), Mary Ellen/Molly,( likes to swear), Perry and Lucy, with twins Fran and Fern, Eric (Philosopher of group) and others.
Chapter 12
Full Moon Party: Go to Full Moon Party to get more info on Chicago event, meet Brian (cousin with Griffins), Jeff (works for Google – ancient myths on the air), Stacy, (Earth group for over 100 yrs. ½ Lt. Elf and ½ Southern Baptist). Learns she has appeared on government watch list for activity in the Chicago explosion. Requests info on name of betrayal witch (Hannah Beecham), and anything you know about breaking a magical person out of a psych ward. (Find someone who’s got enough power in the human world and trade them something they want in exchange for vouching for your loved one. In most cases, that’s not an easy trick to pull off, but with the power coming off you, it should be a snap!" Toni snapped her fingers. "You could even use a spell or two to make them think it was their idea all along.")
Chapter 13
Yumfuck disappears, Hagan sees him in Voodoo Doughnut Shop stealing doughnuts, disappears again from shop, comes back with doughnuts to contribute to the party. Leira has to perform a Magic trick for everyone, AND SHE DOES – LEVITATES. - all impressed.
MARA BERENS
Chapter 9
Mara Berens Leira’s grandmother, a denizen of the In-between world, needs to warn Leira about the Light Elf, and makes a deal with a poltergeist to learn how to do so. (See In Between Worlds, Locations)
NEW JOB
Chapter 16
Katie Toler meets with Leira, asking her to keep her in the loop, or she will have to investigate on her own. Toler leaves.
Chapter 17
Leira’s boss, Captain Napora, calls her into his office, congratulates her on work, on her way to the top. Will tell Hagan after work. Goes back to house, to Correk.
Chapter 18
The General at Hospital to handle release of Eireka Berens. Director reluctant. General tells him he signs, or he’s fired. He signs. General takes papers to Leira. Mon will be out next morning, with a new life and $1,000,000 as restitution for an error. Other papers to sign, etc.
Leira goes out to Estelle’s, tell everyone her mother is coming home tomorrow, and starts to cry. Correk came back, and all celebrated, party on Estelle. Bowling later, with Correk and everyone from the bar – the Pin Pushers Team.
Chapter 20
Leira and Hagan missed their drink (date night with his wife, Rose), so have breakfast the next morning. "It’s not the job. It’s the magic. Eventually, I was going to get found out. I couldn’t use magic on the force and I was finding it impossible to not help someone by pulling out a little something. This way I can use the magic and do some good without getting into some kind of bad situation." "You gonna stay in touch? Send me a picture from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial." "I’m not going to D.C. Another condition of mine. I’m staying right here. You and I can still catch a beer once in a while." "And if I ever need some help?" Leira re-did Rose’s garden that Felix had accidentally mowed down.
CORREK
Chapter 17
Correk must go back to Oriceran to recharge, etc. She will be fine without her. He congratulates her on her learning, changing, etc., He opens portal, goes back, meets with his friend Wood elf Perrom, who clued him in on events since he had left. Queen Saria still grieving (but has stopped blowing up the willens), dark bazaar is getting bigger (illegal Earth tech), there is an unknown prophet visiting the tents, so watch your back, and Ossonia missed you.
Correk arrives at the castle to find Palmer the passenger pigeon waiting for him, with mail. See me first. The King. The king was standing by the window and when he turned Correk could see that his crown was starting to bloom. For him, at least, the grief was passing. It would be time, soon, to return to the more familiar crown of silver vines. Correk home only to recharge. Prophets would want him back on Earth ASAP, anyway. There are rumors everywhere about a dark force growing in our midst. I have sources who frequent the dark bazaar and someone is stirring trouble. Whoever it is they have managed to buy loyalty with fear or money, or both." Stay vigilant. The gates will be opening sooner rather than later and we cannot risk starting off with dark forces threatening."
MOM
Chapter 19
Leira goes to pick up Mom, unhappy with condition in home. Eireka just calm, happy to be going, waiting it out. Correk determined to see Director, give him a piece of his mind. Leira wants out ASAP! Correk puts a curse on him: You will work tirelessly for the rest of your life to improve the quality of care for everyone who comes through these doors or I will return." The fireball spun faster, finally slamming into the man’s chest and seeping into his shirt, and under his skin. "Think of it as a GPS that will not only tell me where you are, but what you’re doing. I will always know. Veer from your mission and I will get angry. You don’t want to see me angry. Tell anyone, and prepare to join the people you have treated so miserably and become one of their own. This I swear." Sends a fireball with nits to help the staff. Mara tries to visit Leira, with Poltergeist. Visits with his family first, then, when he is pulled out of in-between, goes to find Leira. Finds her in Mustang, in hospital parking lot with Eireka, waiting for Correk to return. Mara tries to contact Eireka, but wormhole pulls her back. But Eireka felt traces of her magic, called to her, but she was gone.
Chapter 20
Mara While sitting in the patio the next morning, Eireka senses Mara's energy in he area, and calls on Leira to join her in channeling it. She felt/saw all the generations of women who had preceded her, including her grandmother, Mara. Smelled Lilacs. Eireka then knows that she’s trapped in between. But she’s alive. and Leira says she can work with tha ! Eireka and Leira promise to get Mara back together.
