REMEMBERANCE
CHAPTER 1
"Please, no, you can't do it alone, you need…
Fourteen year old Natalie stopped cold once she heard the men making their way closer.
"Hide my gumdrop; don't let them find you or your sisters. Remember everything I said. I love you, always and beyond."
"I love you too mama." Natalie responded with tears streaming down her young, innocent looking face. She then embraced her father with a quick hug and he held her for just a quick moment.
"You are my brave girl. I'm so proud of you. Now run and hide my little hummingbird. Don't be seen or caught for anything. You and your sisters' lives depend on it."
The hybrid teen nodded, hesitated only a moment, desperate to never leave their side. The group was getting closer. She had no choice, she jumped directly up into the nearest and tallest redwood tree.
"Brother, have you heard a word I have spoken?"
A moment later Elijah broke his trance from the outside window display.
"I apologize Niklaus, these figurines; they somehow remind me of our youngest sister.
Klaus found himself thrown off as he hadn't heard any of his siblings mention her in such a long time. He, himself though thought of her often. He had no doubt in his mind she wouldn't have been killed if it weren't for his disobedient curiosity.
"Niklaus?"
"Oh, yes, I was just thinking."
"About?"
"Mmm nothing really, just that I could picture her enjoying these dolls as well. She may have been fourteen; but, in spirit, still just an innocent child, a trusting, innocent child."
"It's been over a thousand years. How much longer are you going to torment yourself?" Elijah asked out of deep concern.
"Perhaps just another thousand, and maybe, maybe then, I'll allow forgiveness of myself." Klaus answered with a sad smile.
Natalie sat up in the tree as she watched the brutal murder of her parents. She wanted to jump down to help; but, she knew she had to stay quiet and hidden. She promised her parents.
Five Hours Earlier…
It was almost noon on a Saturday when Natalie was dropped off from one of her team mates parents. She walked in the house and dropped her jade green duffle bag onto the grey-blue couch along with her tennis racket. She found her mom gazing upon the most recent family photo. It was a beautiful family of five. Her parents, Adelaide and Silas, both many centuries old; but, time froze when they reached the ages of thirty and thirty two. Silas, a full blooded vampire and Adelaide, after giving birth became a werewolf/vampire hybrid. They had three daughters from the current century.
Natalie Abigail, their fourteen year old, looked almost identical to her mother at the same age. She had long, straight, thick, milk chocolate brown hair, slender body frame, naturally extra long lashes, and big blue eyes.
Jenna Soliel, their eight and a half year old, she took more after their father, Silas. She had wavy, shoulder length, ash blond hair and big hazel colored eyes; but, slender in build like her mother.
Daizie Carlena, their six year old, she had a perfect mix of both of her parents. She had her long brown hair like her mother; but, loosely curled like their father if he were to ever grow his own hair out. She had blue eyes like Adelaide; but, like Silas, his nose, lips and chin.
Each of the girls could easily pass for two years younger in age, each small in frame, petite, yet, perfectly healthy. They were each a precious gift to their parents. Adelaide and Silas never thought it was possible to biologically have children of their own. That was until they met a very powerful witch named, Labine. Unfortunately, that privilege came at a very high price…the lives of their children; they had both become victims of the cruelest of jokes.
"Mom? Are you okay?" Natalie asked rhetorically. She had already felt her sadness when she walked in.
Adelaide wiped her fallen tears and turned to face her eldest. She gave her a small smile and placed her hands around either side of her daughters' small face. She could hear her little girl's heart pounding due to worry.
"My sweet girl, never ever stop listening to your instincts, they are guided by all of your ancestors. It'll keep you and your sisters safe."
"Safe, safe from what, why can't you and daddy keep us safe?"
"We will baby girl, we will; but, we both need you to step forward and help us for a bit. You can do that, right gumdrop?"
"Is this because of those evil dark witches?"
"Yes, it is. Your father is where they were last spotted. He needs my help to pull it off. We have to leave you for just a few hours in order to keep you three safe. It's important though that you know if we aren't back in twenty-four hours you…just then, and only then, look in the cameo backpack and find an envelope with your name on it. It will tell you everything you need to know.
I, no…no you just can't." Natalie started to plead with her mother to stay.
Adelaide brought her daughter close into her arms and hugged her tight.
"Please be strong baby girl. Daddy and I have all the faith in the world that IF you need to, you can do it. You know where all the emergency bags are. You take them, most importantly, the cameo backpack, it also obtains every kind of documentation you might ever need, plus money to use on the road. The small white suitcase contains even more money. We have a charm over it to keep it safe. You remember that charm, right baby?"
Natalie just looked up at her mother, who was only about four inches taller, tears streaming down her perfectly toned, soft face. She simply nodded yes. Adelaide kissed her forehead.
"Always remember you're part white witch. Use that blessed gift whenever you need it, teach your sisters what I have taught you. Remember to continue to study the book of shadows."
"Mom! You are acting like you know you aren't coming back. Stop talking like this!" Natalie cried.
"Shhhh shhhh shhhh don't alert your sisters' baby, shhhhh, be strong, and be strong." Adelaide cooed into her daughter's ear as she held her close again.
Eight and a half year old Jenna and six year old Daizie were down in the finished basement, sitting on a big, black, plush couch and watching cartoons. Their moods quickly changed from being comfortable and content.
"Dai Dai, I feel really sad." Jenna expressed as she looked up to the ceiling.
"Yeah, me too, I think mommy and Naddy are sad."
The two adorable, ah-gushing, angelic looking little girls simply looked at one another and instantly knew what the other was thinking. They slid down off the couch which had just recently engulfed them immensely. The tiny blond and brunette headed upstairs. They only just started to reach the first step when the door opened. It was their mother and sister. Adelaide displayed a face of sadness and concern. Natalie simply looked pale with anxiety.
"Am I in trouble mommy?" Jenna asked as she naturally always assumed she was. She had good reason though, as she was a very curious child, and in which easily calibrated with mischief; and, in turn, trouble.
The stunningly beautiful, mystical hybrid put on a brave front and smiled and answered simply, "no sweetheart." She scooped her up into her arms in order to sit down on the bottom step. She gathered Daizie onto her lap as well. Natalie sat a few steps above as she listened to her mother tell little "white lies" to her baby sisters in order to preserve their innocence. Adelaide kept her composure and buried her fear deep within in order to mask her true feelings. She just couldn't allow her two youngest to know there was a chance they may never see their parents again.
Four Hours Later…
"But Naadyyy I don't wanna go with Ms. Jonson," the youngest complained, "she aways pinces my cheeks."
"Then stop looking cute or something." The teenager half-heartedly advices as she gathered up a tote bag of miscellaneous items both of the girls may need while she's away.
The six year old just froze and looked at her big sister with bewilderment. Natalie could feel the stare and gazed over with a curious look.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Cuz, you said stop looking cute; but, I can't cuz, cuz daddy said me not cute is impossibwel."
Natalie looked down at her baby sister, she was right, it would be impossible.
"Okay come on, out the door."
Jenna didn't really hear a word either of her sisters was saying. She had her face imbedded onto a smart pad playing some kind of game which involved a warrior princess as the main hero and a zombie hunter.
"Jen! Jen! Jennesa!"
Jenna shot her head up as she heard her name pronounced in full. She looked around wondering how she got into the kitchen when she last remembered she was in the front room. Natalie sighed deeply and rolled her eyes half way.
"What?" Jenna asked simply.
"I HAVE to go to Stacy's and work on a science project," she lied, "so Ms Jonson is going to watch you cuz mama and daddy are still working. I told you like five time."
"Sooorrrryyy." Jenna replied with a clear tone of "yeah yeah whatever."
"Ugh, just come on, let's go. I told Stacy I be there in thirty minutes."
"Okay, okay, shheesh, who made you boss?" Jenna mumbled as she walked by.
"Ummm mama did, hheeelllooo."
Jenna turned around to say something smart; but, quickly realized she couldn't. Their mother did put her in charge. She simply accepted the small defeat and went back to her game. Natalie sighed with relief, grateful her sister was finally cooperating and walking in the direction needed. She took Daizie up in her arms in order to walk quicker to their neighbor's house. The little girl put her thumb in her mouth for comfort. It was her go to whenever she felt nervous. She was too young to know; but, she was picking up on her big sisters current emotion of anxiety.
Natalie stepped up to the big white door and knocked. As she waited she turned to see how far down Jenna still was.
"Jennesa! Hurry up!" She demanded overwhelmingly.
Jenna threw her head back out of annoyance; but, quickly re-focused so she could finish her level before she reached the front stoop. The door opened and an older plumpish, grey haired lady displayed one of the biggest smiles.
"Hello girls, oh Daizie, just look at those cute cheeks."
As Ms Jonson was distracted with the youngest, Jenna handed the smart pad over to Natalie.
"Where's my skateboard?"
"Skateboard? You didn't bring it so it's at home."
"What!? But Ms Jonson doesn't let me play video games here. I skate, I always skate. Mommy knows! Mommy would have brought it for me." The young pubescent girl complained.
"Well, you should have brought it!" The frustrated teenager snapped back.
"I'm going back home to get it." Jenna said simply before she turned and started to walk back.
"Jenna."
Jenna froze as that clearly was not her sister. The voice was too confident, and dripping with authority. She turned slowly to face her fate.
"Jenna, you can find something else to keep yourself entertained with. Your sister needs to get to her friend's house to start on their science project. Now, let's go."
Jenna sighed heavily but obeyed and walked into the house.
"I wanna go with Naddy." Daizie started as she was beginning to feel more and more anxious.
Natalie took a deep breath, she closed her eyes, and she remembered her mother's words, "always keep a strong face, little kids need to feel secure, if you look distressed, they're distressed."
"It'll be okay Dai Dai, I promise. I need you to stay with Ms Jonson. I promise, promise I'll work fast so I can get back as fast as possible, okay?"
"You swwweeeaaarrr?"
"I pinky swear."
Daizie looked at her as if she were looking for any trace of a lie. Shortly after she smiled, "K, Naddy, see you lader."
Natalie took another breath of relief and hugged her little sister.
"See you soon, be good." She then looked up and over, "see you later Jenna."
Natalie simply heard a sound of, humph; but, she had no choice but to accept it.
"Okay, Ms Jonson, thanks again. I'm sorry that I just totally forgot."
"Its fine sweetheart, I always adore each of your sister's company. "
Once Ms Jonson's door was closed, Natalie started to walk down the street. She had promised her mother to stay with the little ones; but, her instincts were practically screaming. She had to track her parents down. She snuck back into her house, out of site from being spotted by Ms Jonson. With lighting speed she made her way to the "home-office." What it really was used for was for spells. Adelaide carried the DNA of a witch through her mother. She had just enough to use a fairly good amount of magic. She taught her Natalie everything she knew.
Natalie found the book of shadows and the tools she would need. She performed a locator spell on her parents. She discovered they were about an hour and a half away, by car; but, roughly twenty minutes via vampire/werewolf speed. She grabbed a dark blue, mini backpack and gathered the location spell tools and anything else she could easily fit into her bag that she may need.
Thirty minutes later, with the guidance of magic, Natalie found her parents. They were sitting by a stream preparing a potion, doing what they thought would work. Their downfall, which Natalie would learn later, is real Wiccan strength comes in numbers. Without looking up Adelaide spoke.
"Young lady, I believe I specifically told you to stay home and watch over your sisters."
Natalie scrunched her face as she forgot she could never hide from her mother. Her werewolf scents of smell would always and easily detect one of her offspring nearby. Plus, both of her parents could hear her heartbeat. She shook her head at herself for even attempting to hide. She stepped out and walked over to face her fate. She looked up at her six foot tall, handsomely rugged father. He looked down at her with a very stern look. Normally, he would not hesitate to place any of his children over his knee for disobedience; however, today was a true exception. He knew the chances were high that he may not make it past that evening. He wasn't about to have his daughters last memory of him be that she received a good sound spanking by his hand. Instead, he took a deep breath and leaned over to face his eldest eye to eye.
"Natalie, what are you doing here? You better have a very, very good reason."
"Honestly daddy, I was just listening to my instincts like mama told me. I just felt you needed my help, like extra energy or something. I mean you are going to do a spell right?"
"Yes, but we aren't about to risk your life. We are doing what we must in order to save your life and both of your sisters."
"I know, the dark witches, but, I want to help. Let me help."
Suddenly footsteps and chatter could be heard a mile away. It was heading toward them and fast. Adelaide takes her daughter and faces her close.
"I know you want to help; but, daddy and I need you to please trust that we know what we are doing. We need you safe. We can't concentrate if we are worrying about your safety. Please be a good girl and run home."
"Please, no, you can't do it alone, you need…"
Natalie stopped cold once she heard the men making their way even closer. Silas automatically stood in front of them both. Adelaide realized the dark witches were now much too close. She was baffled by their speed but had to focus on what really mattered, her daughter's safety.
"Hide my gumdrop; don't let them find you or your sisters. Remember everything I told you; and remember, I love you, always and beyond."
"I love you too mama." Natalie responded with tears streaming down her young, innocent looking face. She then embraced her father with a huge hug and he held her for just a quick moment.
"You are my brave girl. I'm so proud of you. Now run and hide my little hummingbird. No matter what you may see, you MUST stay hidden. Yours and your sisters' lives depend on it."
The hybrid teen nodded, hesitated only a moment, desperate to never leave their side. The group was getting closer. She had no choice, she jumped directly up into the nearest and tallest redwood tree. She had the perfect view, she saw everything; every broken bone, every cut, every gash. There were at least ten dark witches. Silas and Adelaide managed to slaughter four of them before the evil coven gained the upper hand.
Natalie watched in utter horror as her parents were being tortured for their daughter's whereabouts. They demanded that Adelaide take the cloaking spell off or pay the consequence. Natalie wanted to jump down to help; but every time she attempted to do so it was as if she was glued. She struggled to get loose and in a fit of making several attempts she didn't see what was happening below her. Suddenly she heard her mother cry out in pain. Natalie looked and just as she did she watched her father's head being cut right off. She screamed on the top of her lungs. No one looked up. It was evident she was being protected from a strong source. She wasn't being heard and she was unable to jump down from the tree.
Adelaide fell to her knees as she cried from agonizing loss. Once the evil coven leader, who went by the name Killian, felt Adelaide was no longer of any value, she too was beheaded.
Natalie watched both of her parents beheaded and now their bodies were being burned. She sobbed and screamed for a good two hours before the tree finally released her. She jumped down to where the ashes of her parents were placed. She knew she had to get back to her sisters. She pulled out two small jars. Earlier she didn't know why she grabbed two empty jars, she was simply following her instincts; but, now she knew why.
The distraught teenage girl filled each jar, one with her father, the other with her mother. She placed the jars carefully in her backpack then took off her sweater and used it to protect the jars. It was already after nine at night. She knew at the time her sisters were safe with their neighbor whom they have known since Daizie was born. She needed to take advantage of the time to focus on her own pain. Her heart was heavy; but, she had enough capability of remembering she would need to find an excuse to get done what she needed to get done; especially without much fuss from a well-intended, big hearted neighbor.
She sent a text message to Ms Jonson asking if the girls could spend the night. She used the excuse that the project was well on its way and the finishing touches would take a couple more hours. Ms Jonson replied back with a yes, certainly. Natalie had never shown Ms Jonson any reason to doubt her story. She found herself forever grateful for that. She put her phone away and continued to walk home. She walked, she thought, she sobbed. The cycle repeated for a good hour or so. By time she got home it was close to midnight.
Natalie found herself simply going with the motion. She was in the state of shock; but, still coherent enough to do what she knew she must do. She walked in the house and didn't bother turning on any lights. Her natural born werewolf/vampire site kicked in. She first went directly into the kitchen in order to re-hydrate herself. She grabbed a blood bag as well and threw it in the microwave. She punched in two minutes on high and then start. Instantly the kitchen light was on. Natalie sped around to find Ms Jonson.
"Oh my God Ms Jonson, you scared me! I can't believe you actually snuck up on me." Said Natalie in true disbelief holding her hand over her pounding heart; her entire life, no one has had that ability due to her sonic hearing. She had clearly been in a deep trance of thought.
Ms Jonson looked at her with concern. "My dear, I was about to ask you why you are home at this hour; but, I see you have been crying, what's wrong?"
Natalie wanted so badly to just blurt out that her parents were killed and run into her arms and just sob for the rest of the evening; but, she knew she had to stay on mission.
"I well, umm, well, why are you here actually? I thought my sisters were staying at your house."
"They were but we soon realized they had none of their bedtime supplies so I decided to just get what I needed and stay on the couch. Now, back to my original question, what's wrong?"
The uncertain teenager stood there trying to think of what to tell her and suddenly the microwave alarm went off. Natalie realized she had a blood bag in there and a human that didn't know her secret was standing directly in front of her. She was truly thrown off guard for a moment or two. That suddenly changed when Ms Jonson headed toward the microwave offering to help fix her "midnight snack."
"Ms Jonson, wait."
The sixty-something year old lady turned with a sweet, soft caring look. It broke Natalie's heart even more to add another goodbye; but, she knew she had no choice. Natalie took a deep breath, closed her eyes and remembered what her father had taught her about compelling people. She took a hand on either side of Ms Jonson and looked directly in her eyes.
"Ms Jonson, you are a sweet, wonderful, caring, loving person. We all love you and totally consider you like the grandma we never had. You will go home and feel happy and content. You will remember us, the Middleton family, but, to you, we have moved out of town, we moved to Seattle." (Seattle was the first city that popped in Natalie's head so she went with it.) "Silas was offered a great job and he took it. You will not attempt to look for us. You will live out the rest of your days happily and with inner peace. Now, Ms Jonson, gather your things and go home and go to bed. Remember all the good times. Do you understand?"
"Yes dear, I understand."
Ms Jonson did just as she was compelled to do, she gathered her personal things she brought over and then went back to her own home. Natalie stood there in awe of herself for a moment, surprised she actually pulled it off. Her first compellation worked. She closed her eyes, "thank you daddy."
Natalie finished her "snack" then quickly gathered the entire emergency luggage which included the special white luggage and the camo colored backpack. She sat on the floor and started to investigate what was inside the pack; inside the backpack she found a letter with her name on it. One also written to Jenna, one to Daizie and the fourth, written to some guy named Elijah. She looked at it puzzled for only a moment before converting her attention back onto her own letter. She opened it and began to read a letter written to her from her mother. By time she finished she again was sobbing. Her tears came to a sudden halt when she felt a small hand on each shoulder. Natalie looked up to her left and then right, it was Jenna and Daizie, each with an evident expression of concern.
"What's wrong Naddy?" Jenna asked worriedly as she slid herself casually onto her big sisters lap.
"Yeah, what's wrong?" Daizie repeated and too slid herself onto Natalie's lap.
Natalie looked at both of their worried little faces. She knew without a doubt she had to tell them mommy and daddy was now dead; but, she truly needed to buy herself some time before sharing that burden with them. She thought quickly.
"I guess I'm just a little scared."
"Scared about what?" Jenna asked as she tilted her head for an answer.
"Well, you know how sometimes mommy and daddy have to go on long trips for their special jobs?"
Both girl nod yes.
"Well, this time they got a super duper duper important job. It was so important that they had to leave like right away."
"When wiwl they be back?" Daizie asked as her tears began to form.
"Yeah, they didn't even say bye." Jenna added, she too forming tears.
Natalie noticed they were both about to cry and quickly did her best to come up with a story believable enough for a six and eight year old.
"Oh, no, don't cry, it's okay, mommy told me she was really sad that she couldn't tell you bye; but," Natalie had to pause so not to choke on her own reforming tears, "but, she will see you very, very soon. She wanted me to tell you, mommy AND daddy wanted me to tell you they love you soooooooo much and be good and they will give you big hugs and kisses as soon as they can."
Jenna studied her sister's face, she knew something was off but didn't push. She looked around and saw the luggage.
"Are we going too?" The eight year old spunky blond asked.
"Umm, actually, yeah, and THAT is why I am kinda scared. They need me to drive you and Daizie to our new home."
"New home?" Jenna asked surprised.
"Yeah, what new home? I like it hewe. I don't wanna yeave." Daizie contested.
Natalie hugged them both and just started crying. The three girls each cried for a solid twenty minutes before settling down again. Natalie personally couldn't believe she had any tears left. She grabbed a nearby blanket and each other the girls wiped their faces.
"Okay, so here is the plan. We hafta be a team. Mommy and daddy need us to get to our new home safely. They are depending on me to get you there. I am depending on you to help me be brave; can you help me do that?"
Both girls nodded yes without hesitation. Their big sister needed their help and neither was about to let her down.
"Okay, then lets pack up a few more things and get ready to leave in about an hour, deal?"
"Deal." Both girls agree.
"Umm Naddy?"
"Yeah Jen."
"Where is our new home anyway?"
"Oh, umm New Orleans."
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