Castrata's days found a regular pattern, and she soon found herself enjoying her life. Her friends were awesome, school was fun, and she was thoroughly enjoying herself.

She saw less and less of her father, but that bothered her less than it normally would have. Followers occasionally came to her house, and she always gave them the "Castrata/Stanton look" as she called it. The all black, hair in the eyes, piercing stare that seemed to freak so many of them out. Especially when they couldn't get into her mind.

A week or two passed, before Ariana had met her after school. Janie was rehearsing for the latest school play, and Tanya was a stagehand.

"So, you going to Planet Bang?" Ariana asked, as they headed towards Castrata's car.

"Planet what?"

"Planet Bang." Ariana stared at her, "Oh, that's right, I forgot you didn't know. Everybody goes to Planet Bang on Tuesdays and Fridays—that's the only night kids under 18 are allowed. It's sort of a club, dancing, music, drinking, you know.

"Janie, Tanya, and I like to go and check out the guys… it's fun! Come on, you have to go…" Ariana wheedled.

"But… but I don't have anything to wear!" Castrata said, halfheartedly.

"Tell you what. Come to my house around 6. You can have dinner with us, and you can wear something of mine."

"But, my dad…"

"Will let you come. He's from LA, he knows. He'll let you come."

Castrata had to agree there. Besides, she thought, he's too busy to know what I'm doing anyways.

But her father had other plans for that night. "We're having company," he told her, "I want you to serve refreshments."

He said this every time new Followers were coming.

This time, Castrata snapped. "What if I don't want to?" She whispered, in a hard, icy voice.

Her father stared at her. "You will."

"No, I don't think so. I'm tired of being your showgirl. 'This is my daughter'. Whatever! I'm just the diversion, the distraction, so that you can gain the upper hand! I refuse! I told you, I have other things planned for tonight!"

And with that, she stomped up the stairs.

Her father followed. "What's gotten into you, Castrata? I didn't think you minded."

Castrata instantly felt ashamed. "Sorry," she mumbled, "I just don't like being told to do something."

Her father was silent.

"Okay, I'll serve refreshments, but then I have to go, okay?"

"Okay," her father agreed.

The doorbell rang.

"They're here."

Castrata pulled on her baggy black pants, tight shirt, hoop earrings, tennis shoes, dark makeup, and pulled her hair from its ponytail, flinging it in front of her eyes.

After serving the refreshments, she hopped into the car.

She arrived at Ariana's house, still wearing her 'Stanton' clothes.

Ariana's eyebrows went up at the sight of her.

"Don't ask," Castrata mumbled. "My dad had guests over… I had to dress this way."

Ariana grinned. "I know what you mean. I have to get out my 'Angel' clothes when my parents have friends over. Come one, you can change for dinner."

Castrata gratefully pulled on some jeans. She pulled her hair back, and washed the dark makeup from her eyes. She left the t-shirt and hoops—they weren't that bad, she supposed.

Dinner was a typical affair.

"Daughter, introduce us to your friend." Ariana's father had said, as she sat down for dinner. Castrata knew that he knew who she was—for one thing, there was a place setting at the table for her, for another, he wasn't asking who she was. She wondered why there was still another empty place. Maybe Tanya or Janie were coming.

"Dad and Mom, this is Katherine Larhk. Kitty, my mom and dad."

"Pleased to meet you…?" Castrata realized she didn't know Ariana's last name.

"Saratoga. But please, my name is Vanessa. This is my husband, Michael."

"So, tell me, Katherine," Ariana's father said to her, as he placed a forkful of broccoli in his mouth, "where are you from, again?"

"Grants Pass, Oregon."

"And how did you meet Ariasti?" Her mother asked, regarding Castrata with the same penetrating blue-eyed stare as her daughter.

"Ariasti?" Castrata asked. "Do you mean Ariana?" It seemed odd to her that a parent could forget their child's name.

"Oh, right. Sorry, Ariast—er, Ariana." Vanessa, Mrs. Saratoga, shot her daughter an apologetic look. Ariana blushed. Someone was going to have a lot of explaining to do, Castrata thought.

Suddenly, the screen door banged open, and a tall, blonde boy walked in. His eyes were blue, flecked with green, and he was dressed for the beach.

"You're late," Vanessa said, sternly.

"Sorry," the boy sat down at the empty place, and began to shovel piles of food onto his plate. Suddenly, he realized that there was another person sitting at the table.

The boy jumped up, knocking over his chair. He was staring at her.

"Daniel, where are your manners?" Vanessa asked, sternly.

"Erm, sorry." Daniel muttered. He picked up his chair and sat down again.

"That's my big brother, Daniel." Ariana whispered. "He's seventeen, a surfer, and one of the most popular boys at school. Get on his good side, and you're in."

"What?" Castrata asked.

"Daniel, this is my friend, Katherine. Kitty, Daniel." And with that, Ariana went back to her mashed potatoes.

Daniel was still staring at her. Castrata blushed. What was it with this guy? One look from him, and she went all weak-kneed. She, who could keep her cool as she did mind-battles with Followers, couldn't even say hi to her friend's big brother?

The interrogation continued. "What kind of grades are you getting?" Michael Saratoga asked her.

"A's," Castrata replied, honestly.

"Favorite class?" Vanessa asked.

"Mythology!" Ariana and Castrata said, at the same time, grinning at each other.

"Policy about driving and drinking?" Michael asked.

Castrata wrinkled her nose. "Okay, number one: I hate booze. It smells. Number two: I am not a boyfriend of Ariana's, so I don't really need the interrogation. Number three: what does mythology have anything to do with drunk driving?"

Vanessa and Michael exchanged embarrassed glances.

Daniel, however, began to clap. "You tell 'em!" He said, through a mouth full of mashed potatoes.

"Daniel!" Vanessa and Ariana admonished with identical shocked expressions.

They all began to laugh. Castrata toyed with her moon amulet.

Vanessa stopped laughing, abruptly, as she stared at the amulet.

"Ariana, Daniel, you may begin the dishes." Ariana and Daniel groaned in unison.

Castrata began to follow them into the kitchen, but Vanessa stopped her. "Katherine…" she said, slowly, "who are your parents?"

Castrata frowned. She didn't see what this had to do with anything. "Stanton and Serena Killingsworth," she said, before remembering that her last name was Larhk. "Err, Larhk."

"What?"

"Stanton and Serena Larhk."

Vanessa's eyes never left Castrata's face. "I…" she trailed off, eyes wide. Suddenly, she seemed to come to herself. "Well, I hope you have fun with Ariana and Daniel—

"Daniel?"

"Didn't I tell you? He's going too. He's driving."

Castrata nodded, vaguely. "Thanks, Mrs. Saratoga."

"Vanessa."

Castrata grinned. "Thanks, Vanessa."

Ariana was soon done with the dishes.

"Let's go pick out some clothes," she said, grinning.

As Castrata rummaged through Ariana's closet, she asked, "Ariana, why did your mom call you Ariasti?"

There was no answer.

"Ariana?" Castrata turned around. Ariana was just standing there, staring at her hands. "What?"

"It's my name." Ariana, or should we say, Ariasti, replied, "Ariasti's my name."

"What?"

"My name is Ariasti." Ariasti stated, looking away. "You can make fun of me now."

"Why would I make fun of you?" Castrata demanded, "Ariasti's a cool name. Certainly better than Castrata."

"What?"

"Oops. Well, I suppose you'd better know, too. My real name's Castrata."

Ariasti grinned. "Aren't we the pair of odd names?" She asked.

"No kidding."

The door banged open. Janie and Tanya entered. "Not to mention our names," Janie said, cheerfully.

"Totally," Ariasti agreed.

"But Tanya's a pretty normal name," Castrata remarked.

"But Lanya isn't," Lanya grinned.

"Ariasti, Lanya, Jadyn, and Castrata." Janie, or Jadyn, recited. "We certainly are a trio."

"But there's four of us." Lanya reminded her.

"Oh, then a quartet, or whatever its called," Jadyn grinned. "Now, what are we going to wear?" She strode to Ariasti's closet, and rummaged through the clothing.

Half and hour later, they were dressed and ready to go.

"Lanya Moore, reporting for duty!" Lanya said, saluting the wall. She was dressed in a deep purple halter-top and tight jean capris. She was wearing straw sandals, a silver necklace with a flower charm on it, and flower earrings. Her red hair was loose down her back, and her blue eyes sparkled. She looked gorgeous. But, then again, Castrata supposed that Lanya would look gorgeous in a burlap sack.

"Ariasti Saratoga, reporting for duty!" Ari copied Lanya's salute. She was dressed in a pale blue spaghetti strap, and a short jean skirt. She too, wore straw sandals, as well as a silver heart charm on a chain. She wore light mascara, gloss, and sparkles around her eyes, creating the look of a modern goddess. Sensually innocent.

"Jadyn Turner," Jadyn grinned, "I don't report to anyone!" Her dark hair was curled all over the place. She wore gold and green eye shadow, dark mascara, gloss, and sparkles. Her evening attire consisted of a short, purple and black schoolgirl skirt, black fishnet, combat boots, fishnet over her arms, and a black tee shirt with a skull and crossbones on it. She wore a fake nose piercing—her mother wouldn't let her get one till she turned sixteen—as well as a multitude of earrings, and a star charm on her necklace. Fake red streaks dotted her hair—and she looked ready to party.

"Castrata Larhk, reporting for inspection." Castrata had decided on a short, swishy black skirt, which she wore with a deep purple halter, similar to Lanya's, which Ari thought made her eyes appear violet. She wore purple mascara, liner, and shadow, just for the fun of it, and, on impulse added purple lipstick and sparkles. She had curled her hair around her shoulders, and little amethysts sparkled in her ears. And, of course, she wore her moon amulet. She was ready to rock.

They walked downstairs. "Let's report to Mom!" Ariasti said, and they trooped into the living room.

"Ariasti Saratoga, reporting for inspection." Ariasti said, bowing at her mother.

"Lanya Moore. Same reason."

"Jadyn Turner. Same reason."

"Castrata Larhk. Reasons unrevealed."

This provoked quite a laugh, as Vanessa looked them over. "You look great, girls." She said, finally.

"Uh-oh! Mom likes it! Time to change!" Ari kidded.

"Is Daniel ready yet?" Jadyn asked. "That boy is sooo slow."

"He should be down in a minute," Vanessa replied, flipping on the TV. It took more like ten. Finally, the girls decided to pile into his car, and wait for him.

He finally arrived. "Sorry," he apologized, "Sarah was going ballistic."

"Sarah?" Castrata asked Ariasti.

Ari rolled her eyes. "His ex-girlfriend. She was pathetic. She broke up with him, and now she wants him back." Ari rolled her eyes again. "I don't see why he didn't break up with her in the first place."

"Because I didn't want to hurt her," Daniel said, from the front seat. "I can hear everything you're saying, remember?"

"Right." Ari said, unconcernedly.

They arrived at Planet Bang around 8. "Time to party!" Jadyn squealed.

"Out, ladies." Daniel ordered, opening the door for them. He froze when he saw Castrata. "What happened to what you where wearing?"

"I changed." Castrata said.

"Yeah, but… well, you look… different."

"Yeah, I do." Castrata nodded.

"Hey lover boy!" Ari yelled, "Stop flirting with my friend, and come on! We want to get in sometime tonight!"

Daniel nodded at her. "You look nice, that's all." He said in an undertone to Castrata.

Castrata couldn't explain the wave of pleasure that swept over her.

Dancing wasn't exactly Castrata's strong suit, but she had fun anyways.

The four of them finally collapsed at a table, worn out from dancing, and laughing uproariously. "That was fun!" Ariasti grinned.

"Wicked!" Jadyn added.

Lanya just smiled evilly. "I'm going to go find another boy to torture," she said, walking off.

"I feel sorry for those boys she chooses," Ariasti said.

"They just don't know what they're dealing with, not when it concerns Lanya." Jadyn added. "She wraps them around her finger—she's so gorgeous that they just can't resist!"

Castrata grinned. "I know what you mean."

Suddenly, someone tapped her on the back. Castrata turned, flicking her bangs from her eyes. Crud, it was Tymmie.

"Would you care to dance?" He asked, his tone devoid of any sexual hinting, or malice. She frowned. This was new. His tone and eyes didn't give any indication that he knew her. Crud.

"Yeah, sure." Castrata got to her feet, exchanging confused glances with Jadyn and Ariasti, and followed Tymmie onto the dance floor. His hand crept around her waste, pulling her a little too close for comfort.

Does he know who I am? Castrata wondered.

Little Goddess, of course I do, Tymmie smirked, his words sliding across her mind, but you needn't fear. I won't rat on you to your father.

Why are you here? Castrata demanded, what do you want?

That's easy: I am here because, his mind-voice lowered to a soft purr, I want you.

Castrata seriously considered slapping him, until she remembered that her father would kill her, and he probably just wanted to cross her over.

Good luck, she retorted, that's not going to happen any time soon.

Tymmie didn't answer. Castrata suddenly realized that, as they were dancing, he had backed her into a dark corner. Crud. Crud. Crud.

Tymmie pushed her against the wall. His body quickly followed, pinning her, her hands attached to her sides. His lips met hers with a ferocity that surprised her. But in spite of the hunger evident in his kiss, his lips were gentle.

Castrata feebly attempted to push him away, but her arms were still pinned to her sides. Besides, she was rather enjoying his kiss.

His tongue pushed inside her mouth, exploring, yet gentle. His body was pressed against hers, and she suddenly had no wish to push him away.

Her hands came free, but she didn't move to escape. Her hands twined behind his neck, threading through his hair, drawing him closer. He groaned slightly.

He didn't break the kiss, and instead increased the intensity. She pressed against him, drawing closer still. Suddenly, she felt something slipping away from her. Energy, and hope. He was trying to cross her over.

Sickened with him, and with herself, for falling for it, she pushed him away. Tymmie looked at her with eyes full of hurt. Quickly, Castrata made to run, but he was just as quick. He pinned her back against the wall, his mouth coming down on hers again.

There was that blissful moment of passion and desire, racing through her body, as he ground his body against hers, until she remembered that he was evil. How easy it was to forget these things.

The hope and energy was leaving her again. No, that was NOT going to happen. She grimaced against his mouth, and suddenly, something inside her took over.

With an unknown hunger, she sucked the hope away from him. She shoved him away, glaring. Yet behind her eyes, she could feel something inside stir. Something inside of her wanted him. Not wanted, but wanted his hope. Wanted to feed on his life.

Quelling the unknown need, she stocked away, leaving Tymmie rooted to the spot, staring helplessly after her.

She returned to the table, ignoring the other's questioning looks.

Once again, someone tapped her on the back.

"What?" She asked, whirling around. "Oh, sorry Daniel." She blushed.

"Would you… would you care to dance?" Daniel asked, pointedly looking anywhere but at her.

"Yeah, sure." Castrata replied, breathlessly. How was it that she could go from kissing Tymmie passionately, to going week-kneed at the sight of Daniel?

FLASHBACK:

"Followers can read minds."

RESUME:

Followers can read minds. Followers can read minds. Followers can read minds! That was it. By reading someone's mind, she knew, one could also twist their emotions and feelings. But only if you were extremely powerful. Crud.

She let her arms wrap around Daniel's neck. How did she feel about him? She had known him under 24 hours, yet she had the sneaking suspicion that she already majorly liked him.

Suddenly, and explosion rocked the air. Tymmie strode from the shadows, flanked by Followers. People shrieked at the sudden appearance of phantom figures, and ran for the exits, except for the sloshed ones, who clapped, enjoying the party, until friends pulled them out. Soon, the place was empty. Even the staff had left.

Ready to play, Little Goddess? He jeered. You have no one to help you. You're all alone. Daddy's not going to save you this time.

This was not good. UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE YEAR! Crud. Again. She seemed to be using that word a lot lately. Well, it was a very cruddy evening.

I'm never alone! Castrata heard herself retort.

"Do mine eyes deceive me?" Tymmie mocked, forgetting to speak into her mind, or perhaps forgetting-on-purpose, "or have several Vanessa Cleveland copies returned from the dead? Is this your invisible Daughter army?" He snorted, derisively.

Castrata heard Ariasti, Jadyn, and Lanya conversing in whispers behind her. She had to keep Tymmie occupied so that they could escape.

Castrata widened her eyes innocently, "Wouldn't you like to know, Tymmie," she purred, mixing innocence and sensuality that was in no way like Ariasti had. This was all her own. "I expect that there's plenty of things about me that you'd love to know." She smirked.

Tymmie didn't look so 'calm, cool, and collected' anymore. His eyes sparkled with malice, and undisguised hatred. And lust. Oh yes, there was plenty of that. "You'll pay for that one, Goddess," he snarled, "And you'll pay over and over again. Until I'm satisfied." His eyes left her no need to wonder about what he meant by satisfied. Crud. Again.

Suddenly, Castrata felt little brushes of air swirl around her. She suddenly had an idea. It wouldn't work too long, but it would temporarily freak Tymmie out.

"You know what you said, earlier?" She asked, smiling wickedly, "About my army of Vanessa Cleveland's?" All that Castrata remembered was that Vanessa Cleveland had been the name of someone her parents had known, and that it had frequently been connected with the word 'invisibility'. She hoped this was the same person.

Tymmie frowned. "Yeah," he said uncertainly. The Followers around him began to shift with impatience.

"Well, you aren't far off," Castrata grinned.

Tymmie looked thunder-struck.

Suddenly, to the surprise of Castrata, Tymmie, and the Followers, figures began to appear from the air.

There were three of them—all with long blonde hair, big blue eyes, and a gorgeous body that belonged to a beach goddess.

"Vanessa?" Tymmie whispered.

The 'Vanessa-clone' to one side laughed. "Tymmie."

Tymmie's eyes widened. Report out, he roared, this is serious. Tell boss that we've got a new breed of Daughters in town.

The Followers totally freaked out. Scrambling in all directions, about half of them faded into shadow, and the other simply ran for it. Tymmie faded, menacing eyes never leaving Castrata's face. Soon, he promised, you will be mine! And then he was gone.

Castrata nervously eyed the three 'Vanessa-clones'. "Um… thanks." she whispered.

"No prob! What are friends for?" Came Jadyn's voice.

Suddenly, the figures became… Jadyn, Ariasti, and Lanya. Castrata stared at them in stunned silence, before lowering her gaze to the necklaces hooked round their necks. All three moon amulets… four, she realized. She was wearing one. All four moon amulets were throwing off sparks, but slowly dying down, indicating that the danger was past.

"Well…" Lanya said, breaking the long silence, "that was fun?"

Castrata raised her eyebrows. "Until he tells my dad."

"Your dad?" Ariasti asked.

Castrata sighed. "I'll explain later," she said, starting towards the exit.

"Wait!" Jadyn said, as the trio ran to catch up with her.

Castrata waited.

"Come with us." Jadyn pleaded. "There's someone you need to meet."

Castrata frowned. Who was it? She knew that she didn't want to go, but she couldn't remember why. It was as if her mind had been wiped blank…

"I can't." Castrata said, "my dad needs me home soon." She knew it was true as soon as she said it.

"Okay…" Jadyn said, looking disappointed, and scared. "But soon?"

"Yeah, sure." Castrata said. "Look, I'm dead tired. I'm going to go home and sleep."

They hesitated. "Sure. Okay." Ariasti mumbled. "Catch you later?"

Castrata nodded, tiredly. She was going to go to bed, and go to sleep. Maybe when she woke up, she'd realize that this was all just a dream. Or a nightmare.