So... Here we are in yet another chapter of the story... I have a great time writing it, even though there were some parts that made me struggle, but I'm pretty pleased with the final result... Without much left to say I will see you at the bottom.

Enjoy!

Chapter 10

Prelude

"How often is the passing of one storm only a prelude to another?"

Jane Yolen

Ava POV

I cross another day at the calendar, fifteen days since Phelan and Rose took off. Observing my reflection in the mirror, I notice small purple dots under my eyes. It's getting harder and harder to ignore the nightmares, since I have at least one during the night. I stopped trying to sleep after one, believing that I could keep them at bay if I stayed awake. But three days ago, I got a couple when I was awake. The connection with the Gnéithe is barely there, and my worries are increasing. I try to act normal around everyone, but something tells me I'm not doing a very good job. Glancing to my make up kit, I hide the purple dots as well as I can. Giving myself a last look, I chase away the feeling that everything is hopeless.

Sue is making my favorite breakfast: blueberry pancakes. Seth and Charlie are already taking breakfast. Sue hugs me tight, and I know is her way of showing that she is there for me. Saying a quiet 'good morning', I sit down and dig into my pancakes. After a couple of bites, a strange flavor starts to settle down in my mouth. I look down. Confusion is the main feeling, follow by nauseas. Small white worms are all over the pancakes. It's all in my mind. I assure myself. It's all in my mind. It's all in my mind. It's all in my mind. But the worms stay, mocking at me. I push the plate away from me.

-It's delicious Sue, but I'm afraid I'm not really hungry. – I keep my eyes on the floor, getting up and walking outside.

I sit down, my back against a tree on the backyard. Closing my eyes, I try to catch up a bit of sleep, before Sue takes me down to the Cullen's house. I insisted on keep studying, since I need something to keep me distracted. A strange sensation on my ankle, something cold, yet small was currently moving up from my left ankle. I brush it off with my hand, but refuse to open my eyes. A warm sensation replaces the annoying one, I open my eyes and I see Seth's hand rubbing the spot that was annoying me. I give him a grateful smile.

-Want me to stay with you? – He asks me.

Even thou I want to say yes, I feel guilty for making him stay with me. He certainly must be tired of keeping company to a teenager that is nothing but trouble. I caress his hand, still pondering if I say yes or no.

-It's okay, - he is about to argue, when I add – I don't think the town will survive without Cheer Bear cop another day. – He snorts and moves a strand of my hair out of my face.

-Just promise me that you will try to eat something later on, okay?

I nod, and raise myself a little bit up to kiss his cheek. A sudden electric current hits my lips, but it's not annoying or hurtful… I like it. I daze off, resting my back against the tree again and I watch him walk away.

Soft whispers fill my ears; I shrug it off, turning around, as I lay in something soft. I mumble against my hands. A deep chuckle makes my eyes open wide open. I must have fallen sleep against the tree… Then why I feel something soft and I'm able to lie down on my stomach. I get up and I see Emmett sitting on a couch close to me. He is grinning at me, and I suddenly feel the need to check if I drooled.

-No, you didn't drool. – I move my head to a side -. You were actually really slept when we came to pick you up, since Sue needed to get to work. Since you weren't waking up, we bring you here, but you didn't wake it up till now.

-And you are watching me sleep, because…

-Needed to make sure you didn't wake up and freak out. – I frown.

-I don't freak out.

-Indeed – he moves his head back and yell - . The flame mane is awake.

I roll my eyes and get up, walking towards the kitchen.

-Hungry? – Esme says to me and I nod, taking a sandwich that she is offering me. – We are about to watch a movie, come join us.

I smile and help her with the big bowl with popcorns. I sit down next to Nessie, I watch probably the first five minutes of the movie, and I can tell that is a horror one. Not really into watching the movie I try to reach out Phelan, but the connection is so weak that I don't get anything back from it. I hug my knees and place my head over my arms, closing my eyes. Leaving my mind in blank, I breathe slowly in focusing on the air that fills my lungs. The sound of the movie starts to go down, falling soon into silence. Soft murmurs reach my ears and I can't help but smile at the reassurances that they are still there, waiting. I look up and see that the little boy is staring at me at the other side of the glass door. Something moves me to go to him; I touch the cold glass and gasp when my fingers go thru it, as if nothing was there. The little boy gives me his back now and is walking towards the river. I hesitate to follow him for a moment, but when I lost him behind a tree I move forward.

The fallen leaves caress my bare feet as I walk, even thou there is no sound. I notice a shadow at my right, and when I turn to see it better, there is nothing. Ignoring it for the moment, I continue walking down towards the river and the boy. He is near the riverbank, and it's pointing towards the fog that is coming to us. I kneel next to him and pull him into a hug, wondering what is coming next. As the fog touches the riverbank, it starts to move back again, leaving two small wooden boats to sight. I tight my grip around the little boy, for I know what that boats means.

Óg, his voice quivers, they must die.

With that said, he disappeared from my arms. The boats are now arriving to the shore; I take a step forward, the cold water touching my toes. Standing on my tip toes, I struggle to get a better view of what is inside…

Ava…

A ghost impression of lips against my forehead comes, as the face of my mother appears, a mix of sadness and decision in her brown eyes.

Ava…

Maureen is standing next to me, holding my hand as tight as she can, almost if she is afraid to let go. She looks back at me, a bittersweet smile grace her lips.

Ava…

Seth is standing in our meadow, holding the little boy in one arm, the other one extended towards me. Both are gracing a similar goofy smile.

Ava, wake up.

Holding my forehead, I feel some tears down my face, I blink a couple of times, and I notice Seth kneeling in front of me, confusion and worry in his eyes. I let myself fall into his arms and hug him as he is my life line. When his arms close around my body, I feel safe and sound. I breathe slowly, his presence brings peace. I let go of him slowly, realizing for the first time that we are indeed near the river, and the wooden boats are just a couple of feet away from us. Standing up, I touch the wood, my hand trembling. These are the kind of boats we use for… Ava, stop. I say to myself. You don't know for sure if THAT is going to happen, so you need to stop. I feel a warm hand on my shoulder.

-Come on, let's take you inside before you catch a cold – Seth tells me.

I merely nod and let him scoop me in his arms without complaining. He takes us inside the house, where Carlisle and Jacob are waiting for us. I notice Carlisle looking any sign of sickness or hurt in my body, I smile to him.

-I'm fine, Carlisle. – He arches an eyebrow and smiles to me -. Just moving to walking nightmares this time.

Seems like a bad joke to do at the moment, since I earn a couple of grunts from them. Seth sets me down in one of the couches, and I know the question of what happen will arise in any moment.

-Tell me a story – I blurt out, Seth shakes his head, he knows what I'm trying to do -. Tell me a story, please. – Seth hesitates a moment, but he sit down on the floor next to the couch and starts to rub my hand.

-There are many legends around the Quiluetes, but all started with the legend of the spirit warriors. According to our legend, the spi…

-Not going to start with Once upon a time? – I interrupt him, earning a glare from him. I merely smile. – It sounds better than According to our legend…

-It's a legend not a fairytale Ava – I give him my best puppy eyes -, besides I'm telling the story. – Pouting a little I see him chuckle and I swear he whispers something along the lines of you will be the death of me - . Okay, okay; but no more interruptions – I nod and get into a more comfortable position - . Once upon a time a tribe known as the Quileute settled in La Push, - I move closer to him, pulling my legs closer to my chest- a territory that transformed them into efficient fisherman and exceptional ship builders. But it wasn't long till other tribes' notice the blessings cast upon their land and took actions to claim the land for their own. Even when the Quileute tribe had flourished, they were still less than the invaders and a peaceful tribe, which gave them small chances to win. The Chief of the Quileute ordered to the tribe to move to the ships and took as much distance from land as he risked. Realizing the position they were at was precarious, he asked to the Spirits for guidance. The Spirits answered him in his dreams, that all of the warriors of the tribe were to be set in deep meditation, so they could leave their bodies behind to the care of the women. Kaheleha, the Chief, did as asked and became the first Spirit Chief in the tribe history. The Spirits explained to them that even thou they couldn't physically hurt the enemy, there were others ways. They blew fierce winds into the enemy camps, scream in the middle of the camps and asked for the animals for help. They used the help of the packs of thick-furred dogs that were brought by the invading tribe and bats were brought out of cliff caverns. The invaders run away to never come back thinking the harbor was cursed. The Spirit Warriors returned to the ship and brought back to their land women and children. They released the dogs upon their return as promised and they ran wild in the land till now. – I'm close to the edge of the couch and I'm waiting for more, Seth notices and adds. – That's the legend.

I form an O with my lips and lay back into the couch.

- Another one, please? – I ask to the men around me.

Seth chuckles, getting up from the floor and sits next to me.

-Maybe next time, we need to go now, Ava. Charlie and mom are waiting for us.

I let out a sigh for I was very comfortable; Carlisle lays his hand on my shoulder.

-Why don't I call Charlie and we have a late dinner all together here? – Carlisle say and I whisper him a thank you.

-Sounds great, Carlisle, mom would love it. – Seth says. – In the mean time, Jacob can tell us another legend.

Jacob nodded, but gaze upstairs were Nessie was currently looking down to us. Jacob motion for her to come down, bringing a hug smile to her face and she runs downstairs to jump in a couch next to Jacob. He hugs her close, running his fingers between her locks and seeming in dept though before starting. Nessie question me with a look, but I wave my hand to her. Jacob clears his throat.

-Many generations passed since Kaheleha. The tribe was ruled by a man of peace and wisdom beyond his age, called Taha Aki. He was vigilant and protected his people even when there was no danger. The Spirit Warriors periodically leaved their body to travel to the spirit world and their mind became one during that moments. That's how Taha Aki found the plans of Utlapa to use their magic to expand control over other tribes, building an empire. Taha Aki didn't like what he saw, and banned him from the tribe. Utlapa left, but hid in the nearby forest, waiting for the perfect moment to take revenge. –Carlisle return with Esme, and they quietly sit down in a couch-. This time came when Taha Aki leave the village to a sacred and secret place in the mountains to travel to the spirit world, - the image of our meadow comes to my mind, and I wonder if that place is still around- to search the surrounding areas for any dangers or threats. Utlapa followed him, ready to kill Taha Aki while he was away, but changed his mind. He left his body, took Taha Aki's body and killed his own. Taha Aki was far of his body when Utlapa entered the spirit world, he realized of his plan and rushed back, but it was already too late. He witness Utlapa killing his own body. For weeks he watched with despair as Utlapa made sure everyone believed he was Taha Aki. One of Utlapa's first edict was: no warrior was to enter the spirit world because he had a vision of danger. – A snort confirmed that Emmet and Rose come around to hear the story, I move closer to Seth to let Emmet sit next to us with Rose in his lap-. After that edict, Utlapa took liberties with the tribe that no one ever dreamed of. He took a second and third wife, even though Taha Aki's wife still lived. Unable to do anything against him, Taha Aki brought a great wolf down the mountains to kill Utlapa, but when the wolf attacked, Utlapa hid himself behind a young warrior, who was killed instead of him. Taha Aki's griefs grow greater with this death, leaving the tribe to go into the forest feeling doomed of never being able to cross the line between life and death. The great wolf followed him through the forest; in his despair the Spirit Chief had an idea that changed the future of the Quileutes. He asked to the wolf if he could share his body with him and the wolf complied. As a single being, they returned to the village were people shouted for the warriors help as soon as they saw him. The warriors came with spears in their hands, but they stopped in confusion when the wolf started retreating and tried to yelp the songs of their people. They believed the wolf was being influenced by a spirit. One of the oldest warrior, Yut, disobeyed the orders of the false chief and left his body. Yut gathered the truth on an instance and welcomed Taha Aki. Utlapa realized what was happening and raced towards Yut's body with his knife. – From the corner of my eyes, I can see Bella and Edward standing near the stairs other warriors as confused as they were, watched in horror as Utlapa killed Yut. Taha Aki felt great rage and returned to the wolf's body. The wolf shuddered and transformed into a man before the eyes of the warriors. The man didn't look like Taha Aki's body, but like his spirit self, which the warrior recognized instantly. Before Utlapa was able to run away, Taha Aki killed him. Taha Aki led the tribe for many years and was known as the Great Wolf. He soon found that he did not age and fathered many sons, who in time found that they too could turn into wolves once they reached manhood.

I opened my mouth and closed yet again. I look into Seth's eyes and I could feel something that like my legend this wasn't just that. I move closer to him, laying my head on his shoulder and placing my legs over his lap.

-Another one? – I smile and ask to the people around me.

Everyone laughs and Bella looks towards Jacob and Seth.

-Can I tell the next one? – Both of them nod - . It's my favorite. – She smiles and closes her eyes as if remembering - . After a time of peace, trouble came from the North with the Makahs, since several of their young women had disappeared and they blamed the Quileutes for it. However, they knew that none of them was the responsible of that disappearances since their mind were still connected with each other. Taha Aki didn't want a war, especially since he couldn't lead his people any longer. He gave his eldest son, TahaWi, the responsibility of finding who was to blame. TahaWi led five wolves in search through mountains looking for evidence but they only found a strange scent. They followed it and the journey took them so far north that Taha Wi send the two younger brothers back to inform the Chief. TahaWi and the other two never returned. A year later, two Makah's maidens were taken from their homes on the same night and the Makah tribe called upon the wolves. They found the same sweet scent and went on the hunt once more. Only one of them returned. Yaha Uta, the eldest son of Taha Aki's third wife, returned carrying strange cold pieces of a corpse. He described what had happened to his brothers. One of the underestimated the strength of the creature and became a victim. Yaha Uta and his other bother were more careful but the creature matched their movements and got his hands on one of them. Yaha Uta found an opening on the creature's throat and began tearing at him desperately trying to save his brother. It was too late but he succeeded in ripping his enemy apart. Yaha Uta laid the remains of the creature on the ground to be examined. Suddenly the corpse began to attach itself together and so the elders set fire to it. They spread the ashes far and wide, except a small bag which Taha Aki wore around his neck to be warned if the creature ever decided to get himself together again. The creature was called the Cold One and the Blood Drinker. They feared there were others like it since they only had one wolf protector left. So their fears came true when his mate, the Cold Woman, came. She was the most beautiful creature to be seen, though one small boy claimed the smell hurt his nose. –I tight my grip on Seth hand-. An elder heard this and yelled for them to get away. He was the first to die at the mercy of the woman. She then proceeded to the other people until Yaha Uta arrived, followed by Taha Aki, his third wife, and the elders. When Yaha Uta was defeated, Taha Aki turned into an old gray wolf with the strength given by his anger alone. He began fighting the Cold Woman, when his third wife came to a conclusion. She had just seen her son killed and now her husband ran a terrible danger, along with the rest of her sons and tribe. She heard every word the witnesses told the council and heard Yaha Uta's version of events the night the other one was beaten. She knew that his brother's divergence had saved him. She grabbed a knife from one of her sons, ran towards the blood drinker and stabbed herself in the heart. The Cold Woman could not turn away from the fresh blood and gave in to the thirst. Taha Aki bit her throat and finished her off along with two of his sons who felt such rage at seeing their mother dead that they turned into wolves. After that, Taha Aki never returned to his human self, staying to protect his wife's body and leaving to the forest never to return to the tribe.

-That's… - I try to find the right words – so awful. –Frowning, I focus my attention on Bella- Why is your favorite, Bella?

Seth chuckles and pulls me closer to him. If's that's possible. Edward is running a hand thru Bella's hair, smiling.

-Let's say she feels… related with the story – Edward says.

I nod and look around, expecting someone to carry on. Carlisle catch my eyes, he sits down and says.

-I guess I'm the most suitable to continue with the last part of the Quileutes legends. – He winks to me and I giggle a little -. Taha Aki's descendants no longer turned to wolves when they reached manhood. Only when a cold one was near would they would transform. The cold ones always came in one or two so the pack stayed small with three wolves until a bigger coven came. – Edward is looking straight to me, I move uncomfortable on my position and Seth growls softly-. The leader of the coven spoke to Ephraim Black claiming that they meant no harm to the Quileutes. He told Ephraim that his coven main source of food was animals, never humans. Ephraim gave though to the claims of the strange golden eye vampire. Ephraim though that the coven didn't need to offer the tribe a treaty, since they outnumbered the wolves and could have won easily if they fought. Ephraim accepted and the coven's numbers forced a larger pack than before. Over the years, the coven left and returned to Forks but always kept true to their word and did not harm the tribe. –Carlisle pauses, his gaze looking something in me, before continuing-. It was said that Carlisle Cullen was the one who talked to Ephraim and made the oath.

I place my best shock fake face and see a couple cringe, others adopt a defensive posture. I start to laugh, which raises a few eyebrows.

- Were you worried about me freaking out? – I say calmly -.I have known since we met you are all different, just didn't investigate much about what you are. – Bella is frowning and I feel I must elaborate-. Charlie has always attract remarkable people, so it was natural for me to assume that there was something remarkable about each one of you. Besides you didn't freak out when I told you what I am, and in my book, I'm something pretty much scary than you all. – I hear a snort and turn around to see Emmet smirking at me, I roll my eyes and decide to not reply to that. – So you all vampires, except for Jacob and Seth… So Seth, show me. – Seth is looking at me with a question mark all over his face - . I want you to transform so I can see your wolf form.

He silently forms an O with his lips and hesitates for a moment. He takes his shoes off, and I start to wonder why he is doing that. As soon as he starts to take off his shirt, he looks at me and blush a little.

-You might want to turn around, Ava – I move my head to a side - . This is my favorite's jean and I don't want them to get torn into shreds.

-You mean when you transform, your clothes get destroy? – I ask, trying to remember if Phelan said something about that being a problem for him. Shaking my head I turn around and wait. – Seems like a great problem…

Everyone laughs and I hear a dampen noise. Something cold touches my right arm, and my heart starts to beat faster. It's just Seth… I tell myself. Maybe he isn't just Seth. A tiny voice says and I wonder what the heck that means. I turn around slowly and my smile grows bigger when I see my wolf standing in front of me. I hug him, taking a deep breath, enjoying his natural scent now combined with something that reminds me the Earth. He lets out a small bark and I laugh. Moving a little back, but keeping my hands caressing his fur, I get lost in his eyes. I can see the kindness, happiness and strength that Seth's eyes show when he is in his human form, but behind all that there is something else that I'm not able to identify. My fingertips travel along his eyebrow onto his cheek and he leans his head into my palm, a warm feeling spreads inside of me, and for the first time in a long time, I let myself just feel. Closing my eyes, I press my forehead to his. He rescue me when I was ready to just let myself sink into pity. He was my first friend here, accepting me for what I was and never asking too much. A shiver runs thru my body and I open my eyes, staring right into his. In the back of my mind, I can feel a connection being made. An overwhelming sensation of concern, protectiveness and love comes thru the bond recently formed. Take distance. I tell to myself, moving a little back, I start to place all my barriers back. When I'm almost done, a deep ache in my heart comes and I fight it, my breathing becoming elaborated. Noticing the concern in Seth eyes, I gave out a small laugh and caress his fur once more.

-Seems I was wrong… - I say between breaths, still recovering. Seth moves his head to a side -. You aint Cheer Bear… You are Cheer Wolf.

He barks and his tail is moving in a happy way. Everyone laughs, Seth takes his clothes and goes to the next room, I suppose to change. The door bell rings, Charlie and Sue come to the living room, holding different recipients with food. I get up and help Sue with hers. A sensation of nervous and panic arises inside me; I brush it off and continue talking with Sue. I join the others at the table. Seth sits down next to me, happiness practically radiating from him and I can't help but blush a little when he kiss my cheek. Whoa… whoa, stop right there… It's just Seth remember? He is talking to Edward right now, and I take a moment to observe him. I wonder how that is he never goes out on dates… I mean he spends all his free time with me. A warm hand closes around mine and I look up to stare into Seth's chocolate eyes. He is so… well him. I let out a nervous laugh. I wonder… Seth's hand start to burn mine and I struggle to take my hand away from his, his mouth is open in a silence scream. They will take everything you love. Closing my eyes till it hurts, I say to myself: everything is just in your mind, this is not happening, Seth is alright. My own screams fill my ears and I struggle to bring myself to control my own mind. This is not happening Ava! My breaths are quicker now, the smell of fur and skin burning hitting my nostrils. This is not happening.As quick as everything started, it ends. The murmurs of conversations now fill my ears and I slowly open my eyes. None seems to be looking at me with a concern expression or even notice what happen to me a moment ago. Seth hand still covers mine, but isn't burning anymore. Looking at the food without looking, I suddenly feel like I'm a mere observer of my own body. Maybe I'm finally going crazy. Maybe I need to get away from them before I hurt them.

You must stay, Óg. It's barely a whisper; but I hear the demand behind it. The fork I'm holding slips down to the table, somewhere in the back of my mind, something tells me I should hear it make a sound against the table or the plate but I hear none. A wave of nausea hits me, placing my hands on my stomach; I look into my memories for other time when I felt like this.

Do you remember what I told you about our bonds?

Dad? I felt my eyes open wider. My eyes' searching what my minds know is not at least physical in this world anymore.

You can feel the persons you are bonded from a distance… A single tear rolls down my cheek; his voice is as gentle as I remember. I look out towards the river and see him standing near the boats. They can reach to you thru it, sending their emotions and memories.

So this is someone that I have a bond with reaching out for me? In an instance he is sitting on the house steps. I walk and sit next to him, my mind still going over the fact that this is not normal, not even for our kind. Feelings that I recognize as fear and despair hits me, placing my hands on the end of the step, I push that feeling down the best I can. Only you, Rose and Phelan are the ones with a bo… I stop. The pulling is getting stronger and stronger, now I'm no longer able to push it at side.

They are waiting, my dearest. Dad is now smiling, the same kind smile that he gave me before dying. My eyes burn, but I do my best to not let tears fall. They need you, more than you can ever imagine. He stands and moves down the stairs, but slowly turns around, holding my bow and arrows. You might need this. Now run, my dear Ava.

I blink out the black spots in my vision; I'm sitting still next to Seth, his hand holding mine. My eyes go towards the stairs, a gasp from my lips when I see my bow and arrows resting on the stairs. Fear. Despair. Trees passing quickly in front of my eyes, something growling behind and a glimpse of a cliff that I know so well.

-I gotta go – I whisper mostly to myself, but I catch the attention of the others.

Letting Seth's hand free, I get up, running thru the solid glass doors again as if passing thru water. I call my bows and arrows to me, not stopping even when I hear them call after me. I let the bond take over, my feet moving as fast as I can go. The connection with the Gnéithe growing stronger with every step I take. The cliff of my vision is ahead of me, I'm thinking how to get down as fast as I can when the wind softly caress my body, a grin spread over my face and as I reach the edge I jump, extending my arms. I reach the bottom without any injury, I thank the Gnéithe silently.

About five big wolves stand in a semi circle in front of me, shock pretty obvious, though one of them is snarling at me. From the corner of my eye, I see two people in cape against the rock, relief coming thru the bond now. Standing firm on my place, I draw an arrow and aim to the biggest wolf, which I assume is the leader of the pack. The said wolf takes a couple of steps towards us, growling and showing me all his teeth.

- Stand down. – Another threatening growl, please don't make me hurt you-. You will have to go thru me to get them.

My voice sounds calm and collected, very far from what I'm feeling right now. The black wolf snorts and prepares to attack me. I aim to a leg. Please, please don't make me do it.

Hello, again!

So what do you guys think?

Reviews are welcome! I hope to not take so much on writing the next chapter!

Nai :)