Casters of Oblivion

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight

Chapter 10: Moving Forward

Ginger's POV

They haunted me every night. Every time I close my eyes, I see nothing but a nightmare. The one that continues to haunt me in my sleep. Again and again, it repeats, always the same. Like on a record player. As if I was living in my own Descensum. Directing myself into a personal hell. Only this wasn't hell, but my own nightmares.

It's always the same. I was back in the forest the moment he left me. The sky was dark, and there was no moon in the sky. Yet, for some reason, there was light in the forest that I could see. I stumble through the woods, trying to get out.

Upon my travels, I hear a music box playing. I come into a surreal scene. My bedroom was in the forest, where a duplicate of me lay in bed while he crouched over the bed, hovering over my form like a predator. Next to the bed was a wolf wearing a necklace Eleanor would wear. The beast growled at him, wanting to step away from the clone in the bed.

I approached the scene with caution till noticing my laptop was covered in centipedes. I gasped at the insects typing in the nonsense of random letters. A shudder went down my spine till focusing on him.

"Ed-ward," I forced out.

It hurt to say his name. My throat would clench as if it was being strangled by the name.

"I'm not him." He said softly, his eyes still focused on my clone.

"Who are you?" I asked.

"You know who I am." He answered, still focusing on the sleeping clone. "I'm you. What do you want, Georgia?"

"I want you, Edward," I mumbled.

"That's not my name," he growled. "My name is nothing. "

As he turned his attention to me, his appearance changed into a reflection of me. She stared at me with emptiness. Eyes so dark as if there was no life in her. His voice left her lips when she spoke, "You're nothing."

After those words left her lips, a man would appear and snap her neck. I was catatonically in shock to see the death. Never seen one in person or in consciousness. The man was my father. He stared at me with those dark sapphire eyes that held little emotion.

"Georgia-"

However, I screamed.

The suppressed screams of the horror of witnessing my own death.

.o0o.

That is when I wake up screaming. My body curls into a tight ball as the pain in my chest returns. It isn't when somebody is grasping my shoulders, shaking me to wake up, that I realize it was a dream. When my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I saw it was Zelena who woke me.

She shushed me, rubbing my arms. "You're okay. You're okay."

I panted, adjusting until I looked at the alarm clock and saw it was three in the morning. Zelena combed her fingers through my hair, assuring me it was nothing but a bad dream. She picked up the vial of sleep draft and then sighed.

"I thought this potion was starting to work," Zelena murmured. She sat up straight. "Can I ask you something?"

I nodded.

"Hanging out with Eleanor and Jacob seems to take your mind off things?" She asked.

I nodded again.

"You know, sometimes you must learn to love what's good for you." She explained. "You understand?"

I debated on answering that. I know she means I have to let go of him. Zelena mentioned before that there are different types of love in the world. My love for Eleanor was that of a sister, and Jacob's was that of a friend, which keeps me going. Let alone Zelena's love that of an aunt in a sense. Along with love for Betsy since she is my mom. But…I just can't let him go. That one year, I felt pure happiness. Feeling love in a romantic sense was something unique. He knew what I was and didn't treat me differently. The one thing was taken from me.

Zelena sighed, "Of course, what do I know? I'm just a terminal bachelorette. Close to being a crazy lady with cats…well, substitute the cats with young hormonal witches."

I couldn't help but snort, "There's always Chief Swan."

Zelena chuckled and adjusted the blanket, "Get some sleep."

I nodded, bringing the covers closer for warmth. Zelena got off the bed and left the room to retire for the night. However, I remain lying there contemplating the dream with my father in it. Why does he appear in my dreams? Sometimes, I wish I had slept longer to see what he wanted.

I debated if I should talk to Betsy about Dante. But I fear that asking her would bring back her heartache. For she truly loved Dante, and he abandoned her. That is when I realized how similar I am to Betsy. She knew of the Caster world because of Dante. He showed her magic. And when she was a few months pregnant with his child…he left her. Betsy was heartbroken, yet she remained strong for me. She could have terminated the pregnancy, yet she kept, raised, and loved me. Even though I was a living reminder of him, having his hair and eyes. My mom is stronger than me. She managed to move on, and I continued to wallow. Then again, Mom had something worth fighting for.

As for me…I don't know what I have.

.o0o.

Eleanor's POV

My cellphone rang early Sunday morning. I yawned, still exhausted from yesterday's training and the potion I took. The past week has been spent on recovery and homework. Of Course, Jacob was determined to finish the second motorcycle. Friday after school, I came over to help with the final repairs. However, around nine at night, Zelena called, saying she needed me back in the Cabin. I told Jacob to get some rest and spend Saturday with his friends.

"Hello?" I yawned.

"Want to ride bikes?" Jacob asked.

"Bikes? Aren't we still repairing them?" I yawned again, not getting the message.

Jacob chuckled on the other end, "I finished them last night with the help from Quil."

Now fully awake, "Jake, what time did you go to bed?"

"One, so are we riding?" He responded.

I checked the digital clock and noticed it was nine in the morning. I wondered if he was lying about when he went to bed, but the excitement got the best of me.

"On my way," I said.

I quickly got out of bed, took a shower, and dressed for the day. I told Zelena I was heading out with a quick breakfast, taking the Wagoneer and trailer. I tried to get Ginger, but Zelena told me to let her sleep. Apparently, Ginger had another nightmare.

I thought the nightmares had stopped. This past week, she hadn't had an episode. I was surprised that I didn't hear it. Then again, I've been taking a few potions to recover from the head trauma and headaches that put me to sleep. I sighed mentally, hoping Ginger was not returning to her previous state. I don't want to relive that experience again of her dying or…finding her body.

"You better get going," Zelena smiled. "It's going to rain later today."

"Right," I said and headed out.

When I arrive, the annual routine happens. I pull in, and Jacob runs over. We share a hug with some jokes, then head to the garage to fix the bikes. They both looked rusty from the weather, yet I'm sure they'll work with some more elbow grease and a paint job.

I walked over to the Honda Scrambler and sat down on it. "My dad will surely love this."

"Yeah," Jacob said as he rubbed his neck.

"What's wrong?" I asked, sitting up straight.

Jacob sighed as he leaned against the Rabbit. "If I told you I couldn't have fixed these bikes, what would you have said?"

I stared at him as if he had grown a second head, "Are you doubting yourself?"

"No. Definitely not. I mean, they'll run fine." Jacob said with a slight snort, then sighed. "It's just, uh... maybe if I was smart, I would have dragged out the rebuild a bit."

I then realized why Jacob was doubting. He doubts that I would no longer hang out with him after the bikes are officially done, and that's not going to happen. We have formed a bond that I can't ignore, Jacob, even if I try.

I sighed, got off the red bike, and sat next to him. "If you told me you couldn't repair these bikes, then I would say, oh well, what do you want to do now?"

Jacob looked at me, analyzing my answer, then nodded with a laugh. "Like cliff diving."

"Yeah, like cliff diving," I said, then stopped. "Say what?"

"Yep, we're goin' cliff diving once it gets warm," Jacob confirmed with a grin.

I stared at him as if he was crazy. What is with everyone trying to throw themselves into danger? When traveling, I've seen people cliff diving in Europe and Hawaii. Grandfather would shake his head, saying that is one risk he was unwilling to take. Then again, this is the man who fought in three wars and did some dangerous things.

Jacob saw my dumbfounded and hesitant expression and laughed, "Don't worry. We'll go on the lower levels."

"Well, until then, let's test out these bikes," I said, changing the subject. "I claim the red."

"Sure, sure," Jacob said.

The first thing we did before riding our bikes was the gear. Gideon had sent me equipment, from a motorcycle jacket and helmet, if I needed to secure my glasses. On the other hand, Jacob put on a vest over his regular jacket but no helmet.

"Jake, seriously," I scolded.

"Trust me. I know how to ride a bike. Do you?" he challenged.

"Yeah," I answered.

Jacob chuckled as we took the bikes out. Jacob, although he doubted my ability, came over as I took a seat.

"Okay, where is the clutch?"

I rolled my eyes and set my hand on the lever on the right side of the handlebar. I gripped it, keeping the vehicle balanced and straight.

"Now, where're your brakes?" he asked.

I moved my right hand and curled my fingers around the lever over the throttle. "Main brakes, while the one by my right foot is for later use."

Jacob chuckled, "Gear shift."

I nudged it with my left calf.

"Seriously, how do you know all this?" he asked.

"My dad has his own motorcycle collection," I answered. "Been riding since I was fifteen."

"What? Is your family rich or something?" he asked.

"Something," I muttered.

I wasn't going to tell Jacob that my family is wealthy. I come from a direct line of Caster nobles and used any family members with psychic abilities to predict the stock market. My parents also invest in buildings and rent apartments to renters and businesses.

"Okay, so follow my lead. I know a secluded place where we can drive freely." He said.

Jacob got on his bike and kicked start it. I grabbed the clutch, squeezed it tight, kicked it hard a few times on the pedal, and sighed in relief when the bike purred. Jacob asked if I was ready, and I balanced my foot on the bike. With nothing else said, he took the lead down the road while I followed him.

An unknown wind blew against my face, passing the helmet's visor, practically whistling in my ear. It was like I was doing transmutation. The only difference is that I could see my surroundings instead of jumping from one place to another.

Jacob was twenty feet away, still in view as we went over the zigzag, curvy roads along the cliffs. The view was terrific until spotting a bunch of men on the end of one ridge. At first, I thought they were goofing around. Not bothered about it, I decided to mess with Jacob and drive past him. Jacob complained loudly and laughed, trying to catch up. Looking ahead, I saw the men pushing one of their members off the cliff.

Gasping, I hit the brakes, dropping everything and rushing to the rail to use my magic. Before I could use my telekinesis, Jacob came over laughing. "Relax, they're not really fighting, El. They're cliff diving. Scary as hell, but a total rush."

"Seriously, at that height?" I asked, dumbfounded.

"Yeah, most of us jump from the lower down," Jake said, his voice slightly bitter. Even his eyes darken. "We leave the showing off to Sam and his disciples."

"As in Sam Uley?" I asked, and Jacob nodded. "You got some kinda beef with him or something?"

"I don't know," Jake answered, "They just think they run this place. Embry used to call them hall monitors on steroids. Now look at him?"

Looking at the cliffs now, we're only two guys. I could only assume it was Sam and…

"That's Embry?" I asked, astonished, watching him dive like a professional diver.

I hadn't seen Embry in a while. Probably after Jacob's birthday in January. Now, we are nearing the end of February. For a quick moment, I saw Embry, but it was different. The most drastic change with his shoulder-length hair was gone. Then I recall Embry stopped coming over when we built the bikes with Quil and Ginger's help. I asked why he didn't show, which usually ended with a sour face and a change of subject. I consider it to be a mild dispute. However, now I see why.

"Yeah," he breathed

"So…what happened to him?" I asked.

"He missed some school. All of a sudden, he started following Sam around like a little puppy. The same thing happened to Paul and Jared." He said, slightly paranoid. "Sam keeps giving me this look... Like he's waiting for me or something? It's kinda startin' to freak me out."

Jacob's expression reminded me of other Casters who believe hunters targeted them. Though I have never encountered a hunter, many of my kind have become paranoid. A hunter will not strike unless having evidence of magic being present or direct orders from their chain of command. It has been nearly a century since the last witch-hunt. All of it ended after World War One. But there are a few rogues dedicated to the extermination of magical beings since the Dark Ages.

Figuring out a way to comfort Jacob, I placed a hand on his shoulder. "Just ignore him."

"I try," Jake sighed.

Looking back at the cliffs, I saw Sam Uley standing there. For some reason, I felt like his eyes were on us. Let alone the presence I felt when the Alpha Guardian was watching me entering the forest. Something about Sam doesn't seem right. From the day I first met him on La Push when he stared at my pendant, the search party when Ginger was lost in the woods, and now. He wasn't normal.

It was as if Sam had noticed us staring back in return. He turned, taking several feet back before rushing ahead and diving into the water.

"C'mon, let's keep going," Jacob said.

I nodded, fixed my helmet, and got on the bike. Jacob waited until I got the engine rolling before we headed off to our destination again, an open, dried field with a view of the mountains. We spent the entire day to early afternoon enjoying the bikes until returning to Jacob's home. We made it back in time before the rain arrived.

Afterward, I drove back to the Cabin in the Wagoneer, thinking about what Jacob had said and how Sam Uley had been staring at us from such a distance.

When I returned, I found Zelena on the couch reading a book. She lowered the book and smiled, "How were the bikes?"

"They are perfect. My Dad will be pleased," I answered, sitting across from her.

"That's good. I find it amusing how the River Clan are addicted to the excitement." She said, turning the page of her book.

"Can I ask you something?" I asked.

"You just did," she answered.

I rolled my eyes, "Is there more to the Olympic Peninsula than us Casters and several wandering Cold Ones?"

Zelena stopped reading and looked at me with a cautious stare," As in?"

"Well, there are the guardians who live in the forest…they are spirits…right? There is nothing else we should know about?" I started.

She took a deep breath and leaned forward, "There are things out there that I know of but cannot say. It's up to you to figure it out."

"And Sam Uley?" I asked.

"The man who found Ginger in the forest?" She replied.

I nodded.

She sighed, "I can only say this. Go to him if you are ever in danger, and I am not around to be there. He can protect you along with the others."

How can Sam Uley protect me when I don't know who or what he is?

Ginger's dream is inspired by a Deleted scene from New Moon.

Thanks for reading, and please leave a review.

Updated!