Casters of Oblivion

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I have rewritten Wicked Casters and Casters of Oblivion. Please reread the first book and then this one before continuing.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or other media for this story.

Chapter 13: Illness

Eleanor's POV

And just like that, Ginger and I had the flu.

Ginger was the first to fall victim, as she started retching in the early hours of the morning. I started puking around noon. Zelena's potion had helped prevent body aches, sore throat, congestion, and reduced coughing. But the fever, fatigue, and headaches were there. I don't think I ever felt this sick except for one summer two years ago.

I lay in bed, hugging a pillow, imagining my mother combing her fingers through my hair. Constance hummed a lullaby as she stayed by my side until the ailment was gone.

Casters were not immune to sickness. We don't get them as often, but they come with a vengeance. If caught early, a potion might help. We are still human, and though we can relieve any sickness, we can't cure it. Magic can defend us from outer illnesses. However, it cannot cure health problems that the body creates. For example, my Grandmother Edith passed away from cancer. Potions and spells had helped her not suffer from the pain and prolonged her life span…yet they could not cure her, even with modern medicine. When the vessel decides to stop working, you can only welcome death.

I groaned, feeling my stomach churn, and grabbed the trashcan in time to vomit.

I curse the person who brought the flu to school.

Hopefully, Jacob is alright. I don't think he caught the flu. No, it was something different. When I felt his hand, he was perfectly warm. But after we kissed…his temperature drastically changed. His skin was burning over a hundred degrees.

Along with his aura.

That wild aura that took over him.

Every time Zelena walked in to check on me, I was about to ask her until the fatigue won, and I fell asleep.

My wolf didn't appear in the dreams. I wished my spirit animal could arrive so I could get some comfort. I needed someone. And yet, I felt alone in the dark abyss where time vanishes. Sometimes, I can't tell if I was dreaming or not. When I open my eyes, the numbers on the digital clock keep changing. All I can recall throughout the twenty-four hours is the time changing, Zelena walking in, vomiting, and falling back asleep.

It will be late Sunday afternoon, but I somewhat feel better.

After stripping my bed and putting the contaminated bedding and pajamas in the washing machine, I showered and changed into clean clothes. Sometime later, I sat on the couch in the living room watching television. Ginger was still sleeping in her room. Zelena came over with a tray that had tea and crackers. She sat down next to me, resting a hand on my forehead.

"Fever's broken. That's good," Zelena murmured. She removed her hand and handed me a cup.

"Thanks," I mumbled.

Zelena nodded, "Got a call from Billy. Seems Jacob got sick as well."

"I figured," I grumbled.

I took another sip of tea and sighed.

"You wanted to talk to me," Zelena said out of nowhere.

"Huh?"

Zelena chuckled, taking a sip of her tea. "You tried to ask me a question a few times, although you keep falling asleep."

I nodded, trying to figure out how to explain what happened Friday.

"Can an aura change in an instant?" I asked.

Zelena paused as she adjusted her hair, "What do you mean by that?"

I hesitated, not sure how to answer.

"From an emotional standpoint?" She asked. "Because auras can change when it's emotional."

I shook my head, "No, I don't think so."

"Whose aura's changed, that has your concern?"

"Jacob's."

Zelena paused as she stared at me. She held this calculating expression, debating what to say. My mentor keeps saying there are many mysteries in the Olympic Peninsula. There were the Casters who resided here, the Cold Ones from the Cullens and those who wander through, The Guardians of the Forest, and the Indian Reservation—a melting pot of supernatural creatures and many more that hide under the constant clouds.

"Why don't you tell me what happened?" she suggested.

So I told Zelena what happened at the Movie Theater and how Jacob and I talked after Mike ran off to the men's restroom while Ginger got a bucket for him. I told her about the emotional conflict and how Jacob tried to reassure me…including the kiss. Zelena couldn't help but chuckle at that. But when I told her the sudden anger Jacob had after kissing me…when Mike interrupted, and his spiked fever had me concerned. I also mentioned that I saw Jacob's form vibrating and steam surrounding his skin for a brief moment. Most of all, I told her about his aura changing. How loving and caring it was, and like a shattered egg, this wildness appeared to dominate everything.

Zelena took the information in, "You sense a wild atmosphere from him?"

I nodded.

Zelena sighed as she took another sip of tea. "I'm not sure. The Native Americans are quite a mystery. They hold more secrets than any culture in North America. You could have sensed his spirit guide helping him."

"I doubt that," I muttered, taking another sip of tea. "Jacob is a bit of a cynic."

"You are very spiritually open," she murmured, combing her fingers through my hair.

"My Grandmother Edith was spiritual, as is my Grandmother Evangeline."

Zelena nodded, "Especially you being a full-bred Caster and not half-blood or descended from one."

I nodded. Full-bred Casters tend to have more magic than those whose parents or ancestors married and consummated with ordinary people. I don't think anyone in the Rivers or Woodwards has married a human. It wasn't because they were bigots. No, they just simply had fallen in love with another Caster.

"I wouldn't worry too much about Jacob," Zelena said. "I think he is going through a change. In a way, he is just like you. Only he is descended from spiritual warriors and chiefs."

"Maybe," I sighed, unsure what she meant by that.

Later that night, I texted Jacob and asked if he wanted to call. It took a while, but he texted sure Not missing an opportunity, I called him.

"…Hello," his voice was hoarse.

"Oh Jake, still not feeling well?" I asked.

"I feel horrible." He whispered.

"I'm sorry, you probably wouldn't have caught it if I hadn't invited you," I mumbled.

I wonder if I was infected, and the kiss got him infected, too.

"I'm glad I went." He croaked, then sighed. "Don't blame yourself. It's not your fault."

"Still, Ging and I caught what Mike had…."

"You were sick?"

"Yeah… but I'm fine now."

"… That's good."

"Hopefully, you'll feel better soon."

"I don't think I have the same thing you did, though…this is something else."

"What's wrong," I asked with concern.

"Everything," he whispered. "Every part of me hurts."

"I'm sorry to hear that," I said. "I wish I could help. Let me know if you or Billy need anything."

"Thanks…." He managed to say. "But…but it might be a while. I'll call you when I can. I'll let you know when you can come down again."

"Oh…" I mumbled, slightly hurt but understood. "Okay."

"I've got to go." He said with sudden urgency.

"Get some rest…. Call me when you feel better."

"Right." He promised though I noticed a hint of bitterness.

There was silence on both ends. None of us wanted to hang up.

"Ella…"

"Get well soon," I murmured. "Bye."

The line disconnected as he hung up.

Something told me this was not good. Something was happening to Jacob, and I don't know what it was. I tried pulling out my runes and asked the ivory totems for a list of viruses and bacteria that could be infecting Jacob. All of them said no. Then I thought about genetics and asked the runes if this was diabetes since Billy had it. The runes said no.

I lay in bed wondering what was happening and hoped Jacob was okay.

.o0o.

Monday came and went. It was uneventful, although Angela, Mike, Conner, Ben, Ginger, and I were still weak from the terrible bug. Eric was absent as he caught the flu from Angela. Mike felt guilty as he apologized to Ginger and me.

"I'm so sorry," he apologized. "I should have called."

"It's okay, Mike, everyone got sick…it was just a matter of time," Ginger assured.

Mike nodded, though still embarrassed and flustered by what happened.

Tuesday came around, and Zelena informed us about Jacob's condition, "Harry Clearwater just called. Billy took Jake to the doctor, and it looked like he had Mono. He's exhausted, and Billy said no visitors."

Mono, I thought.

"Thanks for the update," I said, heading upstairs to do my homework.

I turned on my laptop and started typing the rough draft of my essay, then stopped. Opening a new tab, I researched Mono.

Infectious mononucleosis (Mono) is often a kissing disease. A virus that is spread through the saliva. You can get it through kissing, but you can also be exposed by sharing glasses or food utensils with Mono.

I read this article about Mono and how it covered external and internal symptoms. One symptom was soreness before the actual illness was known. The incubation period is four to six weeks. Jacob didn't seem sore or tired. I continued to read the article until I felt my stomach drop, reading that Mono is an STI and herpes virus. Jacob and I kissed on Friday. And there were a few times we accidentally drank each other's sodas when working on the motorcycles.

How on earth did Jacob get Mono?

Did he…did he kiss another girl?

The thought got me angry.

I then paused….am I getting jealous?

No, I'm not jealous.

Jacob and I are friends…and we shared a kiss. Then again, I don't know where our relationship is at. The conversation we shared put our emotions out. I told Jacob some of the reasons why I was scared to start a relationship with him so that he would understand: how I was bullied and taken advantage of, and…how Ginger reacted to a breakup.

Along with the fact that I could be transferred… not to my family but to another Coven. He doesn't know that I am a witch. Yet all these fears opened a door for him to take my hand and promise that he would never hurt me.

"I won't ever hurt you. I promise. I won't let you down. You can count on me." His voice whispered in my head.

I fear I'll be the one to hurt him.

When my aging slows down, I will have to move when the day comes. I could use a glamor spell…but what if there was a day I slipped up? Some Casters have even shortened their life span to fit in with the mortal society. However, I don't think I can give up my life so easily.

Jacob deserves someone better than me.

My eyes linger on the article.

Mono…

"Zelena!" I exclaimed, rushing downstairs.

.o0o.

Ginger's POV

I couldn't help but laugh at Eleanor, who was forced to drink a potion daily to prevent Mono. Eleanor was required to drink the potion once a day and not to share anything, not share anything that was oral use, or kiss anyone. She was also put on a cooking ban. Well, she can cook for herself. It's just that she can't taste the food while cooking for others. I don't mind being the taste tester.

Eleanor grimaced as she drank the potion that was supposed to prevent Mono from infecting her. She basically has become Typhoid Mary. The potion prevents symptoms, but it doesn't stop any possible spread.

I sat across from her, elbows on the table and resting my chin in my hands. I had a devilish grin, "So... you and Jacob?"

"Shut it," Eleanor grumbled, taking another sip of the potion and gagged. "This is horrible!"

"That's what happens when you share saliva," Zelena teased as she cleaned up her potions table.

"It was a peck!" Eleanor exasperated.

"It's still kissing," I added.

Eleanor groaned, slamming her head on the table.

I couldn't help but smile. My plan was to get Jacob and Eleanor together. The movie might have been somewhat of a bust…, but it still brought the two together. Only now, there is a slight delay because of Mono. But still, I find it amusing. Who would have thought Eleanor would kiss Jacob…twice?

"Drink," Zelena ordered.

Eleanor grumbled in Latin and chugged down the rest of the potion. Once she was done, she made a sour face.

"Well, four to six more weeks with this potion, and you shall be good." Zelena prescribed.

"Oh Hecate," Eleanor moaned, covering her face.

"You'll live," Zelena murmured, rubbing her back. "It will probably be a month before you and Jacob can hang out again."

"Great," Eleanor grumbled, crossing her arms.

I smirked at this. She really does like Jacob.

"Well, I guess we'll do more training to keep you occupied," Zelena suggested. "And help me with my store on the weekends."

Both Eleanor and I groaned. Going to La Push was our only permission to leave the Cabin. Now that Jacob is out of commission, it will mean more training. It's hard to make plans with our high school friends, and with all that has happened, no one wants to hang out while the flu spreads around.

Flu…influenza, I thought.

He almost died from influenza. I remember him telling me that. My chest tightened, for it had been a while since I last thought about him and the others. With Jacob sick, that means no bikes…there has to be another way to see him again or something.

The Meadow, I thought.

"We could try hiking," I offered.

Zelena and Eleanor looked at me strangely.

"What?" I asked.

"You and hiking?" Eleanor countered.

"So… it'll be something new," I said. "And we can reconnect with nature."

"I don't know. With five hikers missing or killed and the possible bear, I wouldn't," Zelena warned.

"We'll take a trail first. And if there is trouble, we can easily teleport our way out," I offered.

Zelena paused, thinking about it, "Then we'll be practicing more Transmutation this week. I need to be sure you girls have it under control."

We nodded, not arguing with her. The last thing any of us needs is to accidentally get impaled. The rest of the evening was spent doing homework, both school and caster-related. Eleanor seemed to struggle as her thoughts lingered on Jacob.

"Thinking about your Indie?" I asked.

"No," she answered.

Liar, the inner voice told me.

"And don't call him that," she scolded.

I raised my hands in defense, "Sorry."

Eleanor grumbled as she worked on her pre-calculus. I merely grinned before focusing on my essay for Mr. Berty's English paper.

On Wednesday, Eleanor and I stopped at Newton's Olympic Outfitters. We bought some of the essential hiking gear with the help of Katie Marshall. I was glad Katie was helping us and not Mike. Don't get me wrong, I like Mike as a friend and nothing more. He's not my type, and Jessica still has a fling for him. Anyway, we got some hiking boots, socks, backpacks, and other supplies needed for beginners, along with reflective trail tape. I also bought a standard map and a grid map just to be safe.

When we got home, Zelena was waiting for us as we began our training on Transmutation. Although, before we started, Zelena gave Eleanor a vial. She groaned, chugging down the potion. I couldn't help but laugh. Thank God I didn't kiss someone with Mono. Then again, the last person I kissed was him…

I felt my chest tighten and shook my head.

Don't think of him, I thought.

Zelena started training. We spent the day practicing throughout the backyard and in the garden, once more, playing our game of tag. This time, we were not interrupted. It was pretty fun, as we teleported, surprising each other and trying to catch the person. Eleanor and I needed distractions.

When we were done, we headed inside, enjoying some food Zelena had cooked. Afterward, we watched a movie. I was literally laughing my ass off since it was Monty Python and the Holy Grail. We were all in tears from hysterical laughter. Until the end, I was utterly confused. Did they really get arrested?

On Thursday, Zelena had us practice Transmutation in the forest inside the barrier. It was slightly tricky compared to the backyard, as the trees were in our path. Eleanor and I slammed into several trees or had debris in our hair a few times. By sundown, we managed to travel through the forest.

Friday was the same in teleporting in the forest. Only this time did we work on teleporting in the branches. Let me tell you, I hated it. There were a few times we fell, probably ten or maybe twenty feet. Luckily, we were wearing the endurance rings, but if I wasn't wearing one…I probably would have a few broken bones. Zelena wanted us to know how to get into the trees if we ever crossed paths with predators to keep a distance.

I managed to get on a thick branch

"Hold on, spider monkey," I murmured to myself.

Once more, I felt my chest tighten. Damn it, why did I have to think about that comment? He would carry me on his back, traveling throughout the Olympic Peninsula. I shook my head. Come on, Ginger…you need to concentrate. When we get to the Meadow, then you can think about him.

I leaped down, using Transmutation to reach my destination, and stumbled, falling on my ass hard.

"Nice," Eleanor snickered as she appeared in front of me, offering a hand.

I scoffed yet took her hand, pulling myself up.

"We better get back," Eleanor said as she looked at the sky, noticing it was getting dark.

"Yeah," I agreed, wiping the dirt off of me.

We made our way back to the cabin, but Eleanor stopped and turned around.

"El, come on," I called out.

Eleanor did not move for a moment before she teleported to me and forced me to turn around.

"Don't move," She whispered.

I was confused, wondering what she meant, when all of a sudden, she placed hands over my eyes.

"What are you doing?" I demanded.

Eleanor shushed me, and I froze. I sensed a wild aura nearby. It wasn't an animal, so it wasn't a bear. No, this aura felt sacred and wild at the same time, with a hint of protection. That was when I heard it: loud thud sounds. It sounded like there were many, and they were walking on four legs. Heavy breathing and a slight growl followed.

We remained still, keeping our backs to the animals behind us.

A grunt could be heard, followed by a painful whimper. Yet the beast that made the grunt gave a warning growl to the one who whimpered. After what felt like forever, the creatures left. Eleanor sighed as she removed her hands from my eyes. We both turned to find whatever was gone.

"Was that Bigfoot?" I asked.

Eleanor shook her head, "No… it's the Guardians of the Forest."

"Really?" I pouted.

"Look, they don't like to be seen," Eleanor warned. "So if you sense their presence, close your eyes."

"How come?" I asked.

"I don't know. I think they are creatures from Native American folklore." She answered and took my hand, leading the way. "Come on, it's getting late."

We made our way back to the Cabin. Although I did not see the Guardians of the Forest, hearing them and sensing them was amazing. Maybe next time, I'll take a peek at what they are.

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