Chapter Eleven

Amistad began to worry more and more about Ursa. It had been two days since the party and her suddenly bout of tears, which led her to get sick for the first time in years. She had run high fevers and coughed up black slug. Amistad was beginning to think she was going to have to take her to the hospital. Her life time doctor had suggested the same thing, but in a moment of sanity Ursa had refused.

The doctor had done what he could be proscribing her antibiotics and a shot to help with the fevers and nausea. He also warned Amistad that at some point she would have to disobey Ursa and take her to the hospital. He told her that he knew a promising medical team that could treat her and keep her secret. 'Okay,' had been the only thing that she could think of to say at the time.

Slowly she walked up to Ursa's room and stiffened at the sight. Lily was beside Ursa tending to her needs, something she should have been doing. 'Ma,' Riku walked up beside her.

'She's,' before she could finish, he grabbed her in his arm and held her in a tight embrace.

'Ursa will pull through,' Riku told her in a soft whisper. 'She's too stubborn not too.'

Amistad agreed, not wanting to reveal her true feelings, 'Yeah, she'll be running around soon enough.'

'That's the spirit, knowing her she'll be giving us more headache to make up for lost time,' he pulled back and offered her a weak smile.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

By the fifth day Ursa finally began to stir. Her body was heavy and sore, as if she had been out doing physical labor for who knows how long. However, that didn't stop her from struggling to get up and make her sluggish way to the bathroom. There she began to scrub her face clean with cold water in order to wake herself up. When her hands began to freeze, she looked down and her eyes widened at what she saw. Her hands, they were normal. They were no longer covered in dark skin and fur or had thick hard claws at the end of her fingers. Instead she had small, unblemished and smooth fair skinned hands.

She thought she was seeing things, so she closed her eyes and shook her head as if trying to get the pieces that had dislodged in her head back together. She looked down again and still nothing had changed. She pinched herself and it hurt, so it wasn't a dream. Quickly, she reached up to feel her face and felt smooth cheekbones. Her whole body began to shake as she lifted her head to look in the mirror. Wide brown hues started back at her in astonishment. Eyes that before reminded her of black bottomless pits, were now transformed. Her black snot like nose was replaced by a straight and perfectly sized human nose. Her fur as well as dark skin were gone and she looked one hundred percent normal, no longer bear like.

Everafter began barking in excitement and before she could reach out to him, he took off. Sadden, she felt like she had just been rejected by her best friend, 'Can this really be happening?'

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Amistad looked down at the overly excited puppy, 'What is it,' she asked as he pulled her long skirt. 'What is it boy? Is there something wrong with Ursa?'

As if understanding her, he released her and took off again in the direction of his master's room. Amistad dropped all she was doing and chased after Everafter. Worry made her pick up her pace and before long she was standing at Ursa's door. The bed was empty and she began to panic, 'Ursa?!'

Ursa stopped looking at herself in the mirror and walked out to see her, 'Amistad.'

Amistad turned to the sound of her name and froze when she saw the female standing outside the bathroom. 'Ursa?' The voice sounded the same, but the woman standing before her wasn't the Ursa she knew.

'It's me,' she whispered as she tried to convinced herself and Amistad.

'But how,' Amistad mumbled as she walked over to her and touched her face.

'I don't know,' she softly answered as she watched Amistad study her, moving her face from side to side.

'The curse, it broke. But how is that possible without true loves kiss,' she said out loud as she looked at the beautiful woman standing before her.

Ursa looked at her confused, 'Curse?'

Amistad looked into her eyes and decided it was time, 'Now that it's broken I can tell you the truth.'

Behind close doors and in the company of each other Amistad told Ursa what had happened years ago and why she had been born mutated. 'I know it sounds crazy and you might not want to believe me, but what I told you is true.'

Ursa had turned away from her in anger at first, but then she was filled with sorrow. It seemed that once again her Aunt had caused her so much pain. 'You said that true love's kiss would break the curse, your Grandmother rewrote. How can that be when I've never actually found someone to love me besides you?'

Amistad racked her brain trying to think and the only reasonable explanation of what had happened. The only conclusion she could come up with was, 'Your parents.'

'My…., what do they have to do with any of this?'

'They've been here with you the entire time.'

'You mean…'

'My Grandmother said true love would break the curse. Now that doesn't mean that it had to be between you and your partner. It just meant that someone had to love you whole heartily and you too.'

'But why them and not you? Does this mean you don't—'

'No, that's not true. I love you like a child of my own,' Amistad cut her off. 'I never found being by you side an obligation or a never ending task. To me you mean the same as Riku.'

'Then, why them?'

Amistad tried to think of the only explanation that made sense, 'Not them, but him. 'As a parent he had always shown you care and kindness, but somewhere in his heart he probably held reservations. But didn't notice until you were gone how much he loved you and of course you love him. Since he's the only parent you truly care about, it has to be him.'

So her curse was broken because of the love between a parent and child, 'So my Father…'

'You've always known that he's a good man, you just were too stubborn to show you love for him,' Amistad replied.

'Now, you said his wife was here too?'

'You Mother, yes.'

'Why?'

'Because she wants to make up for lost time and ask for your forgiveness. I am also sure that your brothers must have told her what a remarkable woman you have become. I know, that it's hard to believe, but she's been here every evening with your Father. She has helped take care of you.'

Ursa looked down at her hands and watched as a teardrop fell, 'This is, I don't know if I can forgive her.'

Amistad got up and walked over to her and wrapped her in a warm embrace. 'What she did to you was wrong, but even I can say she's not a horrible person. No one is telling you to forgive her right away, but maybe with time you can find it in your heart to accept her.'

Ursa wrapped her arms around Amistad's waist, 'I might forgive her and she might be the woman that gave me birth to me but that will never change way I feel about you. To me, Amistad, you've always been more than a nanny or a friend, you've been my Mother.'

She looked down at the beautiful young woman and couldn't stop her own tears from falling, 'I am happy you think that.'

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Ursa looked up at Riku, who was watching her closely, 'Are you sure you're alright? Nothings wrong?'

It was the second time he had asked the same set of questions, 'Nothings wrong.'

'Somethings different,' her reached out to touch her head piece.

She slapped his hand away in annoyance, 'Just because I choose not to wear black doesn't mean that somethings wrong.'

'But pure white isn't it a little flasher then black,' he muttered as he rubbed his hand. 'Plus, why are we here at the office?'

'I already told you, I want to become an active within the company.'

'Why, now, after so long? Don't you trust me to make sure your stocks are safe?'

'You sound like a needy baby,' she said a she took a seat in one of the seats of the conference room.

'Humph,' he took a seat beside her. 'What is a writer supposed to do here?'

'Who said that I am just a writer? I also have a degree in business and accounting. I mean, I do have plenty of time at home to study online.'

'How's that possible, you're only just a kid?'

'At least I am not a baby,' she shot back at him.

'So what position are you going to ask for?'

'Don't worry it won't be in the modeling department, I wouldn't want to compete against your girlfriend.'

'Like she would have anything to worry about,' he cried out when she kicked his shin.

Before he or she could say anything else, Ventus came into the meeting room, 'You're here.'

'You sound surprised,' she beamed up at him, even though he couldn't see her.

'I thought you would take more time to recover.'

'It was just a minor thing,' she heard Riku scoff behind her and she wanted to kick him again so he would stop making opinionated noises.

'May I come in now,' all heads turned to the man entering.

'You're,' Ursa got up and became all flustered at the man that stood before them.

'Yanni, composer and writer,' he introduced himself and held out his hand for Ursa.

She slipped her hand in his, 'It is an honor to meet you.'

Riku got up to greet the older gentleman and didn't see what the big fuss was, however with her interest in him he got a sickening feeling in his stomach. 'Mr. Yanni what honors us with your presence?'

'I came to meet the young lady that transformed my song into something so magical that words cannot be expressed.'

Ursa could feel her face flush bright red, 'She did a decent job of interpreting it.'

'You, my Boy, need to learn about the beauty of music and the power that such a beautiful voice holds,' he turned away from Riku and focused on the woman in white. 'I've come with the purpose of persuading you to become one of my singer for the new voices cd.'

'I,' she was speechless.

'Of course with you acceptance, I would sign with Frost Inc.,' he offered.

Riku could sense her wheels turning as she debated whether or not she agree to his offer. 'You came here for a different purpose,' he reminded her.

'That's true,' she mumbled, but it still worked out to her advantage of coming to the company more often.

'Ender is thrilled with the idea of collaborating with you.'

'He is?'

'Yes,' Yanni could tell that he was winning her over.

Before Riku could say anything else, 'I accept.'

'You will,' both Ventus and Riku both asked in shock.

'Yes,' she nodded.

'Ender will be happy to hear the news,' Yanni smiled. 'I'll send the music, lyrics and schedule to your house.'

'Alright, that's perfect.'

'I would assume that I can get all the information from your assistant,' he looked at Riku.

'No, Frost Inc. manages Ursa so I'll give you all the information you need. As well as have Terra draw up the terms of the contract.'

'Wonderful,' he smiled at Ursa, 'I'll see you soon, my Dear.'

'Yes,' she felt like she was floating on cloud nine.

As soon as they left, Riku was about to confront her when Namine appeared. 'Riku, they told me you were here.'

'Namine,' Ursa turned to look at the beautiful female and could feel herself beginning to get sick. She looked so much like her mother it just flared up memories of the night of the party. However, she had to control herself and remember that this wasn't her Aunt.

'You must be Ursa?'

As images of what she saw the night of the party flashed before her, Ursa wondered what type of man she was married to that deserved such deception, 'Earth to Ursa.' She stiffened when she felt Riku's hand on the small of her back.

'Is she okay,' Namine asked.

'Define your definition of okay,' Riku slightly put some pressure on her back, 'she's just a little dazed. Apparently she's a fan of Yanni, the composer guy that left with your cousin.'

'Oww,' she cried out when pain shot up her back as Riku pinched her. 'Why's you do that, you Idiot?'

'Your cousin wants to formally meet you and introduce herself, Moron.'

'Oh, right,' she turned away from him and back to the beautiful blonde who was now standing before her. 'I am sorry, I am Ursa Veale.'

'Namine Thorn, it's so nice to finally meet you,' she stepped forward and offered her hand.

Ursa looked at it and before Riku could pinch her again, she reached out and accepted it. 'Sorry, I usually don't have much contact with people.'

Namine nodded and watched Ursa with a bit of disappointment. She was completely covered from head to toe in a thick white fabric. There was no way to see what she looked like or what she was thinking. 'The night of the party, I was blown away by your voice. I can now understand why Grandma was so fascinated by you and called you her Nightingale.'

'I, thank you,' she mumbled and figured she should complement her too. 'You're very beautiful, I've noticed that you've made a name for yourself in the modeling industry.'

Namine nodded and didn't know what else she should talk about, she was family but she was also a stranger. Riku sensing the end of the conversation stepped in. 'Namine, I remember you wanted to ask Ursa about her books.'

'Right, Ventus said that you were a writer. I am assuming that's why you've been busy lately,' Ursa nodded. 'What type of books do you write?'

'Fiction.'

'Genre?'

'Fantasy and romance, I guess.'

'Really, what's the name of one of your books, I'd like to read one.'

Before she could answer Terra and her father walked into the room, 'Oh, Namine, what are you doing here?'

'Uncle, I came to see Riku and ran into my cousin,' she answered happily.

Terra had walked over and put himself between Riku and Ursa, 'You should run along and take Namine to lunch.'

Ursa was about to say something, but stopped. 'Lunch sounds great,' Namine reached out and grabbed Riku's arm to pull him to her side.

'That would be great, but I am actually here as your cousin's lawyer,' he told her and tried to slip free from her.

'It's alright, go on ahead,' Ursa shooed him off.

'Don't sign anything,' he warned as he was pulled out of the room by Namine.

Once they had left and closed the door, Terra turned to her and stated for the millionth time, 'I really don't like that guy.'

'Why, he seems to suit Namine perfectly,' Ursa pointed out.

'Handsome suits Namine,' he muttered.

'Hmm, I've never noticed that.'

'Good, cause he's not,' he praised her blindness.

'Enough, how about we talk about the good news,' Jonathan interrupted them.

'That's right, you managed to do the impossible and have Yanni sign with us,' Terra turned and beamed on her.

'I also heard you agree to do a song with him and Ender.'

'Yes, as a fan of his work I agreed.'

'You know that will also involve you preforming live,' Jonathan cautioned her.

'I know, when the time comes I'll be ready,' she told them.

'If you feel up to the challenge, then alright, Terra and I will work on the paperwork and you can have Riku check over the contract before you sign. Now, I am assuming you had another reason for being here?'

'Yes, I want a job with in the company. I can work in accounting or anywhere else you can find room for me,' she told them.

'We are currently fully staffed,' Terra informed her.

'However, I am sure that we can find something,' Jonathan countered, he wasn't about to turn her away when she was making an effort to reconnect. 'But may I ask why the sudden change of heart?'

'I just want to learn the family business,' it was a lie, she wanted to gain access to the business accounts and online books.

'Well since you don't have any real experience, why don't you work with me,' Jonathan offered as a way to keep her at his side.

'Like your assistant?'

'Something like that, since I mean you'll also be busy with working with Yanni and Ender.'

'Great,' having access to her father's accounts would be perfect since he had access to everything.

Both men looked at each other and before they could say anything else the door opened, 'I just heard the news. You two got Yanni to sign with us.'

'It wasn't us,' Terra told his Aunt, 'it was Ursa.'

Rose turned to the mysterious and elusive woman, she was a tall figureless ghost that seemed out of place in the room. Without thinking she laughed at how such a person could have an impact on people. 'You're the first person that has ever laughed at my attire,' Ursa stated. 'Although, I don't know if it's because you're bold or shameless.'

Rose stopped and stared daggers at her, 'I wouldn't think that's anyway to talk to your elders.'

'You're right, I am sorry. I should be more respectable to people way older than me,' she stabbed.

Rose couldn't believe the audacity of the brat, to make her out into an old hag, 'I see you were taught some manners.'

Ursa could feel the dislike for her grow and the sarcasm in the last statement, 'Well, look at the time, I should get going.'

'Aren't you going to tell me how you got Yanni to agree?'

'As the saying goes, I don't kiss and tell,' she lifted her hand to cover the area where her mouth would be. 'Now, if you excuse me.'

She took off before Rose could say anything to stop her, 'Your daughter is something.'

'Should I take that as a compliment,' Jonathan asked.

'Of course,' she lied through her teeth. 'She got Yanni to sign and she was a success at the party when she performed with Ender, which I am sorry I missed.'

Jonathan and Terra looked at each other before excusing themselves and having to prolong their stay. Rose tightened her fists, 'She had to be just like them, proud and arrogant. But no matter, all I have to do is wait a little longer. I am sure she'll be foolish enough to fall for Xemnas and sign her rights over to me.'

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

'So how are things going at the office and with Yanni and Ender?' Amistad asked as she walked into Ursa's study.

Ursa looked up from the music sheets in her hand, 'Hello, good I would say. However, I didn't think that Yanni would have everything ready for production.'

'And the office, how are you getting along with your Father?' She took a seat on the arm rest by the window.

'Good, he's been teaching me a lot and so has his assistant,' in the past two weeks she has been in training by her father and his assistant. Yet she wasn't really required to do much so it gave her the opportunity to begin her investigation. As well as getting to know the people that worked around the office. Most of them were nice and curious and other enjoyed to gossip, so getting information was easy. The only one that she had trouble getting close to was her Aunt's assistant, the woman was a tomb that mainly kept to herself.

'How is your investigation coming along?'

'Slowly, but surely,' she answered.

'If you need help, why don't you have Riku help you? He seems to get along well with most of the people there,' Amistad offered.

'Actually, I heard your son is finally deciding to settle down and actually apply at a firm. So once he gets a job he'll have less time to help and I don't want him to stop his life to help me.'

'It's the least he can do.'

'He'll still be my lawyer, so if I need him I can call on him.'

'How about Xemnas?'

'That would be putting your son out of the job and he's busy.'

'No, I mean why hasn't he been around as much lately?'

'He's been busy with work,' in reality she has been avoiding him since the party. 'Maybe once he slows down we'll see him around.'

Amistad nodded, 'And your book?'

'Coming along just fine,' she lied.

'Your editor came by to see how you were doing, he was surprised to hear that you were getting out and about. But he did say that he wanted to speak with you this Tuesday evening so make sure to get home early around three.'

'Right, he's probably coming to see how far I am along in my novel. I'll have to work on it this weekend,' she mumbled at the work she had to do this weekend. She was almost starting to regret trying to infiltrate the office and find something on her Aunt.

'Well, I'll let you get back to work,' Amistad was about to get up, but Ursa stopped her.

'Do you happen to know anything about my Uncle,' she asked her.

'Besides that he's a physician, not much. Why?'

'Because I am curious to meet him,' Ursa told her.

'He might want to study you?'

'That's why I'll need you,' Ursa said with a smile.

'What do you mean,' she looked at her suspiciously.

'Reconnect with my Uncle,' she offered.

'Why would I want to do that?'

'Your son is seeing his daughter and I would like to really meet him,' she told her. 'So how about you set up a meeting with him and take me along, but as a friend?'

'You mean?'

'Yes, that way he doesn't arouse suspicion that I am snooping around,' Ursa said nonchalant about revealing herself.

Amistad looked her up and down before making her decision, 'Fine, I'll see what I can do.'

'Great,' she cheered happily.

'The things I do for you,' Amistad shook her head.

'Think about it as reconnect with an old friend,' Ursa offered her with a charming smile.