Unknown L (Book 1)

~~~~ Coming Together ~~~~

She was just preparing herself when Maeve stepped out of the crowd and moved to give her a tentative hug.

"I'm so glad you're okay. I feel like these are the only encounters we've had just recently."

L hugged her back, "It does, but at least you're here. How much do I have to go over with them?" She added as a whisper, which was mostly pointless, but it made Maeve laugh.

"Nothing, Bryce and Edra filled us in earlier... we just wanted to stay and make sure you're alright. We can discuss what happens next once you're up and about."

L nodded, and the others began to file out of the room. Those L knew better gave her a wave or a smile before leaving. The room seemed much bigger once they'd gone, and L relaxed into the pillow. The Worcesters and Edra were the only others left in the room.

"L, dear, look at you." Mrs Worcester sighed and then raised a finger. "You need something to eat and drink, get your strength back up," she stated, getting up from her chair. "Is it alright if I go and make her something downstairs?" She asked of Edra.

"I should probably come and help you. My kitchen is more magical than edible these days. I'll have to make some adjustments to it." 

Edra and Mrs Worcester headed out of the room, chattering away to each other about the kitchen, and L was left with Mr Worcester and Robbie.

"So, who came in to save us at the last minute because I have a feeling Bryce didn't conjure all of that up on his own?"  

They both looked mildly surprised.

"You saw that? We thought you were out for the count." Mr Worcester walked closer to the bed, and L nodded in reply.

"Yeah, some of it anyway, but I mainly just saw floating lights and a sword."

Robbie still looked surprised, but he smiled in bemusement too, "Would you believe us if we said it was a very young looking Edra? Like even younger than she looks now?" 

L's eyes widened, but she chuckled at his incredulous attitude, "Yes, but tell me anyway."

"Just when we thought Bryce was gonna be scorpion meat, the door to the kitchen burst open, and Edra came sprinting through, yes sprinting... She threw those light ball things straight at the scorpion, and it looked like it was being electrocuted. Then she turned it over, I'm guessing with magic, and plunged a sword that she took out from under her cloak. It was pretty insane, even after all the things we've seen."

L couldn't process what she was hearing. Edra was full of surprises and apparently just as powerful as Bryce had said.

"So, did Edra bring us straight here?"

"She did. She insisted despite the Council trying to argue with her. And Bryce insisted on carrying you. He wouldn't let anyone else."

Robbie wiggled a brow at her, and if she'd had the energy, she would have kicked him off the bed. 

She was about to respond with something rude when there was a knock on the door. L looked over to see Bryce standing there.

"Speak of the devil," Robbie muttered.

L made a mental note to remember to kick him the next chance she got. 

For the moment, she watched Bryce walk in and stop just inside the door.

"I was hoping you'd be awake by the time I got back. I have a surprise for you."

L didn't think she could take any more surprises right now, that was until she saw what, or rather who, it was. Illiana came running into the room first, quickly followed by Emilia. They both made their way to the bed, and Illiana even gave L a quick hug.

"We came as soon as we got Brycathlen's message that it was safe. How are you feeling?"

"Did you really fight a giant scorpion shapeshifter?"

L smiled warmly at Illiana, "I did, but I wasn't alone when I did it." L glanced at Bryce briefly, who was smiling at the scene. Then she looked to Emilia, "I'm a bit sore and numb, and pretty surprised now. Are you two alright?"

Emilia and Illiana both nodded. Emilia rested a hand on her daughter's shoulder.

"We're fine, we stayed with some friends for a while and then moved around a little. I'd say it's good to be back, but that remains to be seen."

She glanced at L's leg and then to Bryce. L felt like she understood what Emilia meant. To be away from the dangers of the base must have been nice, but L liked the comfort of being around them more.  

She was shocked at her own thoughts and had to digest them for a few seconds while the others were talking.

"L? Is everything alright?"

L looked up to see Bryce standing beside her bed. He had his grey beanie hat on and his hands in the pockets of his jeans.

"Yeah, I'm fine... I'm just adjusting to all of the surprises. I'm really happy they're back, though, if that's what you're asking."

His expression told her that he was. He nodded and looked over at his sister and niece; the love was evident on his face. It must have been good for him to have them back by his side.

Edra and Mrs Worcester returned a little while later, and they brought food, enough for the whole group. After a little coaxing, Emilia agreed to stay for the meal. It felt good to have them all there together, in the peace and calm of Edra's house instead of the forest out there or hiding from danger. They all knew it wouldn't last. It couldn't, not while Frallica was still out there, and as long as she searched for L, none of them would be entirely safe.

Frallica had gone to great lengths with the fake Deana. It had been planned over some time, months if not years, and L's worries were starting to build. They had no idea who might be working for Frallica, just waiting for the right time to strike. She intended to bring all of her concerns to the Council as soon as she could. They needed some kind of Supernatural lie detector screening process or something.

L realised a moment later that someone was talking to her, and she pushed herself back into the conversations.

In the back of her mind, she couldn't help but feel like some grand plan was slowly coming together, piece by piece, and she was the crucial element that would either make or break it. And to think, not long ago, her only source of stress was Eileen and that silly dress nonsense. It kind of put things into perspective for her. There was a lot to accomplish, and if Edra could help with unlocking her mind, then she would train harder than she had before.

As she looked around the room and thought about everyone she wanted to protect, it gave her the courage and determination to see that Frallica didn't ruin their world. She would make sure there was a future for Illiana and other children like her, even human children like Lewis, who would be affected if Frallica got the power she wanted.

L refused to let that happen, and if she had to die to stop it, then so be it. She peered around the room again when Bryce asked her something. She managed to reply even though she hadn't been listening and glanced to the Worcesters, who were all laughing at something Edra had said. L wasn't about to let any of them down.