The next morning started slow and quiet, relaxing given what their plans were. L ate breakfast with the Worcesters and opened her presents from the night before. There were so many wonderful and thoughtful gifts, L was overwhelmed by the generosity. She didn't know where she would put it all, but Mr Worcester kindly offered to build her some storage space. Once breakfast was over, Mrs Worcester asked what they had in mind for the day; L and Robbie exchanged a look that didn't go unnoticed by his parents.
"What? I hope you two aren't planning to go on anymore raids, you need your rest. You're going to run yourselves ragged at this rate."
Mrs Worcester's concern was evident, though L didn't think it was about to get any better when they told her what their actual plans were.
"No, it's not about anymore raids..." Robbie started.
Mr and Mrs Worcester watched the two of them expectantly when there was a knock at the door. L could sense who it was but she let Mr Worcester answer it without saying anything.
"Good morning, I came to help clean up before we get on the road." Bryce called as he walked into the kitchen, he looked cheerful as always.
"Before you what?" Mrs Worcester asked before L or Robbie could stop Bryce from putting his foot in it.
"You haven't told them yet?" Bryce muttered with a grimace.
L shook her head and turned to face Mr and Mrs Worcester, she began to explain what she'd found in the journal, and the decision they'd made as a result.
The kitchen was silent for several minutes after L had finished. Mr and Mrs Worcester shared a meaningful look, L assumed they knew what the other was thinking. After another moment they finally let the rest of the kitchen in on their thought processes.
"Well, we better get you packed then, you're going to need a lot of supplies." Mrs Worcester spoke first, her expression unreadable.
"You don't know how long you're going to be gone either, might need to take some money just in case." Mr Worcester added thoughtfully.
"Wait, you're not gonna get upset or tell us we should wait and think it through?" Robbie asked, his disbelief vying with his amusement.
"No. We know how long L has been waiting for this, and you two wouldn't go with her unless you'd thoroughly planned for any journey, any surprises or problems. We trust you, now let's get you packed." Mr Worcester explained with Mrs Worcester nodding beside him.
L was pleasantly surprised by their reaction, despite the fact that they knew how important this was and would never stand in her way; like Robbie, she had expected at least a little resistance to the suddenness of their plans.
"Okay, chop, chop, best get a move on if you want to leave this morning." Mrs Worcester ushered them out.
The rest of the morning was a blur of packing and organising, trips up and downstairs while they decided what they may or may not need. Bryce decided to clean up for Mr and Mrs Worcester, who were frantically trying to make L and Robbie take things they probably wouldn't need. The only things L knew for certain she needed were her parents' note and photo, the journal and Robbie and Bryce; everything else could be found or bought along the way.
But the Worcesters weren't having that, by the time they were all done, L and Robbie had two duffel bags fit to bursting.
"It's a good job you're both strong enough to carry those over long distances." Bryce remarked with a grin, he was busy eating a chocolate muffin Mrs Worcester must have baked.
"Mum, I don't think we're gonna need or want all this while we're on the move." Robbie tried to argue once again.
"And if you do, what then? You can't just steal or conjure up any thing you want. I've talked to Edra, there are rules, those things have to come from somewhere. No, you'll take as much as you can with you and I won't hear another word. As Bryce just said, you can both carry it all with you without the extra weight being a bother. Which also reminds me..."
She turned on Bryce and began questioning him about what he was taking, if he had everything ready. Bryce had been so amused watching L and Robbie bombarded, he hadn't been expecting things to turn on him. He scrambled to answer, though luckily for him he seemed to have everything in order.
Mrs Worcester appeared satisfied because she turned back to L and Robbie, Mr Worcester's hand rested on her shoulder.
"Be careful out there, and stay together. There's no telling what you're headed for, safety in numbers as they say and I know you'll look after each other." Mrs Worcester sniffled and pulled Robbie aside to talk to him.
Mr Worcester followed and L stepped over to speak to Bryce, who had recovered from his lecture to be able to eat his muffin again.
"Does Nyla know? Will she be ready to go as soon as we are?"
"She does, I popped over before I came here... I had a feeling we'd be delayed a little." He spoke between bites.
"Good, I'm ready to get going."
"L, dear," Mrs Worcester was wiping at her eyes as she walked over to L.
Bryce quickly left her to it, heading down the hallway to where Robbie was standing, pretending not to wipe at his eyes.
"L, we know you've been waiting your whole life to find your birth parents and I'm glad it's finally happening for you. You deserve to be happy and to have all of your questions answered. But please, be extremely cautious, you're like a daughter to us, we couldn't bear if anything were to happen to you. I know the two of them will keep an eye on you but I also know how stubborn you are, that you'll think at times it's better if you do it alone. I promise you, it's not, you need them as much as they need you."
She pulled L into a hug and L hugged back tightly, without causing any damage. She'd never heard Mrs Worcester talk like that before, her insights seemed to go further than just a motherly figure looking out for her family. L pondered how the family had gotten involved with the Supernatural world in the first place, she surprised herself that she'd never asked or dug into the subject before now. But this wasn't the time for it, she pulled back from Mrs Worcester and nodded.
"I'll keep in mind everything you just said, I promise."
"Good, now you best be on your way before I change my mind about letting you both go."
She chuckled, despite knowing she would never do that, there was a small glint in her eyes that said she almost wanted to.
Mr Worcester seemed to be hiding his emotions well, probably for the sake of Mrs Worcester, who looked almost ready to break down.
"L, there's not much more I can add. You're a different person now, no more that closed off, timid girl favoured by my cows, now you're the saviour of the world. We believe you can do anything, we believe in you, remember that while you're out there."
Mr Worcester wasn't usually the one with the sentimental words, but L felt tears brimming. She nodded and before she knew it, she was hugging him as well. He must have been shocked because it took a few seconds before he patted L on the back. She quickly pulled away and smiled warmly at the two of them, the only parental figures she'd ever really considered for the role. Until now.
They walked down the hallway, rejoining Bryce and Robbie, who opened the front door and let the crisp morning air flood the hall. L and Robbie stepped out, leaving Bryce to talk with the Worcesters. L didn't plan on eavesdropping, but she did hear her name and the words 'respect' and 'world of trouble', which caught her attention.
Before she could tune in properly however, it was over and Bryce was out of the door. It didn't look like he'd been lectured from the grin on his face, L thought the Worcesters looked more floored than he did.
"We should get a move on," Bryce stated before L could ask what had been said between them.
Everyone moved in for their last hugs and goodbyes. L tried not to think of it like that, it felt too final, like they may never see each other again. But she had every intention of coming back, and bringing her parents with her. She couldn't help but feel excited at the prospect of her parents meeting Mr and Mrs Worcester, she couldn't explain why but she got the impression they'd get along famously.
L was more than a little grateful when Bryce broke things up, insisting they needed to leave now. L and Robbie looked back when they reached the garden gate, both waved once more and turned away. They followed Bryce down the path, headed for Bryce's cottage, without a word. None of them knew for certain what would happen on their journey, or if they'd all come back at all. The tension of that truth hung in the air between them and L already felt the pressure of Mrs Worcester's words.
She did suddenly have the urge to do it alone, just so the two of them would be safe in Lymasia- and Mr and Mrs Worcester wouldn't have to worry about never seeing their son again. But she knew she couldn't shake them now, even if she were to knock the two of them unconscious, they'd find a way to follow her or they'd just head north to find the Leprechaun named Sully. They would do everything without her just to find her, and still be in the same danger.
They were in this together, L just had to remind herself that her old ways weren't always the right ways.
When they reached Bryce's, Nyla was leaning against the wall with her own bag and wireless earphones in. She grinned, fangs and all, pulled out an ear bud and looked between them.
"Ready to go?"
The three of them shared a glance and nodded, Nyla's brow furrowed but she didn't bother to ask. Instead, she moved into step beside Robbie and they waited for Bryce to get his bag. When he reappeared, he looked more frustrated than worried and sighed as he held out a note.
"We've been summoned, someone must have heard we were leaving."
It was a message from the Council, asking to see the four of them before they left Lymasia.
"You weren't going to tell the Council?" Nyla asked, partly shocked and partly bemused.
"I was, but on the way out, they like to talk every single thing through and would have me here until winter comes rolling around." L replied with a huff.
"We better go, they are asking for all four of us." Bryce conceded.
L nodded and they made their way towards the Council building; a large, one storey house, filled with many rooms and decorated exactly as the last two had been. The meeting room used for bigger, more important business was a bright, white room decorated in shimmery patterns. Portraits adorned the walls, unfortunately L knew exactly what they all depicted and some she found extremely distasteful. She chose not to comment however, instead they walked in to be met by most of the Council.
Vadim, Katherine, Walter and Maeve were sat on stone podiums that seemed to mold into chairs whenever they were sat upon. Edra was sitting in a relaxed, plush, white armchair, her appearance that of a younger woman around early twenties, with shocking purple hair, wearing a tie-dyed psychedelic dress. She looked perfectly content, even more so when the group walked in and she fixed each of them with a grin. The Council also consisted of three other figures, all of which L knew but had never had much in the way of conversation. And that wasn't about to change now.
She addressed Vadim and the others, telling them what she'd found and what decision they'd come to. This was merely a courtesy, they kept order in the Supernatural world, they should know what's about to happen. So why did she feel like she was waiting to be told she could go? She knew they couldn't stop her, they wouldn't, but something felt strange.
Vadim stood from his seat, "So the rumours are true, you're leaving now... Is there any help you need?"
L was stunned, she'd expected resistance or a lecture about her duties. But it didn't come, Bryce mentioned a few things they may need and something about a safe house.
"I can arrange that," Edra responded, sidling down to stand near L. "We should talk when you're done here." She said, quietly and L got the distinct impression the Council hadn't heard that part.
"Very well," Vadim spoke as if he didn't hear Edra. "We wish you luck, come back to us as soon as possible and I very much hope it will be with your parents, L. I look forward to seeing them again."
L nodded, her instincts told her there was something off but she couldn't put her finger on what it might be. The others didn't seem to feel the same, they said their goodbyes and left the room with Edra- L slowly followed, her mind racing with questions.
She caught up with the others; Edra was leading and swaying while she walked, like she didn't have a care in the world. They left through the front doors and were several feet away before Edra finally stopped them. She gestured towards the Council building, L knew the sound proofing magic she used and frowned when she turned to her.
"I don't need any of them hearing this, I hadn't decided until the four of you walked in but, I'm leaving. Something is going on... in the outside world, something I can't put my finger on and won't be able to figure out while I'm stuck here. Besides, the monotony of having to listen to the comings and goings of this base will soon be enough to send me loopy."
L felt a stirring in her gut at Edra's words, "I've felt it too, like something bad is coming. The Demons on the raids have been saying as much recently."
L looked pointedly at Bryce, who held his hands up in mock defence.
"Yes, well you do right to trust those feelings. Something is happening out there and I need to find out what it is. The four of you should be vigilant on your travels, always keep one eye behind you as well as in front." Edra peered towards the Council building, as though to emphasise her point.
They nodded to her and she finally seemed to relax. She reached over and held L's face gently in one hand.
"Being Keeper has its disadvantages, remember to mask your presence. There are still extremely dangerous Demons out there that would love to rid the world of the Keeper. Just because Frallica is gone, doesn't mean evil itself has gone anywhere. It takes many forms, not just that of a Demon, and some hide it better than others. If something feels wrong, it usually is... be prepared for what you may find out there."
Edra looked solemn, staring into L's eyes as though she wanted to say more, but thought better of it. "I have a few places you can stay up north should you need them."
She added and passed Bryce a piece of paper, without looking away from L, her eyes seemed to be wavering between a green and blue colour.
"Now go find those parents of yours, sweetheart, and my blessings to you all and your safe return."
Edra finished, she gave L's face and then shoulder one last squeeze before she pulled back. She walked away without speaking to the others, though they didn't seem to be bothered as they stared at L.
"Did that seem a little paranoid to anyone else?" Nyla asked, glancing between them.
"No, it didn't, she had good reason to speak the way she did. I just wish I knew what it was." Bryce said, peering towards L.
"Agreed."
The four of them stared in the direction Edra had gone, the atmosphere was thick with confusion and concern.
"Oh come on, we've got enough to be thinking about. Let's get out of here." Robbie spoke loudly, apparently hoping to snap them out of the funk they'd found themselves.
It worked to a degree, they shrugged of the tension for now and headed for the boundary of Lymasia. Seconds later they were out of the barrier.
L closed her eyes, letting her senses roam and her breathing even out. "This way," she stated after several seconds and pointed in the direction they needed.
"You don't need a compass?" Robbie asked, one arm delving into a side pocket of his bag.
"No, I've got it, you can check it if you want though," L grinned, wiggling a brow at him.
"That's okay, I trust you. The problem is we don't know how far north we need to go."
Robbie had a point, they'd only walked a few feet when L stopped and consulted the journal.
"It only says to keep going north, that Sully will find us. I guess we keep going until that happens."
"And then this Sully leads us to who knows where." Bryce finished, shouldering his bag with an air of frustration.
"There are a lot of unknowns involved but it's not like we haven't dealt with similar situations before. You're still up for this, aren't you?" L grinned when he narrowed his eyes at her.
"Yes, of course. Anything for you."
L rolled her eyes at his dramatics but a laugh escaped her. The four of them turned to face north and set off for who knew what. This was it, the beginning of the journey that would lead to her parents. It was actually happening, she had half expected something to crop up and stop them, delay them over and over. But the lack of resistance from the Worcesters, and then the Council, had her wondering if something else was going on.
She kept her thoughts to herself however, they didn't need her worries on top of everything else. There was a long way to go and a lot of other problems to be on the lookout for. L proceeded to mask her presence, should any Demons be nearby, they didn't need a fight so early on. If they could get to this Sully character without any fights, they'd be in great shape for wherever, and whatever, he may lead them to.
They were able to make good time, once Robbie transformed, the three of them could run at great speeds while he flew overhead. Three days passed before anything happened. They traveled at speed, stopping every few hours for a break or to update one another on anything they might have noticed. They slept on the second night, managing to find a secluded spot to camp out; Robbie provided some extra heat so they didn't have to do it themselves.
By seven the next morning they were on the move again, running and flying flat out. The base was far enough south that they would likely cross the entirety of England before they came close to finding Sully- or him finding them. L consulted the journal regularly but the words didn't change and she found nothing that might suggest how Sully would help. She didn't like having to rely on someone they didn't know. She'd been about to mention a pit stop that third afternoon when they were rocked out of their running, literally.
A boulder had been thrown clean across their path, the three of them swerved in different directions to avoid being smashed by it.
"Where did that come from?" Bryce called, adjusting his hat and looking through the trees nearby.
They'd been brought up near some woods, somewhere in the northeast. A small town could be seen in the distance behind them.
"I don't know but let's find out before they crush someone." L wasn't happy about the distraction but she also didn't want to hear about a death caused by a boulder when they could have prevented it.
They headed in the direction the boulder had come from, Robbie was circling above, waiting for a signal in case they needed help. L could hear something breathing heavily up ahead, a gasp and then the whoosh of wind passed an object.
The three of them jumped out of the way just in time to stop from being crushed by another boulder, bigger this time. They rushed ahead before anything else could be thrown, coming out to a clearing and L's brow shot up when she saw what was in front of them.