CHOICES MADE
Disclaimer: The Cullens, the Swans, and most of the characters mentioned in the story that are known from Stephanie Meyer's beloved Twilight Saga, are all hers and hers alone. I neither have nor wish to pass them off as mine. I do appreciate the fact that she did bring them to life and allows us to play with them in our imaginations. The only thing I will claim is the current storyline.
They had no idea what the threat was, only that it was coming to destroy and kill. The whispering of the winds had called to them of the danger and the call for help couldn't be denied. The wail was too strong and the damage spoken to severe if not stopped. It was their responsibilities to render aid for all creatures and species that needed it whether knowingly or not.
Bella arrived within an hour after Ria and they set off to get all of the necessary purchases and planning done in readiness for Jason's birthday party. Once that was accomplished they changed vehicles and set off in the direction of Seattle. The exact spot of where they needed to be wasn't known to them, but, nature was guiding them to where they would be needed the most to stop this thing. The roads to be traveled, the turns to be made and the stops of where to rest. They had to travel in this manner for two reasons. One they were too far along in their pregnancy to fly. And, two, if they did fly they wouldn't be able to follow the directions of the wind.
No one was the wiser that both women were no longer in the area by three that afternoon. Asia Charles had picked up her charge from the daycare and went home. No one, but, them were there which was normal when bother Lee and Ria were working.
By six that evening when Ria hadn't shown up at the studio as agreed, Lee begin to worry. Bella hadn't returned home which was causing Edward to worry. But, at eight in the evening both were calling each other and then the family. The two women were missing and no indication of where they were.
CHAPTER 4: A NEW THREAT
"We need to get the witches here fast before it gets here!" Harry Clearwater was saying during a tribal meeting. "We aided them, now we need help."
"Are we sure of what is coming?" Billy Black asked.
"Yes, all of the factors are there. Other brothers of shape shifters have informed us of attacks close to them. They are fearful and asking for a banding together to try to fight it. But, we know of no way to totally defeat it. We need the witches." Another member of the council declared.
"Very well, I'll get a hold of Charlie Swan and see what I can do." Billy sighs as he remarks to the others.
"The other shape shifters from the other tribes will start arriving later today. We need to make sure a place is prepared for them to rest." It was at this point the council meeting adjourned. Each member had certain duties that needed to be performed to start getting ready for the threat that was heading their way.
Billy returned to his home only to find Jacob gone. He must be on patrol as was all of the pack, each taking a shift before resting only to return to relieve another so they could rest. It had become a constant vigil trying to keep watch so they weren't taken by surprise from the "spirit catcher". An evil so vile that it kills from the inside out by stealing the soul, the essence of a person, for no reason that can be found.
This monster resides in all of the older legends of every Native American tribe that has inhabited the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It is said to be controlled by a person of such evil content that has control of many spirits. Nothing in the legends has ever been mentioned as to a method of ending the threat other than twin witches of light, elements and nature. So, the tribe was hoping that Charlie Swan's daughter and niece were these mentioned in prophecy and their folklore.
Billy picks up the phone to call Charlie, hoping that he would be agreeable to help with the supernatural once again now that he knew about the tribe's secret. He dials and waits for an answer as the phone rings on the other end. No answer, so hanging up, Billy calls the station to see if he can catch up with Charlie there. And once the phone is answered Billy asks for Chief Swan to be told to hold a moment.
Charlie comes on the line to ask whose calling. Billy immediate answers before bypassing all of the pleasantries. "Charlie, the tribe needs help and only you can give us the information we need."
"Damn, Billy, and how are you as well?"
"Sorry, Charlie, no rudeness intended, just a lot of worry at the moment. I need to ask a favor and we can't afford any delays."
"Sure, Billy, what's going on?"
"Can you come out to the rez and we talk?"
"Sure, but, why?"
"Because it is the sort of discuss that centers around things that are unexplainable."
"Ah, now I understand. Sure, I'll be there shortly." With that both men hung up and went back to what they had been doing to finish it up before meeting up in a short while. Billy had to try to find a way to explain everything to Charlie so he would be willing to ask Bella and Ria to help. Or, at least, give him a way to get in touch with them to ask himself to ask them for their help. Too many people were depending on this.
It was nearly eight at night before Charlie got over to Billy's. It had taken him more than an hour to finish the report he had been working on when Billy had called him. It was that time of the month that accounting of everything had to be done.
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By the time Lee had gotten to Serenity, Edward was in a near full blown panic attack. Of the rest of the family wasn't much better. They had been trying the cell phones for both women for a good little bit, but, with no answer. When Lee walked in Edward demanded if he knew where Bella was.
"No, Edward, I don't. Just like I have no idea where Ria is either."
"Ria is missing, also?"
"Yes."
"What about Jason? Is he with them or at home?" Esme wanted to know.
"I talked with Asia on my way homewards and she informs me Ria had called tell her that she and Bella were together, but, had some business that needed to be taken care of. She then gave Asia further instructions as to where to find all of the necessary birthday decorations and gifts if they weren't back yet in time for the party."
"Did they happen to tell Asia where or what they had to do?"
"Not that I could gather. Asia, when I questioned her to that effect, replied that no had been mentioned concerning their whereabouts. But, I will say that I think Asia does know something. Just haven't been home yet to find out what.
"You said that you had been trying to call with no results. That tells me that whatever is going on it has to do with the craft. And, if that is the case then they will not answer."
"What do you mean the 'craft'?" Emmett asks.
"White witch business." Is all Lee replied. "Something must have come up that has caused them to become involved and they are taking care of what needs to be done. And, hell yes, I am worried about it before any of you ask.
"Ria was supposed to have met me tonight in town for dinner, but, never called to cancel. The one that seems to have any sort of communication with her had been another white witch. So, I am going home in a moment and see what else I can find out as I mentioned a moment ago. And, yes, I'm worried and upset because neither of them called to let me know about any of this. They know better than that." With that said Lee turns and walks out the door without saying another word. He could be heard speeding away in another moment of time.
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"Do we know what we are going to try to stop?" Bella asked Ria.
"No. I know as much as you do, Izzy. I do know that Lee, Edward and the rest of the Cullens are going to be pissed off because we are avoiding their calls, but, at this moment we can't afford to have anyone interfere with us. The tribe needs our help and we have to get there. The threat is too great to be ignored. I know we will be informed of all we need to know once we get to La Push."
So, still following the directions of the whispering winds, both women continued onwards. Each taking a turn to drive while the other rest. Then changing off, stopping to rest, get out stretch their legs, eat and back on the road again. By morning they were nearly to destination's end.
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Charlie had sat and listened with a stunned expression upon his face as Billy Black, Harry Clearwater and others of the tribal council told him of the legend about the "spirit catcher". He didn't say a word and most definitely didn't tell them that he didn't believe. Charlie Swan had experienced the supernatural first hand often enough with Ria, Bella and he coming from a long line of white witches and wizards. But, most of the time he had steered clear of anything having to do with it.
His most recent experiences had brought it closer to home than ever before, so, he looked as if he was about to become a permanent part of the community. With them asking to have Ria and Bella involved was not an answer he could give, but, he did promise to contact them to explain what was happening and let them decide.
"Why can't you commit for them?" Jacob demanded.
"Jake, your rudeness is out of line and I won't put up it, young man. Next, both Bella and Ria are nearly seven months pregnant. So, for them to come and give help is something they will have to prepare for other than just a phone call."
"Damn, congratulation, grandpa." Billy tells his old friend.
"Does Bella know what she is having?"
"Yeah, twins, a boy and a girl. They are naming them Anthony Masen Castille Cullen and Amber Elizabeth Marie Cullen."
"What about Ria? You said she was pregnant, also."
"Yeah, of course, you know about Jason, he has his fifth birthday coming up on a few days. And, now, she is going to have a little girl which they are naming Ariabella Culleen Marie."
"Damn, bloodsuckers, you know they aren't alive, right?" Jacob grumbles under his breath, but, ends up being loud enough for others to hear.
"You do realize that you are talking about members of my family? Get over your jealousy in respect to Bella choosing another besides you. She's happy and Edward adores her. There is nothing he wouldn't do for her." Charlie retorts to his remark about Lee and Edward. "Besides, those bloodsuckers, as you called them, saved my life. And, has kept both Bella and Ria safe for most of their lives. So, keep your damn mouth shut about them anymore."
After a bit more discussion Charlie leaves, but, says that he will call first thing in the morning to present the tribe's case to them and have an answer back to Billy before going into work.
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All through the night, at two different locations, nerves were raw, tension was high and worry was beyond bearable. No word from either Ria or Bella; and Asia was not too forthcoming in the little she knew. All she said is the winds had been whispering and only the ones it was talking to would hear the words. She did suggest that Margrite might be able to tell them more, but, they would have to call her to ask.
A/N: Well, no one talking yet about the dream that seemed to have disturbed Bella and Ria's sleep before they went missing. But, Ria did call Asia about Jason's birthday arrangements in case she wasn't back into, but said nothing else. And no calls to anyone else. Everyone's in a panic of sorts about them missing and no information on where they are.
Charlie has been informed that their help is needed and he promises to call and see what he can do, but, even he doesn't know that the two women are missing.
Just exactly what is this 'spirit catcher' and what does it do? Who or what controls it and how? What kind of evil is the person that has such control?
Please take the time to review and let me know what you think. I'm always happy to hear from you and to reply back.
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