--------------------
Later - Evening
--------------------
(Giulia's POV)
The evening air was cool and pleasant.
Giulia who was currently walking toward the trash bins that is near the house, with the trash bag in hand.
Her long brunette hair, tied in a motherly side plait swayed in the wind of the evening air.
Giulia's mind was drifting to her thoughts on what she should make for tomorrow's meal.
What should I make for breakfast tomorrow?
She thought.
Since well turns out having kids who weren't picky eaters was a blessing, with them enjoying anything she cooks.
But them eating anything also was a small problem, and that It's hard what food to make for them sometimes.
Since with them not being picky, she has to make a variety of different foods and meals to not get them bored.
Michael and Lavi aren't picky, same for Jeanne, which Charlotte is very lucky for having Jeanne.
But it's still is a blessing for herself,to have them as her kids, since when she heard from some of her old friends, who has kids that were picky eaters and don't often eat their vegetables was stressing them.
She then went back to thinking on what meal she should make.
Now what food should I make for them?
Since they don't have any favourites for a single dish.
Michael likes everything.
Jeanne eats anything.
Lavinia love the food she makes.
Maybe something with pig and vegetable then?
She wonders, she then dropped the household trash into the trash bin.
THUD
After throwing away the trash, Giulia went back to her thoughts.
No maybe chicken, since I do have some chicken in the freezer, or–
But her thoughts was interrupted once more, when at the corner of her eyes noticed something.
She stopped moving as she looked closely.
And turned.
Then She saw them.
Figures, several of them.
Covered in dark, hooded robes, and weird symbols,and some having long stick or wands.
Completely out of place in a normal residential neighborhood at 7 PM.
Standing at the edge of her property.
Watching her.
...
Oh no
Giulia brain was in emergency mode.
Her flight or flight response immediately activated.
Seeing her outnumbered and her realising the dire situation she's in, for her and the others.
Her brain choose flight.
And Giulia run.
She sprinted back toward the house.
As Giulia physique allows her to run quickly.
Her mind now focusing of only 2 thing.
GET INSIDE and WARN Charlotte and the kids NOW!
Giulia reached the front door.
She yanked it open, entered the house,and slammed the door behind her.
SLAM!
Giulia begin locking the door lock, deadbolt.
All of them.
Giulia's actions didn't go unnoticed.
Charlotte who was reading a book on the couch, looked up in confusion on why Giulia came in and then slammed the door close.
But Charlotte confusion would be answered,when she heard what Giulia shouted.
"WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!"
Footsteps from the kitchen was immediately heard.
(Charlotte's POV)
Charlotte had been sitting in the living room, reading a book, when Giulia's suddenly broke to and slammed the door.
Confusing her.
Huh ? Why did Giulia slammed the door is there a problem.
Before she could asked Giulia voice cut through the house with the announcement shocking her.
"WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!"
...
What?
Charlotte accidentally dropped her book she was holding , hearing what Giulia said.
With her book falling to the floor.
She stood up immediately,
"What?!" she called back.
What did she just say?!
Michael meanwhile appeared from the kitchen, ice cream bowl still in hand, expression shifting from confused to alarmed.
Lavinia was right behind him, eyes wide hearing what Giulia said.
Jeanne emerged from the hallway, already moving toward her.
"Mom, what–"
Before Jeanne could asked her Mom, something struck.
BOOM!
The house suddenly shook, rattling the living room, as a bright light engulfed through the house's window.
An explosion rocked the house.
Causing Jeanne and Lavi to stumble.
And crash directly into Michael.
Then–
BLAMM!
Another different explosion hit the house.
The windows of the house rattled from the explosion.
RATTLE-RATTLE-RATTLE!
And the lights flickered.
Everyone stumbled do the second explosion.
But thankfully the walls held.
With no cracks or breached appeared.
The wards that is around the house are now active, and protecting the house from any damages that would destroy it and preventing anything from entering the property.
Giulia meanwhile was already moving, pulling out her phone, fingers flying across the screen phone.
While Charlotte was also grabbing Her phone trying to call Gerald.
---
(Giulia POV)
I need to call Edward and Vivienne!
ASAP.
She tapped the screen frantically.
Tapping Edward's number.
Beep... beep... beep...
Come on come on come on
Edward you better picked up
This is important
[---]
[---]
[---]
[ The person you are trying to reach is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later.]
...
What?
She tried again.
But still nothing.
The call still didn't go through again, at all.
________________________________________
[ Edward/Beloved Husband ]
[ Unavailable ]
________________________________________
It wasn't able to connect.
She switched to Vivienne's contact.
But when she tried to call her.
The same thing happened.
No connection.
Seeing that Giulia realizes something.
They cut off our COMMUNICATION!
They're blocking IT!
"Giulia?" Charlotte's voice, tight with controlled fear.
As Charlotte also seems unable to contact Gerald.
Giulia looked up from the phone.
With her expression remaining calm.
The calm of someone who had expected for this to may happen.
Who knew exactly how dangerous this situation was.
"We can't reach them," she said quietly. "Communications are being blocked."
Charlotte's face went pale.
"..what...?"
KRA-VREEEEEEUM!
Another attack, hit the house.
The wards flared once more.
And it absorbed the blast of the attack.
With some runes being visible on the wall of the house,wrapping around the house like a shield.
(Michael's POV)
Wait... WHAT?!
I stood in the kitchen doorway, having forgotten on the ice cream bowl that I was holding.
Which after helping Jeanne and Lavi stand back up after they had stumble and crushed on top of me.
I was in shocked, since when Mom told us we were under attack.
I had to pause for a second to process what she just said.
WHAM-ZZZZZZZT!
Another attack, the wards preventing any huge damages to the house.
But the energy that the wards didn't absorbed was still felt by the house.
Among them the floor tiles reacted to it, making some sounds.
CHIRP-CHIRP!
I immediately grabbed the doorframe to keep myself balance.
And not to get myself falling on to the floor and injuring myself.
This is real
This is actually happening
Someone is attacking us
NOW
And we can't contact Grandma or Dad
...
Who?
Why?
What do they want
I was trying to think what the cause is
Jeanne meanwhile was also in shocked, with Lavi face filled with worriedness.
Mom was tapping her phone, trying again.
Still nothing.
She looked at Charlotte.
"The wards will hold," she said. " Edward and Vivienne had designed and put them there. They're strong, and I think they're already notified on what is going on.
The the moment the ward received damage so we'll have to at most hold until they're able to arrive here.
"For how long?" Charlotte asked quietly.
...
Mom didn't answer.
She didn't know.
KRA-ZAAAAP-BOOM!
Another sound, this time of Lightning bolts or thunder hitting the house but was prevented by the wards once more, with it flared again.
For a second folden light flood the windows.
As the wards continues to protect the house.
From the unknown people attacking us.
But it's clear if we don't stopped them, the ward that Dad and Grandma probably had set up will eventually break and destroyed, meaning they will be able to kill us.
I set down the ice cream bowl.
With my brain already assessing the situation,and the likelihood of survival.
Overall what I can say is :
First we're surrounded and outnumbered.
Second our communication is cutoff, but grandma, Grandpa and dad likely have been notified on what's happening here based on what mom said.
Third we're clearly outmatched.
With the fact we're not powerful.
I looked around the room.
Mom, Aunt Charlotte, Me, Jeanne, and Lavi.
Two normal adults somewhat trained for the supernatural world.
Three children, two of whom are training in combat and magic.
One Longinus wielder.
That in theory is a nightmare for anyone to face,if their potential can have them kill Gods.
...
Overall we're not defenseless.
But we're outmatched.
Almost certainly outmatched.
Which is bad.
KRA-THUUUUUMMMM!
Another explosion.
The lights flickered again.
But there's a chance for us to fight.
And were going to take that chance.
Meanwhile Mom looked at Aunt Charlotte.
Then at us.
Her children.
Her expression was calm.
Terrifyingly calm.
"Everyone," she said quietly, "get away from the windows, and begin fortifying the door and windows.
I looked at Lavinia and Jeanne.
Lavi and Jeanne looked back at me and at eachother.
all three of us clearly thinking the same thing.
we are definitely going have to fight.
And we will do it.
We then begin helping mom and Jeanne mom pushing the furniture.
--------------------
Outside - The Attack
--------------------
Glenda stood at a safe distance, watching her magicians work systematically trying to breach the ward.
With them continuosly battering the wards that is surrounded around the house, with different spells that they're using, testing the wards limits.
Additionally as a few tries to analyse the ward, and maybe make a hole in it's defenses.
But for now, the ward is holding strong.
Preventing any magicians from entering the property.
"Status?" Glenda called towards one of the magician.
A tall magician responded, not looking away from his work, as He continues to put pressure on the wards.
"Wards are stronger than expected. Vivienne's work for the ward is really complex than i ever could imagined, with the ward seem to consist of multiple layers, and even having some self-reinforcing property. Overall a masterclass."
"I see....Time to breach?" Glenda asked, looking at the tall Magician for an answer.
"Ten minutes....maybe twenty. Since we have made progress and thankfully broken through a few layers, with some of the others behind are trying to breach from the backyard area of the ward. "
Acceptable
Glenda thought.
Since the suppression field, she and the others had set up, is able to block any attempts of teleportation to this entire town.
Which meant even if somehow they're able to communicate with Vivienne, (which is unlikely), it would require Vivienne more than 25 minutes or more to arrive.
Not to mention the several magicians that is watching the perimeter.
With them will notify her the moment Vivienne and her husband arrives.
Where the other magician who are patrolling will be routed to head to the location where Vivienne is located, and engaged Her and Her Husband, even possibly some of her Husband personnel.
Glenda smiled.
Overall her plan of revenge is working.
Communications is blocked.
Any teleportation attempts to teleport here will be useless with them being denied or prevented, with them even if successful teleport here,will have to face her magicians, meaning a delay.
For Vivienne to rescue Her family.
And even if Vivienne somehow arrives it will be all too late.
With Vivienne son and his family is isolated.
She looked back at the house, with the light of the ward flickering around it, as the wards is straining under the sustained assault.
Glenda seeing that smiled.
The ward will slowly fail.
And the moment the ward fails and falls.
Her magician is going to breach the house.
And after that Absolute Demise is Her's.
I'll take the girl.
Kill the others.
Glenda then turned back to the magicians, who are continuing the attack and maintaining the suppression field.
----------------
Somewhere in France - Edward's POV
----------------
The mission that Edward and Gerald had to was finished.
With them having killed some devils that was reported in the area,and they were able to kill them cleanly.
With no casualties.
SO a standard mission for Him.
Gerald and I stood outside the place that had been a combat zone, both of us (mostly Me, with Gerald helping) was doing something.
That is writing the final reports aka paperwork of the mission that I have been told to do by Dad aka The Grandmaster.
And having Paperwork, is the eternal burden of supernatural incident response.
Even more terrifying than even facing devils.
"Think we'll be done by eight ?" Gerald asked, not looking up from his notes.
I hearing that answered.
"Probably, Giulia's maybe making dinner right now, so–"
SNAP!
Something snapped inside my head.
Not physically, but something that was man-made.
Specifically something that i made myself and I had put inside my head.
A connection spell that is connected to several wards that is around the wards of my house that i had put up.
I stopped mid-sentence.
As my face went cold.
And the topics i was about to say disappeared.
Since the snap was a connection spell that is to the ward that is at my house.
And the snap a part of my connection has been cut.
Gerald noticed my face immediately.
"Edward?" He looked up. "What's wrong?"
"My wards," I said, voice tight. "The connection to mydefensive wards around my house. They've been cut.."
...
...
...
"WHAT?!" Gerald shouted.
"Someone is attacking my house... Right Now. The wards has been activated meaning someone is currently attacking with the ward holding it but–" Another snap sensation. "they're slowly straining."
Gerald's expression shifted.
To instant horror.
Realising it, I begin pressing My phone, fingers shaking slightly.
I scrolled through my contacts.
Trying to find Giulia's number.
I need to call Giulia.
I pressed her contact and called her.
Come on Giulia answer it, come on–
[---]
[---]
[---]
[ The person you are trying to reach is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later.]
I checked my phone
With my phone showing that Giulia phone number is unavailable.
________________________________________
[ Giulia/Beloved Wife ]
[ Unavailable ]
________________________________________
"She's not answering," I said, trying to keep panic out of my voice.
Since Giulia never fail to answers his call.
When she does fails to answer she would have already notified him.
And even when she isn't answering it means her phone battery would be dead.
But Giulia has two phones, but there seems to be no message from the emergency phone.
That's mean the connection to Giulia is jammed.
Which means, the person or people attacking his wards,are sophisticated and is/are an expert.
I switched contacts.
And immediately looked up for Mom's contact.
Since I need to contact Mom NOW !!
As Giulia and the others are in danger.
----------------
Britain - Edgar and Vivienne's POV
----------------
The residency of Vivienne and Edgar House was peaceful.
Currently Edgar and Vivienne was enjoying some evening English teatime.
With the atmosphere being relaxing, and quiet, overall it was perfect.
Edgar sat across from his lovely wife Vivienne, who was holding a tea cup in hand, with them discussing on tomorrow's schedule.
"And then we'll need to pick up those supplies from–" Vivienne explained.
As Edgar took a sip, while listening to his wife
But suddenly Vivienne eyes widened .
And Vivienne's tea cup suddenly shattered in her hand.
With it shattering into multiple pieces. Vivienne had accidentally clenched it too hard without realizing.
Edgar Meanwhile was already on his feet instantly.
He knew when something was WRONG.
"Vivienne. What is it !?"
She stood, face pale, with her hand bleeding from the broken porcelain cup she broke.
Viviene soon answered ignoring the blood in her hand.
"the wards," she said. "The defensive ward around Edward's house."
There was a pause, in Vivienne mouth, with her unable to believe it what she's going to say.
"They're being destroyed."
...
Edgar's expression went flat.
As He was grabbing some napkins and bandages for his wife.
His expression then becomes horrified
" WHAT DESTROYED?!!"
"Yes–"
Her phone then rang.
She immediately checked it.
With her answering the call using her non-bleeding hand.
It was her son's contact.
She answered before the first ring finished.
With her having it on speaker mode.
"MOM!" Edward's voice came through, with his voice clearly in a panicked, genuinely panicked, which is horrifying , since her son rarely panicked openly.
"My house is under attack! Giulia's not answering! I can't reach her! I need–"
"We're coming," Vivienne said, already moving.
" Edward Can you Teleport first to the house to protect Giulia and the kids !? Since your closer to your house,not to mention it'll take ten minutes or more for Me to make a teleportation towards there!"
"I'm trying but there seems to be a suppression field implanted, they're likely preventing any teleportation spells from appearing, I don't know if I can get a teleportation spell through the–" Edward explained.
"I'll punch through it," Vivienne said.
With pure confidence in Her ability.
"Edgar, call some of your knights NOW! This is an Emergency!"
Vivienne looks toward her husband.
Edgar was already moving, even before his wife told him.
Calling the Templar and explaining the situation and why he needs some troops with Him.
Vivienne meanwhile begin heading to the basement to prepare the spells that is needed to teleport and breach the suppression field around the town where her son family is.
While heading downstairs, Vivienne mind was thinking on the perpetrator, of this attack.
Who has the ability to launch a coordinated attack, that had set up a suppression field to prevent any teleportation, especially for her Son , who's while not a master like her, is unable
But then Vivienne eyes widened, with her concluding who it was.
She then begun immediately to setting up the necessary counterspells and magic to be used to destroy the spells that is used to make the suppression field.
---------------
Back in France - Michael's House
---------------
(Michael's POV)
Mom was moving super fast.
Faster than I'd ever seen her move.
Maybe other than when she's kicking dad out of the kitchen.
With her currently pushing the heavy bookshelf near the door.
And shoved it against the entrance.
With her then pushing the couch.
SKRRRRRRT!
Jeanne Mom,and Charlotte stood frozen for exactly two seconds before joining her, helping move all the furniture they can use to block the entrances.
Everything that is able to stopped a breach for a few seconds.
The front door and the back door are somewhat secure for now.
She then for some reason went to the centre of the living room and dropped to her knees, grabbed the edge of the rug that is in the living room, and pulled it.
And below the rug is the living room dusty floor while she then proceeded to pull the floor.
As she then flipped open a concealed panel in the floor.
...
...
What !? There's a hidden compartment under the rug.
Also it was literally built right into the floor.
The floor that Me, Jeanne,and Lavi often sit when we're playing in the living room ?!
When did they–
How long has that been there ?!
Mom meanwhile then press some buttons of the safe.
Unlocking the safe and opened it.
And pulled out a gun.
...
Yes A GUN.
MOM HAS A GUN.
And to be specific an assault rifle.
At that the assault rifle was an American M16 with a scope attachment.
Jeanne Mom eyes went wide.
"Giulia... When did–"
Before Charlotte could finish asking.
Mom answered first on what Aunt Charlotte was probably thinking.
"Edward had bought them, a while back, when he was in America." Mom cut aunt Charlotte off, before she could finished her question with her explaining it casually.
If it was both normal and not illegal to have an assault rifle in France. Especially one that was probably smuggled in....via magic.
Also...
When the hell did Dad go to America ?!
And why Dad had never mentioned that!
"He bought it for self-defense. In case of situations like THIS." Mom continues explaining, as Jeanne mom was unable say anything about it.
Jeanne was pretty much shocked seeing that with her mouth open wide, while Lavi was a bit less surprised with it.
Seeing that make Me wonder, if Lavi know about Mom and Dad having guns.
And thinking about that... Why they and Lavi didn't told me about it?!
But that's another time.
Though it does make sense if Dad went to America considering, if He was able to easily purchase Goddamn assault rifles and the amount of ammo needed for it.
Considering America gun policy is flimsy at best depending on the states your in.
Like in the state of Texas you can buy nearly any gun by walking into a gun store while in California you need to do a lot of paperwork and things to get even a single gun.
But i guess in this case, the US's Second Amendment is working as intended.
....even if it's outside the country, on where it was made.
KRA-THUUUUUMMMM!
The house once more shook.
Mom then checked the magazine dhe was loading, and loaded it to her gun.
She then grabbed the rest of the ammunition from the safe, with it consisting of several magazines, and began loading them into her pockets with practiced efficiency.
I noticed some of the magazines had symbols that seemed to be runes, from My memories reading Grandma note and Dad's explanation.
You know... Seeing Mom, casually grabbing a gun, make me wonder if Mom has some experienced doing this, like having for some situation like this, and considering Mom's Dad is Nonno, He probably had given her some combat training.. I guess.
Which makes Me further question...
How Much I actually Don't Know About MY PARENTS?!
I think i should really asked them more.
My thoughts was cut, when Mom then looked at Aunt Charlotte.
"Charlotte do you know how to use a gun?"
Jeanne mom hesitated,for a second.
But then-
"Yes, Gerald taught me the basics."
"Good." Mom pulled out a second M16 from the safe and handed it to her. "Safety's here, the setting's here, magazine release here, and when aiming aim at the center mass, and don't hesitate too shoot."
Jeanne mom then took it.
Her hands weren't shaking.
They were perfectly steady.
Mom, then turned her face to us.
Me, Jeanne, Lavi.
The three children in the middle of this dangerous situation.
Her expression was calm...Terrifyingly calm.
As if someone who had decided what needed to be done.
And would do it.
No matter what.
Even if having to do something that is heavy.
" Michael, Jeanne, Lavi." Mom called Us.
Hearing My name, I immediately stand straight, Jeanne and Lavi also did the same.
With all of us listening intently, to what mom is about to say.
" I want you three to stay here wt the living room, when Charlotte and I will go to face the attacker, which...."
Mom paused for a moment, clearly trying to find the right words to use, since it's clear that She and Aunt Charlotte will protect us even if it's mean, it's our last time seeing them.
" If things go bad, no matter what, don't look back and head to the basement and lock the door and stay there until it's safe."
Mom then looked away, and turned to Charlotte.
" Charlotte let's go, we'll head to the second floor and use it's high ground, to get us some advantage against the enemy."
As mom then turned to us for one last time, and walked towards the stairs.
Same with Aunt Charlotte.
I, Jeanne, and Lavi stayed quiet, we were unable to say a word with what Mom just said.
Mom and Aunt Charlotte soon head towards the stairs to get to the second floor. Leaving us at the living room.
And sadly that would be the last time we see Mom and Jeanne Mom before the fight.
-------------------
...
...
...
Ok See Ya in the next chapter 👋
- AgentByteGOC