Finally! Ozario tells me that I am in real danger! I'm satisfied now that I know the truth. I rolled my eyes, thinking. What do these idiots want from me? Why can't they leave me alone?
"Vipers. Got it. Alright, Oni. I believe you." I looked at the girl's restroom and wanted to clean off a bit. "Can I go to the ladies' room for a second?"
"You don't have to ask to go to the restroom, Little Kitten. Come." Ozario requested, reaching a hand out to me.
Onyx gripped my hand and hung onto my waist the entire time until we stood in front of the restroom. I could tell he was tremendously vigilant, now. I walked inside and stood in front of the sink. I turned on the water. Still, I felt dirty because the bathroom looked like it wasn't cleaned by anyone in years. I washed my face, then wiped it with a paper towel. I looked in the mirror to see a shadowy figure in the background. It smiled diabolically at me as I dropped the towel in the trashcan. I stood still, pretending I wasn't scared.
"Aw. Here to stalk me again?" I rose my hand to my hips and smirked. "You know these clichés seriously need to stop. They don't scare me. Following me into the bathroom is just creepy and gross, Dude." I teased him, feeling fully confident in myself.
"You're such a party pooper. Where is your respect for fear," asked the shadow man?
I grinned like a fox, the way Ozario would. "In hell, where it's supposed to be," I sassed.
The guy vanished from behind me. Then, he whispered in my ear, "You won't win, Wretch."
Rosalie ran into the bathroom. Urdur immediately followed after her. Both of them asked, appearing very worried, "What is going on? We sensed someone in here."
I looked in the mirror. I could still see the shadow in front of me, but it was clear that the others could not see him. The broad immoral grin of the shadow was the most visible part of him in the mirror. His hand touched the glass. I closed my eyes and breathed, then relaxed my shoulders. I could hear Bella enter the bathroom. I heard the rest of my family talking outside.
"Ozario was panicking, saw something. Edward heard a man in here. He could hear his mind." Bella frantically announced. "Where is he?"
I opened my eyes, still looking at the guy. I mouthed the words, "You're not real. Leave us alone."
I glared at him. My eyes were daggers that pierced into his eyes. This time, I wanted to spark fear into my enemies. The man frowned and dissolved from the mirror. I looked at the girls and exhale. They looked at each other confused. I held up my thumb, letting them know I was fine. We walk outside with the rest of the gang. Ozario took my hand and pulled me close to his warm body.
He barely smiled with timid brows. "You scared me a little. I thought I had to go in there myself until the others showed up," he admitted.
I giggled a bit, and then cleared my throat. "I'm fine. Sorry," I whispered.
Onyx softly placed the fingertip of his thumb on my lips. "Let's try something else. Stay next to me, please," he requested?
All of us headed out toward the Funhouse of Mirrors. Everyone slipped inside, except Ozario and me. We had second thoughts. Verdandi persuaded us to come. She said that if we were stuck together, everyone would be able to keep me safe, and all of us would be able to get out as a family. Astrid thought it was a great idea and pulled my hand, trying to get me inside. Ozario gently snapped my hand back, sighed, and then looked at me. Astrid skipped forward, cheerfully. She probably hadn't noticed that.
"My apologies. I was rude. Could we just... stay together?" Ozario implied if we go inside, he was not going to let me go alone at all.
I hadn't wanted him to leave me, either. So, I enfolded my hand firmly around his. "Please," I replied, feeling too worried to let his hand go?
Ozario smiled. He and I walked inside, already lost. Uh, oh... Where do we go? It was enjoyable knowing Onyx and I were stuck in one place together. All of us made it out just fine. Nothing unexplainable happened this time. They all gave each other a high five and went on to do something else. Ozario stopped and checked his pockets for a moment.
"Catalina, could you stay with the others," Onyx asked? "I will be right back."
He ran back inside the funhouse. I refused to leave him and remained still. I waited on Ozario to come back. I watched everyone share their joy. Their faces averted from their phones. Instead, most eyes were locked on their friends or loved ones. At school, it's different as if they were hypnotized by their devices. Ozario's been in there a long time. I started to get impatient. Itching. Apprehensive. My mind started clouding up with frightening images of Ozario getting hurt. I nearly dash inside the moment Ozario slipped out. I sighed in relief and ran to hug him.
"Whoa," Onyx giggled! He had a frown on his face, but his voice sounded sweet, "You didn't stay with the others?"
I shook my head and grinned, exuberantly. Ozario's charming grin appeared as he led me to the rest of the family. Onyx and I found them walking past the food court. I waved at them after they turned around, spotting us. Ozario and I soon caught up with them.
Rosalie walked up to us. "Glad you caught up. We couldn't decide what to do next," she told us.
Astrid glided beside me in a jolly mood. She exclaimed, "Hey! Do you want to try The Spinning Top over there?"
I declined, heeding Ozario's warning. Beware of heights. She didn't seem to get it because Ozario and I walked in the direction of the ride, anyway. Onyx cradled my hand with his. I could tell how protective he was getting, the closer I was beside him. His big bad wolf facial expression showed up. The devilish smirk appeared. His eyes almost turned red, again. When Astrid got close to the wheel, she walked on the machine first. I figured Ozario knew I did not want to go up that thingamajig. I kept tugging his hand the opposite direction. He relaxed. Onyx understood and started taking me somewhere else.
"Ozzi! Cati! You're not coming? Am I going on alone," Astrid cried out?
Verdandi tapped Ozario's shoulder. "Why not go on the ride you two," she asked, smiling?
We heard the screams of the people inside the ride.
Urdur pretended to gag. "Ah~gh! Like, you don't know. I am with them on this one."
Ozario and I gave each other a look.
He replied, "I thought it'd be safer if we avoided heights. She could end up screaming again. I don't want her throat to get any worse."
Ozario sent an expression to Edward as he knew of a plan. Edward had agreed with him, somehow. Alice and Carlisle agreed it was a smart idea, but I could tell they knew that something was wrong about this ride. Rosalie opted to go on the ride. Emmett, too. Jacob joined Bella; she felt scared of the ride though. Ness before them. Skuld stepped on, then took a glimpse at me.
To both of us, she mouthed, "You made the right choice."
Ozario nodded while enclosing my waist in his arm. He glared at the ride. Then, he and I continued to walk off to something else. Before we walked too far from The Spinning Machine, I saw a little girl in a cute black dress running past us. Watching the little child, I noticed that she sprinted inside the gate and toward the machine. It had started already, accelerating in speed. My gut feeling told me to run and save her. Just run and save her. I released myself from Ozario's grip and darted her way so I could get the child away from the ride. She stood under the most dangerous portion and picked up something that looked like adorable Dracula Teddy Bear. I focused only on her, with no emotions on my face. I felt scared for her, though. Somehow, before the ride got too fast, I caught her. Ozario ran right behind me, jumping over the gate.
Onyx picked up the little girl and took my hand. We ran for safety, but I didn't make it, before the ride got too bad. I got snatched up on the wheel of the machine that swung heavily. Controllably, I heavily breathed in and out to not mess up my voice. I was trying to release myself, but it wasn't that easy. I wasn't stuck on a simple nail or a loose metal that could have kept me trapped on this dangerous ride; A hand latched onto the collar of my white shirt. I looked up and a man in a black cloak smiled at me, showing off his pearly teeth. Ozario took my hand, threw me over the door and onto the seat. At this point, the ride had become dangerous. Onyx knocked the man over the edge, and the mysterious man vanished into thin air. I started to slip out of the seat. I was panicking and breathing heavily. I had done my best to hold on to something. Fortunately, Ozario grabbed my hand and immediately lugged me close.
"Bear hug me," he shouted!
I nodded, quickly following his instruction. Both of us glissade, then dangled from the cart. The guy running The Spinning Top stopped the machine, leaving Onyx and I stuck at the highest part. Ozario looked down on the ground, searching for something. I could hear the crowd below, screaming for us to get help. Skuld and Bella climbed up to help us get down, but there wasn't a way that would protect their secret identities. Ozario started slipping from the bar and looked at me calmly.
"Keep holding on tight... Cat, I love how much you trust me."
"Uh, oh... Is it that dangerous," I whispered in fear, although I tried to joke a little?
Ozario simpered at me and nodded. "Keep holding on tight, cross your ankles, close your eyes, and don't look until I say, alright?"
Oh, no... Not the long-list kind! "Kay," my voice cracked a bit.
I closed my eyes and did everything like he told me to. I felt like I floated in midair. I couldn't feel a thing or hear any noises, anymore. I only heard Ozario's tranquil breathing. He brushed my hair back, kissing my forehead. I felt his arms hold me tighter, until I felt a big thud beneath us. Onyx's hands moved to my waist.
"It's ok. You can look, now," grunted Ozario.
I looked up, finding a crowd of humans cheering. The girls climbed down from the wheel to get to us. Afterward, the family ran over to see if we were ok. Ozario helped me off some balloon thing that we landed on after the fall. I shook my head from the shock. I hugged Onyx again. He laughed. When I stopped and glimpsed ahead, I saw the creep. The little girl ran his way, faced me, then faded away. I gasped. Just an illusion! Ugh! I am extremely pissed off, now. That no goo-
Ozario took me in his arms and hugged me tight. "Catalina, stop scaring me to death."
I wrapped my arms around him again. "Sorry. She could've gotten killed. If she was real, it would've been wrong to have let her die," I mumbled in his chest.
Ozario released me from his arms and tilted his head. "Huh? What do you mean, 'if she was real?'"
"S-she wa~s an illusio~n, Onyx. I just s-saw her over therrre," I informed in a raspy voice!
I pointed in direction of the once visible little girl. The guy peep around the corner from some booth. I breathed deep and released myself from Onyx, again. I felt tired of this bullcrap, so I ran toward him in full human speed. Ozario caught my arm. I looked back at him and pointed in the direction of the guy again. He nodded, lifting his hand to stop the other family members from following.
Onyx let me go so I could trap the Viper. The creep led me to some empty spot. I searched about, trying to find him, but there were no traces of him around. I turned back to go to the festival. Abruptly, he dropped down in front of me and touched my shoulder. I was good at fighting, but not with creatures like him. I tried to duck from his swing and was still caught with a slim knock on my cheek. Even though he barely punched me, he forced me to clasp on the ground harder than expected. I looked up.
Ozario jumped down, vanishing from one side to the other. The creep kept wobbling around like he was constantly getting hit by something, or someone in this case. After Onyx punched the man at a remarkable distance, he sped up to the stranger again and flung the creep into a hard metal bar. Ozario dashed by my side to help me stand up. His eyes gestured for me to run and avert my eyes from seeing what will happen next. I ran further away from the two as far as possible and covered my eyes. Although, I did peep through my fingers because this was so cool!
The red eyed man grunted angrily, then sprinted toward my hero. Ozario did the same, gliding more than running, towards him. Onyx kick the guy farther back. Oni picked up a dreadfully lengthy and narrow bar from the ground while the guy ran back to attack him. Ozario flipped and swung the bar at the creep as if he was playing baseball, making the opponent fly into some black liquid. I removed my hand from my face and gawped, excitedly.
Ozario acted as if he was playing baseball again and got ready for another swing with a handsome grin. "Batter up, motherfucker," he teased.
Ozario threw the bar like a spear that, then, pierced through the enemy's left chest, close to his shoulder blade. The viper wrenched it out while screaming in agony. Once, he had stopped shouting, the Viper turned to face me. He grimly grinned and sprinted my way. I ran and slid, catching something to shield me. I fell on my back with the metal safeguarding me. I heard the guy on top of it, so I tried kicking him off. Ozario dragged the man off by the legs and slammed him onto the ground. The Viper whined since he couldn't move. A few of his body parts were broken. I gasped, covering my mouth. Oh, no!
Ozario glared mercilessly at the man beneath him. Ozario knelt and held the brute down on the asphalt. "Catalina, I want to let you know something important. This world is dark. Sometimes, it comes down to a few things If you can handle it. What I'm trying to convey is... something woeful I am willing to do for you. Watch me if you can." He shared, holding the man down.
I sat up to watch what Ozario might do next. Onyx carelessly ripped the man's head clean off and pulled out a lighter to burn the
Viper's corpse. The sight happened so fast I couldn't properly react. My mouth hung open. Ozario backed up, putting his hands in his pocket. His eyes found mine behind the flames. I stood on my feet and walked toward him before he reached me first. Onyx bent down on one knee.
He took my hand and kissed it. "I apologize for being ugly in front of you. Nonetheless... Catalina Arisu Yong, I promise to protect you no matter what happens, nor the consequences."
I fell on my knees, too. "I promise, too. I may be weak right now... But, I can't let you die because of me. I definitely don't want to see you like... that."
"You won't," he responded.
The Cullens and Jacob's wolf pack walked out of the shadows and stood watch. I looked back at them and waved. Ozario and I stood up to leave with them. Onyx and I carried on alone without any more rides. All rides were banned to keep me away from any attackers; stay in the open so the family, or anybody, could see me; and, so I would not scream. Ozario already planned not to leave his eyes off me, even for a second.
As the hours ticked closer to midnight, Ozario and I decided to play some booth games to win teddy bears. We had won a bunch. The rest of the family joined after they finished their last ride. Astrid seemed extremely excited to find Onyx and I doing our best to hit a target with a ball.
"Wow! Cat, you're good at that! May I try after you," She requested, gleefully?
I nodded, smiling brightly. I felt safer playing just booth games with Ozario. It was just as fun as any other game we played today, despite the murderer constantly following me around. Although, it was a little more exciting than most games this festival had. I gloomed over the constant thought of the creep and his severed head. My father died in pain like that, didn't he? I lost the game, depressed by the fact that I couldn't get the big white wolf on display tonight and also because of that wild fight. Astrid played next while I talked to the family.
Alice looked at me, appearing worried. "How are you feeling? I know today has been crazy for the both of you."
"This is one of the best days of my life ever! I mean, yea... I almost got killed a bunch of times today, but I got to see a supernatural battle! It's nothing like the movies. I fought against an enemy twi..." I gawked at Ozario. "Uh... Once. But, it's still incredible. I enjoyed awesome rides and stuff with my new family. And the fact I stuck by all of you-" My body tensed up, I was alert, and, instinctively, my body dodged an attack by leaning backwards.
I gasped and looked at the ball that almost hit me. It was stuck inside the back of another booth I stood next to. The ball cracked the wall in many directions. All of us slowly looked at Astrid. She covered her surprised and scared face. Ozario's eyes turned red and he held a knife in his hand. He ogled her like he would have kill her on the spot if she had done it on purpose. Henry covered Onyx's hand and Ozario breathed calmly. The second Henry moved his hand away from Ozario. The knife was gone. I raised an eyebrow.
"I'm sorry! I did not mean to do that. Honest! I am so sorry, Cat," Astrid apologized sorrowfully!
"Put the ball up." Ozario's voice turned dark and stern. "You're done playing."
Onyx took the other balls from her hands and plucked the stuck one out of the wall. He gave them back to the man behind the booth. I walked behind Ozario and touched his shoulder to calm him down. I looked back at Astrid, who was still very startled by Ozario's glare. Onyx wrapped his arm around me, pushing me close to the family. Astrid hugged me, apologetically.
"Cat, I am so sorry," she repeated, letting me go.
I shook my head. "No harm done. Everything is alright."
Ozario was still anguished by the almost incident, but he kept his words to himself. I guess I understood why he was so upset. After hours of protecting me and finally killing that viper, he could have lost me by a flying booth ball. Ozario couldn't make a scene around everyone. To hide, he disguised his anger into a more relax expression. His eyes regained their silver color as he breathed in. He put on a small, fake grin to make it seem more convincing.
"Ozario," Astrid asked?
Onyx placed a finger over his lips to hush her. 20 seconds before midnight. Ozario stood behind me, holding me close in his arms. Time slowed, making every second more precious and today more memorable. I looked up at Ozario, who has been staring back at me.
"Have you always been this short," Onyx bantered?
With my head hung, I rolled my eyes and smiled. "I love you too, Oni."
Ozario lifted my head to his face. He rubbed his nose on my cheek. The hour struck twelve. In the New Year, the huge crowd screamed loudly. It sounded like nothing to my ears. This moment seemed to be divine, almost too great. Ozario brushed my hair, thinking of something so nice that his eyes began to glow, and it wasn't the fireworks.
"It's hard, at the moment... to keep off you," he intoned, slowly grinning.
I kind of understood what he meant but played it off. "Me neither. It isn't so easy getting out of your chains."
Onyx laughed, getting my joke. He removed an arm away after noticing how tight he held me. "My bad."
"Wait!" I whispered and blushed, becoming a bit embarrassed by admitting the truth, "I didn't want to be released." Taking his arm back, I snuggled myself in his warmth and grinned.
He leaned close to my lips. They almost touched... until some jerk shouted in my ear. Onyx and I laughed at the drunk man. My family and I went to the docks and sat at the edge in a circle. We chatted for a long time about the fun we had tonight, leaving out all the scary details. The awkward ones, however, made us laugh the most. Astrid fell into the water after Urdur pushed her in. Urdur jumped in after her, laughing.
We had really enjoyed each other's company so much that everything seemed so surreal. Star gleamed like daylight. The moon looked more like the sun with the help of those bright lights at the festival. I felt grateful to be in this family – to be with Ozario. Even if we kept getting physically and mentally attacked by my enemies, I'm so ecstatic that Onyx's smile has rarely faded since the day he met me. I felt safe and happy with him and his family. Finally, I felt I belonged here. No longer was I an unsuitable member. I just felt it.
We stayed in a nice hotel in separate rooms, considering most of the family members were married couples. I felt it was really cliché to hook me up with Ozario in the same room. Not that I was complaining or anything. BUT, he does have an older brother, who could take my place. I could sleep with the Fates in the next room. It didn't bother me that most of the members wanted to avoid my nightmares, or so I could avoid them. My nightmares forced me to scream in my sleep sometimes. Or, maybe everybody voted to hook me up with my bestie because they didn't want me to get attacked in my sleep if I had my own room, which made a lot of sense. However, just the simple fact that... I don't know... I'm a GIRL made this whole fix awkward for me. Ozario hadn't cared; thus, being a man. I would've been alright if he wouldn't have made sneaky erotic jokes like:
"How about a shower, Miss Yong?" like some sort of sexy butler, or...
"I could help wash your hair. That would be nice, don't you think?" like some married couple...
Oh! And, my favorite "What? I haven't the slightest idea what you're taking about." As if he thought I was naïve for that trick!
However, I won't lie... I had allowed myself to think about showering with him for a moment. In my defense, I rejected him first and it took a long minute before I decided it was okay! See, in the life-threatening situation I was in, I wanted a chance to experience a lot of things before I die one day. Such as this. It was the first time that I was somebody's love-interest, and Onyx was my first crush. I know it may be wrong, but would I ever get another chance like this? I wanted to live as much as possible. And, something as simple as this was living to me. What would anybody else do if they lived my life? Besides, it wasn't all that bad.
"Are you not joining me," I asked, feeling relieved?
Happily, Ozario wasn't as perverted as I thought he would be. He hadn't stepped in the shower with me or stood close enough to reach. Onyx's back was turned toward me, and he searched inside his bag for hair products, like a detangling brush and a hair dryer. Why had he asked to join me if he wasn't really going to? Still, I was happy that he didn't.
"Wait? You thought I would actually get in the shower? With you? HA! Perv." Ozario snickered, then informed me, "It's not unusual for a butler to see his employer naked. I got used to scenarios, like this. Although, it's not the only reason I am."
I raised my eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mea-?"
"Don't worry about it," Onyx quickly cut me off.
"Well," I intoned. "I'm not a pervert. I simply wanted to know what this would be like before the day I die." I became a little annoyed with what he called me.
"This is on your bucket list," He asked, chuckling?
I sighed, "There have been a million things I couldn't do, Onyx. A million things I had not felt before and a million things I wish to do before my time is up. Living with all of you... I have a chance to stop pushing all my wishes aside."
"Oh." Ozario paused, and softly said, "You... must have had a very sheltered life."
"It's not so bad. You get...used to it. I'm glad you aren't in the shower, though. That would be awkward," I commented.
"Oh, no. I'm completely satisfied with the view over here."
"Turn around or get out," I silently fussed!
"Haha!" Onyx stated, "My back is already turned. I was only joking. I swear."
"I know. I'm eyeballing you."
Ozario perfectly restrained himself from doing anything inappropriate. I guess that would be the butler part of him. Suddenly, I began to realize the only reason Onyx asked to come into the bathroom with me was to protect me. In fact, his erotic jokes were not meant to be taken sensually, but seriously. I could've gotten severely hurt or killed three times at the carnival. Ozario was simply being overly protective and did so in a playful manner to mask how much he really cared about my safety.
"Thank you for protecting me."
"Ugh..." Ozario massaged his temples. "There are those words again," he groaned.
I giggled. Why doesn't he like to be appreciated? Once I was out of the shower and I covered myself, Onyx excitedly brushed and blow dried my hair. I honestly forgot he was a man for a split second because he started acting like a salon lady. Not really. What I meant was: hanging out with him seemed more like being in a room with another female to me. Surprisingly, it had been nice for once, feeling less alone in a bathroom of all places. It was a different kind of atmosphere. And, thankfully, less explicit than expected.
After I had put on my sleepwear, I got ready to lay down after a long night. Ozario sat in a hotel chair, playing a lovely song to tranquilize the mood. His presence soothed the room in a heavenly aura. Onyx tampered with a game on my tablet that he was crazy good at. A knock repeated on the door to our room. Ozario got up from his seat to answer it.
Astrid's voice reached the corner before she entered, "Hi! Where is Cati? Hi, Catalina!"
She jumped on the bed next to me. I force a tiny laugh, then coughed a bit because of my throat. She rubbed my back and a little bit of sympathy showed on her face. I still smiled. Ozario grinned as he left us alone in the room to talk a little. She seemed extremely excited for some reason.
"Okay! I thought it would be a good time to get to know you. I know you're not really supposed to talk and I know you claimed to have lost your memories, but I don't know the real you, ya know? So, I wanted to ask how you got permission to live with the Cullens," Astrid questioned. A grin of utter cheerfulness remained on her face. Her legs crossed on the bed as she paid attention.
As thrilled as she was to learn about me, it... sort of... pained to tell her. I sucked it up and went for it, pretending it wasn't so bad to speak, "Uh. My fa~mily... They don't exissst anymore. So, Car~lisle adopted me and helped me through my crisis. I'm d-devoted to all of them for making my life better for once. It's ssscary, but a b-blessing."
Astrid sadly frowned, then returned to being joyful. "Oh... Sorry to make you say that. I'm glad things are better, and you're also Ozario's foster slash adopted aunt! Ha-ha! That part is the best, considering he must listen to you! What about other stuff, like your favorite animal," She sounded like she wanted to avoid dark conversations?
I didn't blame her for what happened that night. We watched our family member kill somebody. I wished it hadn't ended like that. I brushed the thought of the murder off and I silently giggled for a moment. I answered her by whispering, "I don't really know. At first, my favorites were pandas. Second, lemurs. Then, monkeys... I guess all of them. After meeting Onyx, I know, for sure, it's a wolf."
"Aw! Cute! How did you meet him?"
I blushed, turning away from her with a funny look. "D'uh... School," I silently and nervously answered.
Astrid laughed, flashing her nice teeth. Certainly, she knew Ozario did something flashy. Astrid expected nothing less from him. "Ozario... What did he do this time?"
"He tricked me into kissing him." I admitted and, while feeling embarrassed, buried my fists between my thighs. I had become a bit too shy to explain more so I didn't. That explanation was enough.
Astrid started giggling. "Too cute! So, what have your memories responded to lately?"
I shrugged and shook my head. I whispered, "Nothing helps me at the moment." I couldn't figure out anything back at home. None of us could. Luckily, the New Year's celebration helped clear our minds before we returned home.
"Catalina, I kind of hope they don't return," I looked at her, confused. She clarified, "You could make new ones... Like, with Ozario and such."
I breathed out a chuckle. My memories were way too important to just forget about them. I thought to myself. I responded, breathing, "I have to remember. Those memories are my salvation. It could get me out of this nightmare. My memories will help me figure out what I am here for... if not anything else."
"Why?" Astrid started fiddling with her fingers in a creepy motion, but kept her innocent facial expression and sweet voice, "It isn't like you could win alone if you did find out. I think it is better staying normal. Honestly, what if you were really Aro's slave or something? Back then, that's what most of us were."
I slowly shook my head, not wanting to even think about my ancestor in such an ugly way. I quietly debated against the cruel thought more than against her, "That can't happen, Astrid. I can't lose or give up. What is normal to me is dying halfway every day of my life and tolerating nightmares as if I was born to be tortured. My purpose and memories are more than that. I can't drop it. If I don't have the confidence to continue and fail my family... Then..." I remembered what Onyx told me one morning. "I'd fear being a wandering soul with no purpose in this world but to be tortured. I'd still live as an adolescent forever, probably... So, I have time... Omgh. I sound like Ozario."
"Well... Good luck and good night..." Astrid stood up and glowered at me with a cold smile. "...mares. You just can't win, not without help."
Astrid skipped out the room, humming an adorable, yet, freaky tune. Wow. She really is a crazy lady. Well, I do have help, thank you! It made me wonder if she had abilities like Jasper, The Diviner, Alice, or like Edward. Could she utilize things in battle like Ozario could with his combat skills? Astrid's words tremendously creeped me out. What she said matched the same words that shadow man stated in the mirror. I hadn't understood her properly. Ozario walked back into the room with a special stuffed animal, the white wolf I tried to get earlier at the booth. I brushed off that bizarre conversation, happily, as I cuddled with both Ozario and the teddy bear.
"Oh! Tha~nk you, On~i!"
Ozario laid a finger over my lips. "Shush! No talking, Kitty," he demanded.
"Oops," I whispered.
"Really?"
I smiled. Ozario chuckled and cut the lights out. When morning arrived, the whole family rode back home to resume our normal hobbies. The rest of vacation had much calmer days than the night of the festival. My throat had finally healed, due to Carlisle's herbs and Ozario's healthy meal plan for me. There were no other attacks from any monsters. I had no nightmares, either. The trip had been one to remember, yet, scary at the same time. One thing did bother me, Astrid unstoppably freaked me out. Only her. There were no more empty threats or other discouragements after that night in the hotel room. She just maintained her Mary Sue charade that seemed too good to be true.
Her reaction toward me lead me to believe that she could be sneakier than Ozario. Astrid's attachment to him made it clear that someone taught the other how to manipulate people, but which one? They also acted a little different in comparison. Astrid wanted Onyx near, Oni hated being next to her for some reason. Maybe, due to their past? The days had gone by. Their friendship confused me more than the journals. You know, the books with no matches in Carlisle's office, which killed my brain with headaches. I went to the Fates, to see if they could tell me something I needed to know.
Twisting my hair, I slowly walked behind them and stopped. "Girls? I need some assistants."
Skuld, Urdur, and Verdandi were thrilled I had finally come to their aid. "Of course!" they shouted in unison.
Creepy! Okay! I told them about my dream that involved Astrid on the night I lost my voice. Then, I repeated what Goldie Locks told me to do in the hotel and how she had also tried to play me or scare me, like what would come after getting my memories back. The fates were confused when I told them a memory I had when shaking Astrid's hand for the first time. She shouldn't have sparked a memory, right? I figured my question had been so clear, but I was probably too slow to figure it out. "Friend or deluder?" I asked them what I should do about it.
Skuld marched closer to me and pointed at my face. She tried to prohibit me from something, "Catalina, stay away from that bit..."
Urdur covered Skuld's mouth before she could continue. "Skuld doesn't like Astrid because she got our queen killed," Urdur informed.
"What," Surprised, I covered my mouth?
Verdandi silenced both of them and warned, "Beware. Astrid is a bit off. Don't do things to upset her on purpose. Just trust us. We, Ozario, and the family will protect you if we learn anything, Miss Yong."
I frowned with the feeling of determination to know what made Astrid so odd. "Please, explain to me what she is like and what she has done. I'm concerned."
Verdandi sighed and released the girls' mouths.
Urdur shied away a bit, nervous to tell me. She took out a family ring and looked sad. She tried to explain their reason for disliking Astrid, "Astrid... she..."
"She accused our queen of murder," Skuld spoke aloud. "Anuktata, or Astrid, used to be good until then. Our queen was a fine and warm-hearted queen. So much so, she was named after the goddess, Isis, of Egypt. Her nurturing nature fit well on her throne and she was beautiful."
I blinked and thought. Maybe, this could be a tale of two women fighting for a throne. I should ask. "So... Astrid hated her and wanted her throne or something?"
Skuld shook her head, denying it. She said, "That is only in movies, Catalina. Some things are more complicated than that. Honestly, I don't know why she did it. Only Urdur pities her and she won't explain why. She gets the most upset about it."
"W-Why? What did Astrid do?" I asked, lifting a hand up.
"They were sisters..." Urdur admitted. "Astrid accused our queen of murdering two children, but she loved her sister. She would have never if she knew it would have led to her death."
Verdandi frowned, with arms folded over her chest. "Those two children who were deemed dead, were alive. They were found crying at the feet of our queen after Isis was burned at the stake before all her brokenhearted people," she expressed in a depressing tone. "The whole land wept."
"They had no right to," Skuld dully commented.
Funny, I drew a picture like that before. I was the one on a modern metal pole, burning in front of a crowd. I had dreams of that plenty of times, but I had never thought I would hear about their Egyptian queen dying that way. I became more interested and listened closer.
Urdur intertwined her hands and announced, "Isis wasn't just the queen of ancient Egypt, before Christ... She was Aro's very first love. She was the very first vampire ever created. The first cursed by an incomplete spell."
"Whoa... vampires," I whispered in shock?
Skuld gave me an example, using air-quotes with her fingers, "Your 'Vipers with those wild dogs' situation."
I whispered to myself, "They're not dogs, they..." Wait! Ozario is half-wolf! So, is his other half...? "Ony..." I shook my head. No... Ozario and his family... must... It's just my theory. I'm not supposed to know. Just a theory.
"Yes, Cati. Vampires," Skuld repeated.
I didn't know how to feel. I knew I was going to accept my family, if they were vampires, despite being the one species I ran from for so long. I did it with Onyx after learning he was a wolf. Wolves killed my last family members, so... Wait! Stop thinking about this! I shook my head, so I'd stop thinking so much.
I breathed. "Wonderful... What else did the vampire slayer do," I asked, putting my hand on my hip?
Verdandi spoke with a tinge of concern in her voice. "Astrid got your best friend to revert back to his... horrible old ways. Ozario hadn't always been so... sane."
"Sane," I queried?
"You make him different, Catalina. That's all you need to know for now. All three of us appreciate your influence on him very much. Including Henry. You are the first girl Henry actually approves of," Verdandi added.
I snickered. Apparently, Onyx isn't all that good with picking girlfriends. "How long have you known them," I inquired?
Skuld happily answered, "We met Ozario in early 1835. During that year, Astrid was his fiancé. Your friend came to do some dirty work for her, which failed. So, he became our prisoner. Happily, our prisoner became our companion. He changed our lives around. We changed his."
"I felt bad for him. He was such a perfect child in his younger years. Lost in his adult years, now. Always. Always has he been a wonderful gentleman, especially toward women," Verdandi chimed in.
Urdur exclaimed, "Oh, yes! He has such a pure heart... But, easily walks into bad crowds, knowing it's wrong. I still don't understand why he puts himself in those positions." Urdur shook her head – possibly at the thought of the young Ozario, who used to be too difficult to handle.
Verdandi said, "We met his biological brother two years ago along with the Cullens. Thanks to Carlisle, the boys stayed here. I'm glad they came here. They deserved this peaceful life. Plus, I found my mate here! Seth! Now, there's work to do, Miss Yong. Go study, Young Lady!"
"And, we'll keep close eyes on Astrid," Skuld vowed.
I smiled at the girls. "Alright... Thank you," I intoned before walking out the room.
I couldn't tell anyone else how I felt or what had happened other than the Diviner Coven. I was confused about so much. About myself; about the vipers and what kind of reason could they have had for attacking my family; and then Astrid. All of my thoughts rapidly spiraled in my head. A week passed. Things started getting outlandish with everyone. Astrid became less frightening. Although, for some reason, she was more dangerous, as Skuld had claimed. She had the entire family watch my back, just in case anything bad happened between Astrid and me. I couldn't tell if her perception was subjective or not, since she had already disliked Goldie Locks.
One afternoon, all of us were having a normal day, just simply doing our usually routines. Ozario teased me and called me funny names. Everything started falling apart when something crazy happened that set Skuld off. Astrid had been complimenting my artwork like she always did, I think... But, on that day, she went a bit too far.
"Cat, that picture is so nice! May I have it?" She acted with delight to the still-life portrait I was drawing.
I looked at her with big eyes. "Sure! Allow me to finish."
"She is so cute, Ozario! Where were you able to snag such a woman?" Her voice rose high in happiness.
Ozario smiled at her as he watched me finish my doodle. I completed it, handing it to her to keep. She screamed like a young school girl, or as if she was with her teen girlfriends, conversing about a hot new celeb. I covered my ears, laughing because of her enthusiasm. I had never been the type to expect a kiss from a female, but, abruptly, she pecked me. I was petrified. My soul almost left my body. Astrid laughed at my reaction, claiming it was so cute, again. To me, it was slightly embarrassing.
I don't know what happened. But, I snapped out of it when Skuld almost punched Astrid in the face for it. Ozario had to hold her back. Everyone, except Astrid, knew Skuld hadn't been kidding about attacking her. Astrid's head turned to see her fighting a bit to get loose of Onyx's grip. Ozario had to whisper something in Skuld's ear to make her stop. He let her go and touched her shoulder. I couldn't figure out why she responded like that. I'd punch her, too. However, I think Skuld understood more than what this seemed. Skuld's face appeared grim and gloomy for the rest of the day. I didn't like that. She had always worn a subtle and humorless grin on her face. I stood beside her on the patio and nervously stroked my fingers.
"Thanks, Skuld... Why did you try to hurt her," I asked, curiously?
Skuld looked dead into my eyes. Those eyes were full of intensified violence. "A Kiss of Death come in all forms, Cat. I despise her for many reasons, other than killing one of my friends and destroying another friend's heart. I will help Ozario protect you with my life. I owe you and your family. Trust that I do, please?"
I nodded without completely comprehending what she meant. I kept an open mind. This had gone deeper than I anticipate in the beginning since living here. What was going on that I could not notice? Everything sounded like a bigger plan. One thing for sure, the more I stuck around Miss Perfect the more likely I might get hurt. Somehow, that became undoubtedly definite.
Once the day became night, and Skuld felt a little better after talking to Ozario, I walked upstairs to Carlisle's office to get my sketch pad. I had left it after researching some things this morning. Astrid acted a little suspicious. It appeared as though she was sneaking out of Dr. Cullen's office or something. She caught me and gasped, appalled by my unannounced presence. I also jumped in fear, quickly collecting my posture. She smiled at me in relief.
"Oh, my! You scared me, dear. Are you here for your evening study?" Astrid asked with grace.
"No, I just came to get my sketch pad. Why are you sneaking around? You don't have to?" I slightly interrogated. Theories started clouding my head as I watched her body language. She moved kind of funny, almost guilty. I saw it.
Astrid's showed me a very serious facial expression. Her shadow revealed that she was holding something like a piece of paper behind her back.
I grew more skeptical.
"Nothing," she responded, "I had just been lurking through your journals. I feel I shouldn't have. So, sorry."
Goldie Locks walked passed me and left me standing on the steps. The flashback about my father's head returned and I shook it out before I glanced at Astrid's disappearing backside. Curiouser and Curiouser. I debated on a series of theories, which matched her reactions to my question. I knew there had to be more reasons than what she told me by the way her facial expression changed and the way her shadow looked. I walked into the room and grabbed my sketch book. I glimpsed at the blue chest that sat on Carlisle's desk by Blue Moon. It has been opened by someone. I lifted the top, wondering what happened to my box. The jewels had gone missing!
I scurried downstairs, freaking out. Skuld blocked me from taking the last step down. With gawking eyes, she handed me an envelope with a red candle wax stamp on it to seal the letter. It was already open and the letter easily slipped out. I looked over it to see why Skuld was so petrified. In terror, I dropped the letter. It was an unpleasant note, a death note. I felt the horror and agony in my heart all over again. My heart felt like it stopped once noticing Ozario's name written on the paper. He walked into the room with the same confused and mortified expression on his face, then sat next to my legs. I sat down beside him. Onyx gripped my hand tight.
"You won't see me die. I promise," he whispered.
