A/N: AGAIN, so sorry for the hiatus. I promise it will not be as long as it was last time. I've been EXTREMELY busy with getting prepared for school and working two freaking jobs … Blah blah blah, I digress lol. Here is chapter 4. Happy Reading :)

Chapter 4

Nne

"Grief is like the ocean, it comes in waves, ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim."

"Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors"

...

...

Time seemed to stand still as Emery, Jade, and Raina moved as a unit to clean up my mess.

They burned the parasite because supposedly they can reattach their limbs after you tear them to smithereens.

I didn't help nor did I move a muscle.

I didn't even react physically to the repulsive stench the vampire's remains created when Emery set the body aflame.

My mind couldn't seem to grasp everything that happened.

For one, vampires are real. They are a real thing.

Two, supposedly I come from a tribe of shape shifting women. Our God given spirit warrior - a lioness.

We are spirit warriors and there are others of our kind out there.

According to Emery, my dreams are visions from our ancestors and I am apart of a story that's passed down from generation to generation. She said she'll explain soon.

We'll see about that …

She can see into my mind … Matter a fact they all can.

We can read each other's minds to communicate.

Which is how I learned everything so fast.

Too much was happening at once.

My grandmother is still in my arms. I rock back and forth holding her body close to me. She is ice cold and lifeless.

I felt numb.

"Amare, we must go now." Emery's authoritative tone was laced with despair. Jade and Raina stood by … watching and eyeing me as if I would break into a million pieces.

"I don't have anywhere to go. I don't have anything anymore." My voice thick with emotion, I stared off into the twilight of the night.

I couldn't even look at her.

It would make everything all too real.

My world was not what I thought it was.

But I knew deep down that was not true.

I always knew, I just did not accept it.

And in this moment I didn't want to accept it.

I didn't want to accept my Ugogo's death.

I didn't want to accept what I am.

I didn't want to see visions into the future.

I didn't ask for this.

"You have us now." Raina's small gentle voice did little to comfort me.

"We are also your family." Jade added.

"Look Amare, we don't have much time. The sun will be coming up soon. We must cover our tracks and make everything look natural. Then we must leave." Emery spoke with a note a finality. I couldn't even argue with her if I wanted to. I felt so broken.

Suddenly, Emery did something I never thought capable of her.

She sat down beside me and Ugogo's body. She wrapped her arms around me and gave me a hug as I continued my rocking motion that I didn't even know I was still doing.

The wall I held up came down swiftly and the tears poured out of me like a monsoon. She covered my wails with her shoulder and held my head close to her chest. Raina and Jade followed suit. Wrapping their arms tightly around me.

I realized then I was not as alone as I thought I was.

"Amare you must realize who you are. We are warriors. Our ancestors are warriors and we fight, we protect, and we serve not only our people, but mankind … For we are the gatekeepers and bearers of humanity and the mothers of all. You are blessed and highly favored. Our ancestors have called upon you and us for the greater good and with that responsibility comes grief and heartache. The road of the chosen ones is never an easy one to travel. The spirits will guide you and we will help you along the way. Do you accept your pride and the responsibilities it entails Amare?" Emery's voice vibrated throughout my entire being. Her animalistic eyes glowing in the night.

My heart quickened by her words as they resonated within me.

Jade's body stiffened, as she awaited my answer. Raina rubbed my back as I contemplated Emery's words.

Nothing will ever be the same again.

I've lost everything that I have known to be my world.

But even as I feel my heart break into pieces, I was able to find strength somewhere from within to accept this.

"I do." I murmured and suddenly I felt a stronger connection to Emery, Raina, and Jade. It was like an iron cord linked us together and nothing could break its bonds. We were inseparable now.

They were my sisters.

We are sisters.

...

…

1 week later

Many people showed up to Ugogo's funeral.

She was such a treasured member of the community. A jewel that was loved by many. Black, latino, white, asian, gay, straight, poor, or middle class - she didn't care what walk of life you came from as long as you took your shoes off at the front door and treated others with dignity, respect, and love.

Many people came to pay their respects.

The community even made a fund for me and the "refugee girls" she housed in her home. It was a very thoughtful gesture. One that would surely help us in the future.

Especially with the travel the girls and I have ahead of us.

"Amare." Dion's voice catches my attention before he pulls me into a great big bear hug. Instead of tearing up, my eyes feel irritated and dry. I don't think I could cry any more tears if I tried.

"Hey D." I murmur as he rubs my back. After a moment he pulls away from me, analyzing my face before speaking a mile a minute.

"I had a long talk with my dad last night and I told him that you and the girls should stay at our place and that you should be able to stay as long as you need to you know before you go back to school because you're really intelligent and you need to get out of Syracuse. I'm so sorry I didn't call or stop by when I heard about your grandma. My dad took money out of my wages, which I think is illegal by the way, for what happened with the table that one time we closed together and my dad's car broke down and he can't get it fixed because of the money he used on the restaurant so I couldn't come see you as soon as I heard about it. I'm so sorry Amare. I'm sorry for what happened, you know I -

"You are always there for me Dion, I know." I smiled, interrupting his monologue, and squeezed his hand lightly to show my gratitude.

These past couple of days, I've been working hard on handling my newfound strength. Judging by his face, I didn't break any bones so I guess I am doing a good job so far.

"The offer still stands though. You guys can come live with us … We could turn the basement into a livable space to live. Whatcha say?" Dion bumped my shoulder with his. Before the change, I would have stumbled, but now I am unaffected by his playful shove.

"That's something that we need to talk about." I sighed, as I watched the crowd of people begin to disperse. The funeral ended a couple of minutes ago.

"Talk about what? If you're worried about paying rent, you don't have to at all. You know my dad would never charge you, he would just put you to work more at the diner." Dion said jokingly and I laughed for the first time in a week.

Dion and I made eye contact for a moment and my chest constricted painfully for what I had to tell him. I've known him my whole life. My best friend since diapers. He was apart of my old identity and I didn't want to leave him behind. The selfish part of me wanted to cling onto Dion like a lifeline to preserve the old Amare … I even wished that I could bring him along with me, but I knew for his safety and security I could not mix Dion with the supernatural. I would need to leave and cut all my ties to the life I used to know.

"I'm leaving Syracuse tonight… to Washington." I whispered and I heard Dion's heart flutter with shock from the news. His face reflected the same emotion.

"What do you mean you're leaving tonight? Don't you think it's too soon? I know you don't have anymore blood relatives, but you've always been a sister to me Amare. You're family to me. You could stay until you're ready to go to school. Why are you leaving so soon?" Dion rambled, his eyes frantic as he spoke.

"A lot has changed D, more than I can explain right now. It won't make sense if I explain now. The best option for me right now is to leave with Emery, Jade, and Raina." I said softly as I watched hurt and betrayal flit through Dion's eyes.

"You're not given me much to go off on here Mar. I know everything about you, you know everything about me. They are like strangers to you. Why can't you tell me why you're leaving so soon? Give me a reason why." Dion stated exasperatedly.

"I can't stay here. There's too many reminders, too much hurt. I need to start anew." I am not the Amare you used to know anymore.

The new Amare has an obligation to her tribe and to the world. A world Dion could not be apart of unfortunately.

"But why Washington?" Dion crossed his arms and eyed her curiously … Searching for her hidden secrets it felt like.

"Why not Washington?" She shrugged playfully, shattering the tension between the two while he huffed in annoyance.

"I'm going to miss you." Dion said as he pulled her in for one last hug.

"I'm going to miss you too." Amare said as a tear rolled down her cheek.

…

…

"It is time." Emery said as she past Amare in the front hall way, squeezing her shoulder gently before walking out the door.

They've cleared the house out this past week. Donating everything from clothes to furniture to kitchen appliances. The house was empty. It didn't look like her home anymore nor did it feel like it anymore.

All she had to her name was a few clothes for travel and an old photograph of her grandmother and mother. She was thinking of buying a locket to put it in so she could have it close and near to her at all times.

"I'll be out in one sec." Amare said as Jade and Raina left the house after Emery. She wanted to be the last one to step out the house. She didn't know why, but in her heart and mind it felt meaningful.

"Bye Mama, bye Ugogo." Amare murmured as she touched the walls in the house.

Picking up her backpack filled with her belongings, Amare left the only home she ever known. She closed the front door to the house for the last time and without a backward glance she ran into the wooded area of the city with her sisters.

…

…

If Amare liked anything about her transformation, she liked the running part of it.

No, she loved it.

Her strides were powerful and strong. Her paws thudded against the ground as she flew through the trees, moving at speeds she never deemed possible to move. She felt light like air and her sisters moved with her as a unit.

She loved her newfound agility and the thrill of the speed, but she also loved the time she had in her mind - even if she had to share her thoughts with her sisters.

Running gave her time to reflect. And reflect did she.

A lot was thrown at her at once … running gave her the time she needed to process … and thankfully her sisters tried to stay out of her mind as much as possible.

Through the mind link Amare learned so much about where she came from. She saw the memories of Emery, Jade, and Raina, and she learned ultimately what her purpose in life was.

She learned that her tribe were among one out of five tribes that first walked the plains of the earth. Each tribe worshipped a deity, or deities that signified the tribes biggest attributes. Her tribe was known as the Luvale. The first tribe in the region to be descended from a female chief who exalted strength, bravery, fierceness, and courage. She is known as First Mwanamke.

Her people believed that the energy placed into the world is received by the spiritual world and it is given back in return.

During her time, the spiritual plane and the living both coexisted peacefully. Humans and spirits lived harmoniously until greed, corruption, and trade controlled the egos of mankind. Enslaving prisoners, trading their own for monetary gain, and going to war with brother tribes.

Evil spirits that fed off of negative energy began to run amuck, creating an imbalance in the spirit world. Thus, creating more turmoil and chaos to occur in the human world.

But before the imbalance grew out of control, the good deities found and connected with humans who still exhumed their attributes in the world.

One day, First Mwanamke was approached by Ala and Kibuka. The mother goddess and ruler of the spiritual plane and the God of war. Both deities traveled many miles bearing a gift.

Ala and Kibuka offered First Mwanamke and her chosen ones the gift of sharing the animal spirit of the lioness, for they saw that the Luvale women embodied the qualities of the lioness. They would become one with their lioness and protect their tribe from harm. First Mwanamke and the women of Luvale agreed to the offer from Ala and Kibuka and became the first skinwalkers to ever roam.

With every decision comes consequence and great responsibility.

First Mwanamke and the Luvale women soon learned this.

After word spread among the deities about the imbalance of good and evil, Katonda, creator God and judge of the universe decided it would be best to separate the spiritual realm from the human one. He created a spiritual world where spirits could not connect with the living, and the living could not interact with spirits.

The divide of the two realms brought back peace, harmony, and tranquillity to the balance of the world, but the first skinwalkers were still spiritually connected to Ala and Kibuka. Because of this, First Mwanamke and the women of Luvale became the gatekeepers of the spiritual realm. The link between the spiritual and natural world. Ala specifically chose which warrior would have the gift and burden of insight to the spiritual realm. She picked a woman named Neema Mungu whose spirit connected more to the spiritual realm than any other spirit warrior. Gifting her with the ability to not only share the spirit of the lioness, but see visions of the future and visit the spiritual realm. A place only she and her kin would be permitted to go.

Descendants of First Mwanamke, Neema Mungu, and the rest of the chosen ones would be called upon when the state of humanity is in crisis and the spirit warriors of Luvale will make their presence known by restoring order and maintaining peace.

I am a descendant of Neema Mungu. Emery a descendant of First Mwanamke. Jade and Raina also were descendants of the gatekeepers of Luvale.

Amare also learned from her sisters that the existence of shapeshifters were being threatened by a group of vampires who call themselves the Volturi. They govern vampire society and see themselves as royalty. Amare found out through Emery, Jade, and Raina's memories that a coven of vampires passed through their village back home in Africa. Their interaction initiated the change and sparked the fascination of a vampire named Benjamin.

For three nights, Benjamin stayed in their village. The rest of his coven members, except for his mate Mia, traveled the rest of the way to Egypt. The vampire and the shifters formed an alliance; Benjamin and his coven mates, if ever needing to pass through their region again, could not harm or kill the rural Luvale tribe nor the surrounding ones. In return, the newly changed shifters would not lay a paw upon Benjamin and his coven unless they broke their end of the bargain.

During his stay, Jade and Raina came to enjoy and like Benjamin and Mia's company. Emery, although very wary at first, even came to like the two vampires as well. They stated that they were transitioning from eating human to animals so she wanted to give the pair the benefit of the doubt.

While Benjamin and Mia were there, they exchanged stories of their history. Emery, Jade, and Raina learned about vampires, the Volturi, the almost battle with the half-vampire half-human child and the Cullen coven. The trio told Benjamin and Mia their tribal stories passed down generation to generation. But what sparked their interest more was the wolf shapeshifters Benjamin mentioned in his story.

He said that they reminded him of them.

Which meant there were others out there, like them.

Possibly even more.

After Benjamin left, life in Zambia returned back to its previous state. The climate of South Africa didn't attract many bloodthirsty creatures. The relentless rays of the sun would surely out a lurking vampire where they lived.

The girls went about their normal lives while trying to adapt to their spirit lioness.

But soon that changed.

A few months later, Benjamin and Mia passed through their village with a warning. They heard through word of mouth that the Volturi were on a mission to exterminate the shifter species. This time he stayed one night, not wanting to draw too much attention to them. That night he told Emery, Jade, and Raina about the genocide of the werewolf species. The Volturi, threatened by their natural enemies strength, killed off the entire race a millennium ago. Women, children, and families slaughtered due to the greed of the Volturi, their fear, and their desire for absolute power and control.

Benjamin stressed that they discreetly shift, for the eyes of the Volturi guard are everywhere. Especially after the standoff in Forks. Ben even offered to assist with more protection, but Emery refused saying it would only draw more attention to them- which knowing all of this now, I agree too.

After the warning, Emery knew she had to find me - the descendant of Neema Mungu. It didn't take much, she told me not many people left this rural area of Zambia. Well she didn't tell me, but through her thoughts and memories I pretty much gathered that.

Emery found my Ugogo and they made plans to get her and her sisters here as soon as possible. The rest is history and here we are now on our mission.

The best plan we devised right now is to go to Washington, specifically Forks to find the La Push tribe and the Cullen coven. On our way there we plan to make stops along the way to find others like us. Our hope truly lies with a potential alliance with the La Push wolf pack and the Cullen clan. If they could face the Volturi without being killed, surely they could help us. If not, we were on our own.

We're not alone. Emery thought through the mind link. Raina and Jade's thoughts were too jumbled up to make sense. It'll take some time to get used to this.

What other option would we have besides taking on the Volturi alone? I grunted in my lioness form.

You don't get it Amare. Emery shook her head as she slowed down the pace to a gently trot. We were deep enough into the forest; nobody could spot us.

What do you mean? My eyebrows furrowed with confusion, which I guess looked pretty funny on a lion since Jade started making these deep woof noises. It kinda sounded like she was coughing, but eventually I figured out that she was laughing.

I rolled my eyes.

You have a stronger bond to the spiritual world then we do, you can connect with the spiritual plane. If we get lost along the way, if we need aid in any way, our ancestors will help you and us. Right now we are looking for numbers on our side, but you are our greatest weapon. Have faith in yourself Amare. You must undeniably trust the spirits with your entire being or you will not reach your full potential. Emery explained and Raina purred in agreement. Even her mind was as gentle and quiet as her personality.

Not the one to roll her eyes, Raina shook her head gently at Amare's stray thought.

If you don't, then we're shit out of luck. Jade shrugged her shoulders, while Emery snarled and swiped a paw at Jade's head. Jade had enough time to avoid Emery's hit, she avoided the blow successfully.

Ignoring Jade's comment, I trudged along. I know she didn't mean any harm by it anyways.

I have faith in myself … and I have faith in us. I said … and once I spoke those words in my mind, I felt something click in me and a warmth blossomed in my chest.

I guess when you speak things into existence, you really feel it … because now I truly do believe it. I have faith in myself and faith in my pride.

That is all you ever need to succeed. Emery hummed in response as we continued on our run across the country.

I've experienced death, loss, and many life altering changes in a matter of three weeks. But I realize now it all for a purpose, for the purpose I serve to my kind. What I experienced must be the burden to the gift I was given. There's not many people who could stay afloat in the turbulent waves of my darkest hour. I was still grieving, and I knew I would for a long time. My heart still hurts from what I've just lost. I miss Ugogo so much it makes my throat clench and my eyes water with tears … but I will continue on for her, myself, and my pride. For I am Amare Agrinya, a descendant of Neema Mungu, apart of the Luvale people, the gatekeeper of the spiritual realm, and the link between the two worlds.

We continued running as a unified unit. Sprinting around trees effortlessly.

Goodbye New York State. Washington we are on our way.

...

…

Renesmee frowned unhappily, crossing her arms as she huffed.

She wouldn't admit it out loud, but she was a terrible sore loser. She just lost to Jacob again in another round of Uno. This was the fifth time they've played and she lost every single time. How can she beat her mother in a chess match, but not win a simple card game against Jacob?

"Aww Ness, don't be like that. We could always play again." Jacob's eyes glinted playfully and he grinned. His bright white teeth gleaming against his russet skin complexion. She internally swooned.

"Can you guys like get a room?" Emmett shouted from the kitchen.

"But we are in another room." Renesmee retorted. She giggled as Jacob gave her a high five for her comeback.

"You two are like so totally lame." Emmett's booming voice retorted and Rosalie rolled her eyes.

"Stop speaking like a valley girl Em, it's not attractive." Rosalie commented as she gazed at her fingernails, looking bored and unamused.

"But you just said like." Emmett laughed loudly before Rosalie jabbed her elbow into his side.

"Ouch babe! I thought you loved me." Emmett grumbled while rubbing his side.

"I do love you," Rosalie peppered his face with quick kisses before grabbing his chin and saying, "I even love your stupid too." Rosalie said as she kissed his lips, leaving the kitchen for the living room. Emmett stood shocked for a moment.

"Now that's a proper comeback!" Emmett nearly shouted as he followed his wife into the living room. Jacob and Renesmee ignored his antics and continued their game of Uno. Emmett and Rosalie watched the pair from the couch, amused by the playful and competitive banter between the duo.

Esme was out grocery shopping, keeping up human pretenses, while Carlisle was working the graveyard shift at the hospital. Edward and Bella were at their cottage, enjoying their couples night. They would be coming for Renesmee soon. Jasper was in his study, and Alice was anywhere that Jacob and Renesmee wasn't. It hurt Renesmee dearly to not be around her Aunt Alice as much as usual. She missed her presence, but Alice hasn't had a vision in over five weeks. Lately, she has been trying to force herself to see visions, but the only thing she could see was the weather. She was driving herself mad with anxiety searching for their futures, but she kept on hitting dead ends of nothingness. Ness couldn't help but feel that she was a part of the issue. She knew Alice had trouble seeing around her and Jacob. But not being able to see anything at all troubled Alice and the entire family. Although nobody said anything, everyone was slightly on edge with Alice's temporary vision loss. Alice's anxiety even became too much for Jasper to bear, but Jasper continuously sent waves of calmness and peace towards her from his study upstairs.

Alice gasped loudly from the other side of the house, causing Renesmee, Rosalie, Jacob and Emmett heads to turn in her general direction. Jasper flew out of his study instantly to Alice.

"What happened Alice?" Jasper pulled Alice into his arms. He could feel shock, terror, and anguish roll off of her in waves.

"I had a vision … the Volturi, they're coming back here." Alice stated, still shocked by the vision she just seen. Her mouth agape as her golden eyes turned pitch black. Jasper grabbed her hand to join the others in the living room. Surely this was something that needed to be heard by everybody in one room.

"Why are they coming back? Are they coming for me again?" Renesmee's eyes widened in terror and Jacob wrapped his arms around her.

"They're not coming for you this time." Alice shook her head. Rosalie and Emmett stood stoic, like a statue, awaiting Alice's response.

"They want to kill you Jacob … and the rest of the Quileute shifters." Jacob froze and Renesmee gasped as the rest of her family arrived home.

N/A: That's another chapter for ya! Again, I'm so sorry it's been awhile, but I promise to update sooner. Please review and tell me your thoughts, likes, dislike … Well everything besides the dislike lol sike, but please review pretty please with a cherry on top *wink wink*

I will update soon :)

Have a good day and make it a good one.

...

N/A 2020: SOOO it has been a longgggg time since I updated and for that I am extremely sorry. I honestly couldn't find the time to continue writing, but now I've found the will to do it again :) I will be updating a new chapter very very soon! I just wanted to fix some grammatical errors on my part before uploading.

Stay tuned ya'll

Besos!