Prologue: Nervous
To say Ursula Callistis was nervous about the whole thing would have been an understatement. It was more like she was absolutely terrified. She had no clue why she was terrified. It wasn't like it was a matter of life and death or anything… at least not in the traditional sense.
She looked out the window for what must have been the thousandth time, half hoping that someone was there to help her get this over with.
She quickly ran around her house and made sure it was spotless. She would never call herself a neat freak, but this whole situation had gotten her to act on edge the entire time. She couldn't explain her determination to clean… well, she could, but it wasn't like she could explain why she of all people was like this. Certainly before, she wasn't like this. Even now, she wasn't super neat, but did try to look presentable.
She ran up to the attic to make sure that was neat too. As for why the attic needed to be cleaned, she wouldn't be able to explain. But, she wanted it clean. Glancing at the trunk that was the remnant of her past, she sighed and actually sat down. It was easier back then… back before she'd gotten hurt. But, she couldn't exactly dwell too much on it. She'd considered at least wearing something from then, but she knew why she couldn't, especially now. There was a reason she was now Ursula Callistis instead of her former name.
She glanced in a mirror that she'd put up there for when she wanted to try on something she kept up here, noticing how much of a disheveled mess her blue hair was. She had forgotten to brush it in an attempt to look nice. Her red eyes, the only part of herself she couldn't/wouldn't change, looked tired; more tired than she'd ever felt before… which was surprising to say the least considering some of the things she'd done in the past before she'd gotten hurt.
Ursula checked the locks on the chest one more time, a nervous habit she'd formed. Last thing she wanted was someone getting into it, particularly someone with certain ties. But, she couldn't think of that now. She needed to comb and brush her hair and get some coffee in her.
She headed downstairs from the attic, making sure to keep the door tightly shut. She walked to her room, beginning to brush her hair. It wasn't too bad, but her nervousness wasn't helping her in the slightest when it came to it.
When she'd managed to finish this, she walked into the kitchen, pouring herself some coffee. It tasted bitter, but she quite liked how it didn't make her feel so. Waking her up was also an option. Hearing a car horn, she jolted, almost spilling her coffee.
She got up, walking out to her front door. She knew that it was rude to honk for someone, but she'd told her to do that so she could know exactly when they were there. She wanted to look her most presentable. That's what it was about, wasn't it?
She wanted to just ask for more time, but she knew it was too late. She took a deep breath, coffee mug still in hand, and opened the door.
Standing on the other side was a short woman who was about half Ursula's height and possibly three times her age (though she didn't show it). Ursula sighed as she saw her wear the red jacket she'd tried to get her to take off for reasons they both knew. They looked at each other, neither saying anything. Red eyes stared into blue, neither wanting to let this rare occasion stop.
"You still haven't changed," Ursula said. Indicating the suitcase she was also pulling along.
"But you certainly have, little one," The older woman said, running a finger through her pale green hair and returning her hand to her odd looking cane. "I remember when you were so full of fire that no one could stand in your way."
"Those days are behind me," Ursula said. "But, I still suppose that's why you're here, Miss Holbrooke."
"Unfortunately, it's part of it." Miss Holbrooke said. "I know what you're expecting, but my new job as a social worker has led me to learn more things than I did before."
"Yeah," Ursula said. "So… where is she?"
"She's standing right behind me," The older woman chuckled, stepping aside to reveal… nothing.
"I don't see anything," Ursula said. "Is this one of your famous pranks you used to pull?"
"Oh, you know I haven't done anything like that in decades," Miss Holbrooke said with a chuckle. "Besides, you know we can't afford to do them anyway. I taught you that much, didn't I?"
"Of course, Miss Holbrooke," Ursula gulped, bowing slightly, hoping the sweat on her brow didn't show.
"Come out from behind me," Miss Holbrooke looked behind her. "She won't bite. She's harmless."
Carefully, from behind her, stepped a child that was surprisingly smaller than the older woman. She was curled in on herself, clutching something to her chest. Her upper body was adorned in a light jacket and she wore a pair of pants due to the cooler weather.
"Her name is Atsuko Kagari," Miss Holbrooke said. "But, you already knew that."
"Why don't you come here, little Atsuko?" Ursula asked.
Atsuko walked up to the taller woman, bowing in a very timid and nervous way. She still clutched the item to her chest, trying to hide it from Ursula's view.
"It's okay, little one," Ursula said, trying to hide her own nervousness as she knelt down, and ran a hand through the child's brown hair, watching her draw a line with her foot on the ground.
"I think you're going to like it here," Ursula smiled, watching her. "I'll try to be the best I can be for you."
The child looked up at her at this moment, a small shock coming to Ursula at her eye color. They were crimson, shining like pools of blood. Never in all her years did Ursula ever see eyes such a beautiful color. She wondered what they would look like when she was beaming with joy.
"I'll leave you two alone," Miss Holbrooke said, walking back to her car. "Let me know if anything… happens."
"I'll make sure to do my best," Ursula said, but it was mostly to herself.
"She's a sweet girl," Miss Holbrooke called back. "You two will become the best of friends."
"I'm sure of it," Ursula laughed nervously as the elderly woman drove away. She looked at Atsuko, smiling at her.
"Come inside, won't you?" She gestured in. Atsuko followed her in nervously, almost as if she was too scared to touch anything. Ursula found it ironic they were both nervous about this.
"Now, I'm sure I can't replace those you lost," Ursula knelt down, holding her close. "But, I will try my best to provide for you."
Atsuko said nothing, looking down shyly.
"How about we get you situated in your room and we make some hot chocolate?" Ursula asked. "It's a little chilly outside."
Atsuko nodded, Ursula gently taking her hand and leading her to her room, pulling the suitcase with the other hand. The house was small, but more than big enough for two. Ursula hoped that Atsuko would be happy here with her.
"And this is your room, Atsuko," She said, gesturing to the room, which was decently big; certainly a good size for the seven year old that was Atsuko.
"Thank… you," Atsuko said, her voice quiet and small, almost as if she was afraid of holding on.
"I promise I won't leave you," Ursula said, trying to comfort the small girl whose hand she held. "I will do my best to care for you."
"I miss mommy," Atsuko whispered, thinking Ursula wouldn't hear it. Ursula felt a pang in her heart at that. She knew that Atsuko must be missing her parents terribly, the foster care system not having helped much despite Miss Holbrooke's best efforts. She had to try something to help her cheer up.
"What is that you're holding?" She asked, trying to get this child to open up to her.
"Mommy's special treasure," Atsuko said quietly. "I wanted it and she gave it to me before… before…"
With this, the child began to cry, standing there as Ursula mentally kicked herself for making it worse. She took the child into her arms, holding her close.
"I'm sorry to bring that up," She said. "I should have waited. But, I'm curious. What's your special treasure?"
The small child closed in on herself, hiding the item closely. Ursula ran her fingers through the child's hair in an attempt to comfort her.
"It's alright," She said quietly. "I promise I won't take it."
"Really?" Atsuko asked, hope in her voice. "With cherries on top?"
"Pinky promise," Ursula laughed softly, holding up a pinky. Atsuko took the offered digit in her own, Ursula shaking them.
With that, the child seemed a little more comforted as she slowly turned her item around to reveal a figure dressed in a brilliant white outfit and wearing a pointed white hat. In her hands was a staff of sorts that shone brilliantly. Blazing red hair and eyes emboldened the card as the figure looked… powerful.
Ursula gasped, shocked at the item.
"This is…" She said, her voice beginning to quiver.
"Shiny Chariot," Atsuko said quietly. "She's… she's so cool. Mommy told me about her… but, she said she disappeared… mommy also disappeared. Maybe she's with mommy."
"Well," Ursula said, holding the child. "I'm sure that one day, you can be as amazing as Shiny Chariot if you try."
"R-Really?" Atsuko asked. "Everyone else… says I'm weird for liking her."
"Of… of course," Ursula said, ignoring her mind's attempts to get her to stop this for the sake of not letting this child do something she'd regret. "But, you won't be just like her. You need to be you. But, for now, why don't you try to be Atsuko? Then, you can try to become as popular or great as Shiny Chariot."
"But… why?" Atsuko asked. "Atsuko doesn't have a mommy or daddy."
"Well," Ursula said, surprised at the child's understanding of the situation. "You already are Atsuko. Pretending to be someone you're not will only lead to trouble when you realize you're not supposed to be them, but you."
"Yet you haven't taken that same advice," The voice in her head spoke to her loud and clear. "That trunk in the attic is proof of that."
"A-Are you going to be my new mommy?" Atsuko asked, which shattered her mental conversation.
"Wh-What?" Ursula asked, looking down at the child.
"Are you going… to be my new mommy?" Atsuko asked. "You're… really nice just like mommy and I… I don't want to go back. You don't think I'm… weird for liking Shiny Chariot. Miss… Holy said you would take care of me."
"Then you don't have to go back," Ursula took hold of the child, wrapping her arms around her. "You can stay here forever if you'd like."
"I… I want to stay with you." Atsuko said, sniffling a little. "Y-You're nice. I can tell. But, you also hurt."
"You're such an insightful child," Ursula said, laughing softly. "Yes, I am hurting. Maybe when you're older, I'll tell you why."
"Can we have hot chocolate now?" Atsuko asked, looking up with puppy dog eyes at Ursula.
"Of course," Ursula said, standing up and carrying the child to the kitchen. Once there, she began to make the hot chocolate, Atsuko beginning to grab a bag of marshmallows Ursula kept by the table.
"Three, Atsuko," Ursula said softly. "I don't know how well you handle sugar and I don't need you to have any problems going to sleep later, alright?"
"Okay." Atsuko pouted, Ursula laughing at how the child looked so adorable. She was clearly still sad but Ursula knew that she wasn't going to be so easily made happy. But, she would try her best. She just hoped that her best would be enough to care for this child.
I know I could have gone on, but I didn't feel like going on about this when i think this works for a prologue. It was originally going to be the first chapter, but I didn't want to randomly jump to her being older or have several chapters where she ages up. I hope you enjoy nonetheless, though.
I had this idea after reading "Crime of Passion" by x-MyrtenasterRose-x (replace the dashes with dots). It's a great story and I recommend it.
