#Elizabeth Seymour (Sixtended) | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

blackdiamondwrites127 · 3 years ago

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Lost Stars in the Night

Hi guys! So this epilogue took longer than I planned. First was that I accidentally deleted my progress and had to start all over again so that was annoying. Next was my work started to become a bit hectic thus losing my free time to write. And lastly, my grandfather died last week. The funeral was yesterday and oddly enough, after the funeral, something pushed me to really finish this epilogue. So here it is. The last piece to my most recent writing project. Thank you again for reading this! I truly appreciate each and every feedback given.

The following characters belong to:

Isabella I of Castile, Ferdinand II of Aragon, and Juan Trastámara: @weirdbutdecentart

Isabella Trastámara: @lexartsstuff

Marion Trastámara and Elizabeth 'Liz' Seymour: @vanessaseymour

Juana 'la loca' de Castile: @ellielovesdrawing

Maria Trastámara, Maria of Jülich-Berg, and Sibylle of Cleves: Yours truly

Characters (Description and characters change with each chapter):

Catalina Trastámara - Age twenty nine years old. She's the captain of the expedition team six whose goal is to scout areas to see if they are suitable for expansion. Her years-long goal has been to locate her father's main office to find answers about the vaccine he had given her when she was just a toddler. She wanted to find the formula so they can replicate it and distribute it to the survivors. She's currently in a relationship with Jane Seymour and has three children from a previous relationship.

Anne Boleyn - Age twenty seven years old. Her family came to Campamento Zaragoza when she was ten and has stayed there since. She's the vice captain of the exhibition team six though she often takes charge alongside Catalina rather than taking charge when Catalina is absent. The two had a rocky start given that Anne was the woman Catalina's ex cheated on her with but the two eventually became close friends. Often bonding over their useless ex. She's currently in a relationship with Catherine Parr and has a daughter from a previously mentioned ex.

Jane Seymour - Age twenty six years old. She's a member of the expedition team six. She's mostly the voice of reason of the group and somewhat of a mother hen. Always fussing over her teammates to make sure they're okay. She and her older sister, Liz, have been living in Campamento Zaragoza since most of her life. She's currently in a relationship with Catalina Trastámara and has one son from the same ex Catalina and Anne shared.

Anna La Marck - Age twenty six years old. She's a member of the expedition team six. Often referred to as the 'muscle' of the group, she's usually the one taking action first when it comes to conflicts the team encounters. She was born in the early months of Campamento Zaragoza's life span and has lived there since then. She's currently in a relationship with Katherine Howard, having been best friends for years as they grew up together.

Katherine Howard - Age twenty five years old. She's a member of the expedition team six. She's the youngest member of the team and is their go to mechanic when they have vehicular troubles. Just like Anna, she was born in Campamento Zaragoza and she's currently in a relationship with Anna La Marck, having been best friends for years as they grew up together.

Catherine Parr - Age twenty seven years old. She's a member of the expedition team six. Considered as the informant of the group. She's usually the one going head first into research when they need information on something. She has one daughter from a previous relationship and i's currently in a relationship with Anne Boleyn.

Isabella Trastámara - Age forty four years old. She is the acting head of the camp alongside her wife. She took up a leadership position after her mother and she's been running the camp ever since. She followed in her mother's plan of land expansion and was quite successful over the years with the camp expanding as far as Girona and they added fishing to their agriculture sector. She and her wife, Liz, adopted a baby boy when his mother died giving birth to him.

Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Seymour - Age forty four years old. She is the acting head of the camp alongside her wife. She retired from her captain position after many years but she still represents the expedition and patrol sector as its head. She and her wife, Bella, adopted a baby boy when his mother died giving birth to him.

Juan Trastámara - Age thirty six years old. Married to Margaret Habsburg and they have a little three year old girl they named Isabela after his departed grandmother. He's working in the armory division designing and creating wearable protection that the border patrollers and security division wear.

Juana Trastámara - Age thirty five years old. She was married to Margaret's older brother, Philip, who abused her for years until he was killed in battle. Their marriage resulted in six children that she fiercely protects with her life. She's currently in a relationship with a woman named Harley Harmony. She's a member of the security team and often patrols the streets with her team.

Maria Trastámara - Age thirty two years old. She's currently in a relationship with their long time partner, Gabriel Cursae. Her knack for mathematics got her the position of head of the inventory division and is responsible for keeping track of the camp's main inventory numbers.

Marion Trastámara - Age thirty two years old. He's currently in a relationship with William La Marck, Mari and Johann's third child and only son. They work as Campamento Zaragoza's only tattoo artist. His most common customers are those from the fighting sector and their most commonly commissioned pieces are portraits and names of departed loved ones. His proudest work is the Trastámara family crest that they tattooed on himself and their siblings.

Jocasta ‘Joyce’ Howard - Age fifty five years old. She's Kat's mother and she works at the hospital as a midwife alongside Mari, who's a nurse in the maternity ward. She's kept her daughter in the dark when it comes to her life before the End.

Sibylle La Marck - Aged twenty eight years old. She's engaged to Katherine James, who now runs the nursery. She's a member of the security team and often patrols the main gates with her squad.

Katherine James - Aged twenty six years old. She's currently engaged to Sibylle La Marck and she's a caretaker at the nursery after inheriting it from her mothers. Despite being and actual Tudor, she kept the last name, James, since she was raised by both her adopted mothers.

Henry 'Hal' Trastámara-Tudor - Age ten years old. He's Catalina and Henry Tudor's oldest son. He was named after his own father but looks more like his mother. He started despising his name after his father hurt and cheated on his mother so he prefers going by his nickname. He replaced his father by becoming his sisters' male role model.

Mary Trastámara-Tudor - Age seven years old. Catalina and Henry's second child. She's what you call a 'daddy's girl' but that label suddenly became useless after her father left them. She was still hoping her parents would get back together but stopped when her mother introduced Jane to them and she's stopped looking for her father since. Perfectly content with having Jane as a second mother.

Lillia Trastámara-Tudor - Age three years old. Catalina and Henry's youngest child together. She's her father's 'least favored' child due to her physical defects. She was born blind in one eye and her right hand didn't develop fully. Henry blamed Catalina for birthing a child with defects and unfortunately, little Lillia heard those arguments between her parents and blamed herself for them eventually splitting.

(Before you proceed, be warned that the story contains graphic descriptions of violence, blood, gore, death. Please proceed with caution)

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Epilogue

Catalina cries out when the nurse inserted the needle in her arm. Fernando held his youngest steady so she wouldn't squirm and injure herself with the needle. The nurse praised the toddler for being good after she had pulled out the needle and put a cartoon band aid, the tot had chosen prior to the shot, over the injured area.

"I'll submit the report to the department head. I'll also schedule the second dose six months in advance for you. Gracias for coming here, señor," the nurse said and left the room.

"Look at you, pequeña! You're quite brave," her father praised. Handing her precious Pancho back to her. She immediately took the plush monkey and hugged it close for comfort.

"Papa. It hurt," she whines. Gently rubbing the arm that received the shot.

"I know, pequeña, but you were brave and I'm proud of you for being a brave girl," Fernando reassured. Kissing his daughter's forehead.

Catalina pouts and pushes him away. She jumped off his lap and marched to the corner. She sits down on the cold tile floor, crosses her arms over her chest, and glaring at her father. Fernando knew that she was displeased with him. Luckily, he knew just the offering to get back to her good graces. But first, he must test the waters.

"Catalina."

The toddler lets out a 'humph' and looks away.

"Catalina, mi pequeña preciosa."

"Humph!"

Time for bribery then.

"Would you like to go to the ice cream shop for your favorite mango ice cream?" Fernando offered. He smiled when the toddler slowly turned to look at him.

"Mango ice cream?" she asked with a tone of hope in her voice.

Her father smiled and nodded. "Mango ice cream," he confirmed.

Catalina grins wide and stands up from the floor. She runs over to her father and tackles him in a hug.

"Ice cream!" she excitedly said.

Fernando chuckled and lifted his pequeña Catalina up in his arms.

"Let's go get some ice cream but don't tell mamá where we went, okay? It's our secret," he reminded.

The toddler nodded and hugged her father's neck as they exited the room.

Name: Catalina Trastámara

Age: 3 years old

Sex: Female

Height: N/A

Weight: N/A

Blood Pressure: N/A

Consent from subject's guardian: Approved

Vaccine dosage: N/A

Vaccine side effects: none so far

Vaccine effectiveness: Yet to be determined though the subject has shown immunity to the virus when exposed to a very small dosage of it.

Examiner's Note: The subject's immunity seems to have developed significantly after being given the latest vaccine. It's not perfect but it's better than the last one which was given to the subject's older siblings. Further examination needed.

Catalina shuffled the papers. Rereading everything again. She's known for years that her father had her and her siblings vaccinated against the virus that brought over the End but only her records were left in the laboratory. She couldn't find anything about her older siblings.

The letter her father penned to her stated that the vaccine given to her was the updated one and far more effective but she wasn't sure of that and she's not willing to get herself bitten by an Infected to find out.

Sure the numbers had dwindled significantly over the years but it's better to be on the cautious side.

"Lina, we found more in the other room."

Catalina puts the papers back in the folder where she found them and safely put them away in her backpack. One of her teammates and vice captain, Anne Boleyn, walked over to her and handed her more papers. Catalina quickly skims them over. Then she noticed something about them.

"These are…these are documents for developing the vaccine," she said. Quite surprised that they've found it already.

"Yep. It states the components and process needed to make the vaccine," Anne said. A smile on her lips.

Catalina couldn't help but get emotional. After years of searching for her father's headquarters, they finally found the very thing that can make the world right again.

The world can finally heal and humanity can start over again.

"This is exactly what we came here for and we've got it. Let's head back and give this to Bella," she said. Putting it in a secure folder and tucking it in her backpack. Her old friend, Pancho, strapped snuggly to it.

"I'll gather the others so we can leave. Let's meet up outside," Anne said and left to go find the others.

Catalina decided to do a bit more investigating. She exits the lab and makes the long trip up the flight of stairs. She wanted to see her father's office. To see if she could still remember what it looked like the last time she's been there. She finally reached the executive floor and she had to catch her breath for a minute after climbing up several flights.

"Really wish the elevators were working," she mutters to herself before exiting the fire escape and entering the floor.

It wasn't hard to locate Fernando's office. It was easily the one with the large double doors bearing the Trastámara family crest.

"Bella did say that papá was always extra."

She pushed the old door open and inside was a time capsule. Except for the thick layer of dust, and a bit of decay, everything was exactly the same. As if her father hadn't died at all. Catalina enters the office and looks around. She remembers visiting this office with her mother and older siblings. She remembers playing on the carpet with her beloved Pancho and sitting on her father's lap while he worked. Letting her press the enter key or the space bar from time to time.

Catalina walked over to the executive desk and used a discarded paper to wipe off the layer of dust. She traced the wood until she felt the small, barely visible carvings on the wooden surface. She smiles to herself as the memory of her swiping her father's keys and using them to carve out her name on the wooden desk. Fernando scolded her for damaging his very expensive desk but he never did replace it.

"I think he would've framed it if he had the chance," Catalina said to herself. Chuckling softly.

Something else on the desk catches her eye. It was several small framed photos. She reached out for one and wiping away the dust on the glass revealed a family photo.

Catalina immediately recognized herself as the little toddler in the photo. Bearing a wide and happy grin at the camera with Pancho clutched in her arms as she sat on her father's lap. She recognized her older siblings as well. Juan and Juana sitting next to each other and the twins, Maria and Marion, sitting on their mother's lap. Their oldest sister, Isabella, sat between their parents. Happy smiles all on their faces.

Those were the days.

She looked towards the other framed photos and wiped the dust off each one. Her father kept framed photos of her, her older siblings, and his wedding portrait with their mother. She noticed that the wedding photo had the most elaborate frame out of all the photos. The frame seemed to be made of real gold. Worthy of such a powerful couple at the time.

"I never knew you personally, papá. I only had the memories of you in my early childhood as well as Bella's stories about you. I wished I knew more," Catalina said. Staring at her father in the wedding photo.

She grabbed all of the framed photos and put them in her bag. She also grabs an expensive-looking pen from one of the drawers that bore her father's signature on the cap. Making sure they're secured in her bag before sling it over her shoulder. She heads to the door of the office to leave but before she exits, she looks back and says, "Adios, padre. Te querio." She exited the office and closed the door behind her.

"So what took you so long in there, Lina?" Anna asked as she sat in the truck's passenger seat. Right next to Kat, who was driving.

"I went to my father's old office," Catalina answered as she sat next to Jane.

"Found anything useful?" Cathy asked as she read through the other papers that they had found. Making mental notes that she'll transfer to her notepad once they arrive home.

"Well…I found some old photos of me and my family plus his favorite pen."

"I'm sure your siblings would love to see those, darling. Especially Bella," Jane said. Smiling at her girlfriend and placing a hand on her knee. Catalina smiled gratefully at her.

"It's strange, really," Anne said. "We all grew up in a dying world, trying to revive it without even knowing what it used to be before the End.

"Yeah. We're making all this effort and yet we didn't grow up in a normal setting like our parents did. We only have their stories as a basis," Kat agreed with her cousin.

"And foggy memories," Catalina added.

Anne looked over to their team leader and a question popped up in her mind.

"What was your family's story, Lina? Before the End," she asked. Voicing the question.

"Me? Well for starters, I remember my family being rich. Like living in a large mansion and such. Both my parents run their own successful and well known companies. In fact, I remember that my parents were about to head to work when the End happened," Catalina recalled. Still remembering that very day like it was yesterday. She even remembered her breakfast that she had that morning. Fried egg sandwich with mayonnaise, cheese and the bread toasted perfectly. Pairing it up with a cold glass of her favorite mango juice.

A fitting last supper for a child her age at the time.

"Same thing with my parents. They came from rich families in Germany though I was told that they were disowned when they had my sister, Sibylle," Anna contributed.

"I remember your parents telling my madre that they were just about to finish university when the End happened," Catalina added.

"I was told that my family was mildly rich back in France. Like not millionaires per se but we can afford a couple of fancy cars, private schools and things like that," Anne said. She still remembered France a bit but not that much. All she knew was that she was quite fluent in the language despite not remembering living there as much.

"My mum wouldn't say anything about our family so I don't even know who my dad was or if I had older siblings or not. I just know that she was, and is, a midwife," Kat said. She remembers her mother would have this sad look on her face whenever Kat would ask about her father or possible siblings. She decided to drop it after Joyce had snapped at her to stop asking about it.

"I recall my madre finding your mum at a petrol station convenience store while we were on the road to escape the herd," Catalina commented.

"Oh yeah. She told me about that one plus the dog bite that was mistaken as an Infected bite incident."

"I was told my family was like upper middle class. My dad used to be a police chief in London and my mum recently graduated with a nursing degree before the End," Cathy said. Not really remembering about London much since she was just a baby and she and her parents had already gone to Spain for a vacation when the End happened.

"Liz only told me what she remembered about our family home. Not much about our family in general. I knew I had many siblings and that we used to live on a ranch with horses and such. Though she often tells me stories about the man that took us in at the peak of the End," Jane said. She vaguely remembers Gonzalo but she knew him enough from the stories Liz tells about him as she was growing up.

"You mean my godfather?" Catalina asked.

"Yes. I think his name was Gonzalo, right?"

She smiled and nodded. She doesn't remember her padrino quite well but her older sibling's stories about him makes her think that he was truly a kind man who was harshly taken away from this world.

"I've heard about the story of your uncle, Lina. The first leader of Camp Zaragoza. Was he really a murderous psychopath?" Anna asked.

"He was my half uncle. And yes. Bella told me all about what he did to my family. Especially my madre," Catalina said.

"Eesh. Thank god my family came later long after he died," Anne said.

"Thank god we were too young to know and experience his tyranny," Cathy added.

Catalina was silent for a moment. Then she said, "he killed my grandmother, my grandfather, my godfather, and tortured my mother and sister."

"Oh…sorry," Cathy quickly apologized.

Catalina shook her head. "No. It's okay. It was all in the past. Though I still remember my mother having really bad nightmares after. She would come to my room and lay next to me and would cry herself to sleep," she said.

"Oh my god…," Kat muttered.

"I'm so sorry, Lina," Jane said.

"Sometimes I wish I could have done something back then to make her feel better…"

"Well, if it helps, you found the formula that could make the world better again," Anne said.

Catalina looked at her and nodded gratefully.

"Yeah."

The group arrived back at the main camp and the gates opened to let them in.

"Glad you all came back safe," Sibylle said as she approached her sister and her group. She and Anna shared a hug and gave each other pats on the back.

"You bet we did. Not much Infected roaming around these days anyways," Anna said.

"And just in time for mutter's birthday too," Sibylle said.

"Oh that's right! Kätzchen, let's stop by your mum's place first before going to mutter, ja?" Kat smiled at her girlfriend and nodded. "Sure!" she said.

"I'm going to Bella's office to deliver the goods. Cariño, can you do me a favor and look for my other siblings? Tell them to go to Bella's office once you find them, Catalina said.

Jane smiled. "Of course, darling. I'll be sure to do that before I pick up Eddie," she said.

The leader of the group smiled gratefully then left for her oldest sister's office.

"Welcome back. How was your expedition?" Isabella asked as her youngest sister entered her office.

"See for yourself," Catalina said and placed the folders on the desk in front of her eldest sister.

Isabella and her wife, Liz, looked through the papers. Then the two shared shocked expressions when they realized that what they were holding was the bible of the very vaccine they've been looking for.

"Oh my god…this is actually the formula!" Liz exclaimed.

"It's probably outdated by now but it's enough of a basis to use to create our own stronger vaccine!" Isabella said.

"Great job, Catalina! I'll bring this to the lab immediately!" Liz said. Gathering the papers and hurrying out.

Isabella smiled at her sister and hugged her. "This is a great start to making things right again! Muchas gracias, Catalina," she said. Catalina smiled and hugged her back then pulled away. "I actually found something else there too," she said. Grabbing her bag and rummaging through it.

"What else have you found?" her sister asked.

The youngest of the Trastámara children laid out the framed photos one by one on her sister's desk. Isabella looked at them. Her tears welling up with each photo she sees. She started to sob quietly when her eyes laid upon their parents' wedding photo.

"I found these in the papá's office. It was still the same as I remember it. Only a bit dusty," she said.

Isabella picked up their framed family photo and looked at it. Smiling sadly at the happy faces of her family.

"I miss those days. Those days where all I worried about was what university I should attend after graduation. I often wished I went to Madrid University like mamá and papá did," she lamented.

"You never told me. What really happened to papá," Catalina said. Looking at Isabella.

The older of the two wiped her tears away and looked down. She carefully placed the framed photo of their parents on her desk. Moving it next to hers and Liz's own wedding photo.

"Papá was bitten by an Infected. He had died and came back as an Infected and attacked mamá. Mamá had no choice but to shoot him," she recounted. Still slightly bitter at her mother for keeping this fact a secret.

"And mamá hid that fact for a long time?" Catalina asked.

Isabella nodded. "She did. I was mad at her for lying to me but…later on I realized she did it to keep us together to survive. Lord knows what would have happened if she had told me that she shot papá. I would have left with you all in my car and…probably not survive that long," she said.

"The herd would have mostly gotten to us."

Isabella nodded. "It was mamá plans that got us through those hellish and dangerous months when the herd reached Campamento Zaragoza," she said.

She remembered it as if it was only yesterday. They had finished the fortifications of the walls and secured every inch of the territory. The herd had arrived some days after they had finished and everyone lived in fear for several months. No one could go out to scavenge. They were all trapped inside behind tall walls and had to rely heavily on their existing resources. They even considered opening fire on the herd but wasting ammo was not a viable option. Isabella had to do her best in keeping everyone calm during those months and wisely ration their resources. Thankfully, their crops survived through the months. The herd itself died out slowly as the Infected rotted away until there were only bones left. The strong stench of rot caused a lot of people to be sick and the leadership council needed to have oxygen masks made for the people. Especially those vulnerable.

"What I hated during those months was the stench. I probably threw up every day during that time and got sick often," Catalina said. A look of disgust on her face as she remembered the memory of her youth during those times.

"Well hey at least you got through it," Isabella pointed out.

"Yeah but I probably lost my sense of smell for a long while after."

Isabella chuckled. She reached up to ruffle her sister's hair but Catalina nimbly ducked away and stuck her tongue out at her.

"You're so childish, Catalina," she said. Grabbing her by the shoulders and rubbing her knuckles against her head.

"Ah! Bella no!" The youngest cried. Struggling to get out of her sister's grip.

Isabella laughs and finally releases her. Catalina pouted as she fixed her hair. "And you say I'm childish," she retorts.

"We all are in a way. It's nice to act childish once in awhile," the older of the two said. Catalina smiled and nodded in agreement.

A knock on the door broke the brief silence the sisters shared.

"Come in." Isabella called. Going behind the desk and sitting down. Business as usual. The doors opened and Juan peeked in. "You called for us, Bella?" their brother asked. Entering the office with the rest of their siblings behind him. Isabella frowns in confusion.

"No I didn't," she said.

"Actually, I did. I had Jane call you and the others up here," Catalina said. Her older siblings looked at her in surprise.

"What for, Lina?" Maria asked. Standing next to her twin.

"I wanted to show you what I found in papá's office," she said.

This immediately got their attention and they crowded around the table. Looking at the photos of their family.

"Oh my god…I never thought we'd see these again," Marion said as they looked at the framed family photo. It was the last one they took before the End happened.

"And papá kept all of these in his office…," Juana whispered. Tracing the features of her younger self.

"Wow…I…I'm starting to get emotional…," Juan said. His voice cracked a bit.

"It was quite emotional for me too. Being in his office earlier. It was still the same as I remembered it. Like he never left," Catalina said.

The siblings had an emotional moment together. Huddled in a large group hug and reminiscing the years of innocence that were harshly taken away from them when the End occurred.

"I love you guys. I couldn't imagine a life without any of you. Even though you guys drive me up the wall sometimes," Isabella said. Earning her a laugh from her younger siblings.

"You'd probably be a spoiled only child without us," Marion quipped.

"Yeah but I ended up spoiling you guys instead," his oldest sister said.

"Such is the life of the oldest child," Maria remarked.

"Here here!" Juan said. The siblings shared another laugh.

The six of them stayed in Isabella's office for awhile. Just talking and reminiscing the past years they've had together.

"Mamá really did everything to give us the life she would have wanted. Even at her expense," Marion said. Their siblings nodded in agreement.

"We wouldn't have made it this far without her," Juana said.

"Yeah," Maria said.

"Speaking of mamá, I should get going. I haven't seen my children yet since I came back here after arriving back," Catalina said. Grabbing her bag and packing the framed photos in it.

"You're going to the farmhouse after?" Juan asked.

"Yep. I'm taking a well deserved vacation after the expedition," the youngest said. Slinging her backpack over her shoulder.

"Alright then. I'll just communicate the reports to Anne," Isabella said.

"Thanks Bella. I'll see you all in a week."

"See ya!"

Catalina arrived at the day care and got out of her truck. She was about to head inside when someone called out to her.

"Catalina!"

She turns and smiles when she sees Joyce heading towards her.

"Hola, señora," she greets. "Looking for Kitty?"

"Oh I already met up with Katherine earlier. She and Anna are currently headed to the hospital to surprise Mari," Joyce said.

"Oh that's right! Today's her birthday, right?"

Joyce smiled and nodded. "I think they'll be holding a party later. Anyways, I wanted to ask you a favor and it's okay if you refuse," she said.

"We'll see then. Fire away," Catalina said.

"Do you still remember the petrol station where your mother found me?" Joyce asked.

"Somewhat. I think we pass by that particular station a few times during our expeditions. Why?" Catalina asked.

"Well on your next expedition, I was wondering if you could stop by the museum near that petrol station and take Katherine there. That's where I…I lost my family," she sadly explained.

"Oh. I see. Well, I'll be sure to make a short pitstop there for Kitty." Joyce smiled gratefully.

"Thank you, Catalina. Katherine's been asking about my family for years and I feel bad for keeping it away from her. She deserves to know. Hopefully their belongings are still there."

Catalina nodded in understanding. Kitty has told the group many times how she'd want to know about her own family but her mother was still grieving them after all these years.

"I'm heading off to Girona later. I'll stop by and check if I find myself down that path," Catalina reassured.

"Thank you again. I'll see you around, Catalina," Joyce said.

"De nada, señora."

Joyce gave her a small hug before heading off on her way again. Catalina watched her go with a sympathetic smile. From what Isabella had told her, Joyce was the only survivor of her family when they found her. So it was understandable why she's still grieving and refused to tell Kitty anything about them.

She made a mental note to herself to stop by that particular petrol station sometime.

"Mama!"

As soon as she comes in, she grins and opens her arms to catch her children as they tackle her in a group hug. Ten year old Hal, seven year old Mary, and four year old Lillia all laughed happily as they piled on their mother.

"You're back!" Mary said.

"Yes I am! I just got back earlier. Have you three been good while I was gone?" their mother asked.

"Sí! We missed you though," Hal said.

"Miss you so much!" Lillia added.

"Oh I missed you too, mi niños!" Catalina said. Pulling her children closer. Then she looked at the three of them with a small frown.

"Did your father come and visit you while I was gone?" she asked.

As she expected, all three of her little ones shook their heads with sad faces. Their father was notorious in making empty promises after all.

"Of course he didn't. He's probably with his latest side fling of the week," Catalina mumbled.

"Welcome back, Lina! Glad you guys made it safe," Kath said. Walking over to them with a smile on her face. Catalina smiled back as she stood up.

"Hola, Kath. Thank you for looking after my little rascals here," she said.

"No problem! They behaved as usual so it was no trouble at all," Kath said.

"Did your brother visit them at least once?" Kath shook her head.

"Nope. He didn't even visit Elizabeth and Edward. But what did you expect from my useless brother?"

"Nothing. There was nothing to expect from him. Though it's probably for the best that their father isn't in their lives to influence them. Well we better get going. Thank you again, Kath!"

Kath smiled and nodded. Catalina took her children out of the nursery and got them in her truck.

"Can we go to the farm today, mama?" Mary asked.

"Yeah! We go swimming!" Lillia said.

"We are going there, niños. We'll be staying there for a week," Catalina said. Getting in the driver's seat.

"Yay!" the three cheered. They loved going to the farm. Especially when it was close to the beach and they could all go swimming, fishing and go dig in the sand to hunt for crabs for dinner.

"Let's stop by the house first to pack up," their mother said and drove off to their humble home.

To her surprise, Jane was already there when they arrived and had already packed their things for them.

"Cariño? When did you get here?" Catalina asked. Urging her children to their rooms to get their bags. The blonde smiled at her and said, "I heard you're going to stay in Girona for a week so I thought I'd pack your bags in advance and house sit for you while you're gone."

Catalina chuckled and gave her a swift kiss. "You somehow always know things in advance," she commented.

"It's a talent," Jane said. Cuddling close to her girlfriend.

The couple stood in silence for awhile, just holding each other close. Catalina broke the silence first.

"Jane."

"Hm?"

"What do you think about moving in together?"

Jane looked up at Catalina with a happy grin. "I would love to move in with you!" she happily said.

Catalina grins back and the two share a loving kiss. "The move will be easy since the children already get along quite well. Why don't you and Eddie move in completely once we get back from Girona?"

The blonde nodded. "I would love that!" she said. The Spanish woman smiled again and gave her another kiss.

Things really are starting to turn out for the better.

Catalina parked her truck in front of the old farmhouse and got out. She helped her little ones down from the vehicle and they walked up to the front door. She unlocked it with her key and went in. Hal, Mary, and Lillia immediately rush upstairs to get to their rooms and unpack.

Meanwhile, their mother went to the living room and towards the homemade altar. She pulls out the framed photos from her bag and carefully places them there.

"I didn't hear you come in."

Catalina smiled. "I didn't want to wake you and I'd thought I'd surprise you," she said. Turning around to face her mother.

Isabel smiled as she hobbled over her youngest. Leaning heavily on her husband's old cane. The left sleeve of her shirt was dangling about with each step. Catalina went over to her mother and hugged her.

"The little ones woke me with their excited chatter, but you still managed to surprise me. How was the expedition?" she asked. Pulling away and turning towards the altar. Her eyes widened at the sight of the framed photos. She let go of the cane in favor of reaching out to one of the photos, her wedding photo, and taking it in her hand.

"H-How did you…?"

"We found the formula for the vaccine but I also found these in papá's old office. It was untouched all these years," Catalina said. Going around and picking up the dropped cane.

"Oh Fernando. Mi amor. You were always the sentimental one out of the both of us," Isabel muttered as her thumb gently traced over her late husband's features on the photo.

"I can take you there sometime. See his office and all," Catalina offered.

Her mother shook her head. "The past has passed. I buried your padre a long time ago in our old home. It wasn't a proper grave per se but he would've wanted it if there were no other available options," she said. Gently setting the photo down.

"Mamá…the others and I are planning on traveling home next month and we'd like you to come with us," Catalina said.

Isabel looked at her daughter in confusion. "Traveling home?" she asked. Her youngest daughter nodded in confirmation.

"Sí. Back home to the mansion. Pick up some old things we left there for sentimentality. Maybe even pay our respects to padre."

Isabel thought for a moment. Going back home after all these years sounded great but she's not sure if she's ready to go back yet.

"I'm not so sure, mija. It's been some decades since we left the mansion," she said.

"I know but it'll be nice if you'd come with us."

"I'll…I'll think about it, mija. I'll be sure to give my decision when the time is right."

Catalina gave her mother a small smile before handing her the old cane back. Isabel quietly thanked her. Taking the cane and leaning against it for support.

"Let's go sit and talk. I haven't seen you in weeks," she said. Hobbling over to the couch. Catalina followed right behind.

Isabel carefully lowered herself to sit on the couch with a slight groan. Her daughter went to help her but she waved her off and sat down heavily with a sigh.

"You're having trouble sitting again. Maybe you should go to the camp to get your back checked," Catalina suggested. Sitting next to her mother.

Isabel shook her head. "No. I don't want to," she said.

"But why? The doctors can help you."

"Ever since I got bit by an Infected years ago, a bit of the virus is still in me. Even after I had to cut a part of my arm off entirely. There's no cure for me, Catalina. I just have to live with it."

Catalina couldn't help but look at the stump of an arm her mother has. She could still recall that very day. Her mother had stumbled back in camp with her entire forearm cut off. She was pale, bleeding heavily, and a bit of bone was sticking out through the open wound. The hasty patchwork she did on the stump is probably what saved her just in time. She got to drive back long enough before she could pass out from blood loss and got her severe injury treated just in time.

"What was it like? Cutting your own arm off?" Catalina asked. She's been curious since the incident but didn't have the courage to ask.

Isabel lets out a chuckle. "Why? Planning on cutting a certain body part of yours in case of an Infected bite?" she joked. Her daughter chuckled as well.

"Maybe when I'm desperate enough. Right now, I'm just curious. What was going through your head that time? What made you do it in the end?" Catalina asked. Isabel grew serious and looked down at arm. Glaring at it.

"Mamá?"

"I thought of you."

Catalina was surprised at the answer. "Me?" she asked. Pointing at herself. Her mother nodded in affirmation.

"Yes you. You and your siblings are what made me do it," Isabel said. "I realized that Bella couldn't take care of you all by herself if I was gone. Plus, I knew they would make her my replacement when she wasn't even ready yet. It was hard enough without your papá but without me…she, as well as the rest of you, wouldn't be able to have the life you have now."

Catalina nodded. It does make sense. Even though Isabella was eighteen at the time, she's still somewhat of a child herself. Needing guidance to get through adult life. So sacrificing a part of an arm was a small sacrifice in order for Isabel to live and be the guide her daughter needed. The youngest Trastámara was snapped out of her thoughts when her mother suddenly chuckled again.

"Care to share what made you giggle like a niña?" Catalina asked. Playfully raising an eyebrow at her mother.

"I just realized that cutting my own arm at a church altar made it look like I was offering a blood sacrifice to the Lord. Though in a way, it is somewhat like that. I was praying for God to save me and have mercy on me while screaming in pain," she casually said.

Catalina looked at her mother with a horrified expression. The mental image of her mother severing her own arm off made her a bit disturbed and nauseous. "Lo siento, mija. I didn't think that the image would be disturbing to you," Isabel apologized after noticing her daughter going a bit pale.

"Mamá…why? Why not try another way?" her daughter asked.

"I was scared and desperate. I was alone with an Infected bite on my arm and a blade. I wanted to live and, by God's will, I will live. For the sake of the only family that I have left," Isabel said. She pulled the old blade out from the cane. She could still see the part that she used to cut off her arm. The sharp edge chipped when she got to the bone of her forearm. Catalina placed her hand over her mother's and gently pushed the blade back in the cane. Isabel sighs and sits back on the couch. The youngest child looked at her in worry.

"Can I tell you a secret?" she asked. Catalina paused for a second before nodding. "Go ahead."

"Promise me you won't tell any of your siblings. Especially your hermana."

"Okay."

Isabel closed her eyes briefly, took a deep breath to gather her courage and faced her youngest fully.

"I've been feeling bouts of severe pain in my arm since the bite and had some sort of addiction to painkillers," she said. Placing a gentle hand on her amputated arm. Catalina looked at her in shock.

"Mamá! Why didn't you–" she exclaimed.

Isabel held up a hand to cut her off from saying more. "I didn't want you all to worry. So I kept it to myself and smuggled small doses of painkillers from the medical inventory during weekly counting to bear with the pain and show that I was fine," she explained.

"But mamá, keeping such a large secret from me? From the others? We could have helped you!" Catalina said.

"That's the problem. You couldn't," Isabel said. Her daughter looked at her in shock. "Not even I couldn't help myself. I tried other methods. Trust me, I did but the pain was unbearable and pills were the only temporary solution. I didn't want you all wasting your time worrying over something you can't fix instead of focusing on your own lives. So I decided to keep it all to myself and let my children live their lives with no worries or distractions. Especially from their madre."

Catalina had tears streaming down her face. Her mother had been feeling excruciating pain for years and she couldn't do anything about it. She felt somewhat betrayed. Isabel smiled reassuringly and wiped the tears with her thumb before pulling Catalina close to kiss her forehead.

"I'm happy I kept it from you. I didn't want you all to worry about me. Especially when you were still growing into people you wanted to be," she said. Pausing a bit to collect herself as she was fighting back her own tears. After a few deep breaths, she continues, "I never really had a childhood. My mamãe, your avó, had early onset dementia and I had to take care of her when your abuelo Chacón wasn't present. At the same time, I was studying and taking care of my younger brother as well since he was still a child and mamãe couldn't really take care of him. I didn't want you all to go through that. You deserve better."

"Mamá, we could've found a way to help you! Don't you trust us?" Catalina asked. Sobbing once more. It truly hurt her to learn that her mother was suffering for their sake. Isabel smiles at her daughter again.

"I do. I trust you all but there's just some things that a mother has to keep in the dark to protect her children. While I had no regrets in taking care of your avó, I still longed for the childhood I never had," she said.

Catalina couldn't take it anymore. She pulls her mother in her arms and hugs her tightly. Isabel wrapped her one good arm around her daughter and gently rubbed circles in her back to comfort her while Catalina cried on her shoulder.

The mother and daughter stayed like that for a good while. Only pulling away after Catalina had run out of tears to cry. She wiped away the tears as she recomposed herself while her mother sat back against the back of the old couch.

"I would like to be buried at home. Next to your padre," Isabel suddenly said. A longing smile on her face.

Catalina looked at her mother in confusion. "You're saying that as if you're dying," she said lightheartedly. Laughing a little in hopes that her mother was just joking.

Unfortunately for her, Isabel didn't laugh but the smile remained.

"I am."

"Mamá don't say that. I get that you're old but you're–"

"I'm dying, Catalina. I went to Campamento Zaragoza last week to get my daily check up and the results weren't good this time around. The doctor said that the virus from the Infected bite had mutated into cancer and I have about a year left to live if I'm lucky enough."

Catalina looked shocked at this. Her mother was dying and she only had a year of her life left.

"Mamá, there's still time. We can have you treated. We got the formula for the vaccine. We can cure it!" she desperately rambled on.

Isabel simply shook her head.

"No. I don't want any treatment. I am old and I'm tired. I want to live out my last remaining days with my family and not be stuck in a hospital bed. Please understand my wishes, mija. Now that you and your siblings have your own lives with your own families, I can finally stop trying to survive and just rest with your padre," she said.

Catalina felt hopeless. Her mother was dying and she couldn't do anything about it. "What do you want me to do? What do you want us to do?" she asked.

"Mija, don't stress yourself too much. I'll tell you and your siblings what I want you to do in due time. Let's just focus on right now. Okay?"

Catalina furiously wiped away the stray tears and nodded. "Okay." Isabel smiled at her daughter and kissed her forehead once more. They can worry about the future later, right now is what's important for the both of them.

"Gracias, Catalina. Now, tell me all about your expedition."

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blackdiamondwrites127 · 3 years ago

Text

Lost Stars in the Night

The following characters belong to:

Isabella I of Castile, Ferdinand II of Aragon, and Juan Trastámara: @weirdbutdecentart

Isabella Trastámara: @lexartsstuff

Marion Trastámara and Elizabeth 'Liz' Seymour: @vanessaseymour

Juana 'la loca' de Castile: @ellielovesdrawing

Maria Trastámara, Maria of Jülich-Berg, and Sibylle of Cleves: Yours truly

Characters (Description and characters change with each chapter):

Isabel Trastámara - Age thirty eight years old, widow of Fernando and has six children. She is currently the acting leader of the group though she's unsure how long she'll be holding that title.

Isabella Trastámara - Age eighteen years old and she is the oldest child of Isabel. Her current priority is the safety of her family.

Juana Trastámara - Age nine years old and is the third child of Isabel. Looks up to Juan for comfort and reassurance. She is a little nervous about the new place and new people though she appreciates the sense of normalcy again.

Johann La Marck - Age twenty one years old. Readily does as he is told as long as it’s not to the detriment of his family. He is a proud father of two daughters.

Jocasta ‘Joyce’ Howard - Age twenty nine years old and currently a couple months along in her pregnancy.

Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Seymour - Age eighteen years old and one of the two survivors of the Seymour family. Currently serving as a patrol officer and vice captain of Campamento Zaragoza under Gonzalo Fernández's unit. She’s quite amused by Isabella's attempt to woo her.

Gonzalo Fernández - Age thirty six years old, widow of Luisa and had two children. He is currently the captain of his border patrol unit in Campamento Zaragoza and is the standing guardian for Liz and Jane.

Enrique Castro - Age sixty four years old and married to Joana Castro. He is Isabel’s older half brother and the founder and leader of Campamento Zaragoza.

Joana Castro - Age fifty years old and married to Enrique Castro. She manages the agriculture and the food supply of Campamento Zaragoza.

Gonzalo Chacón - Age sixty three years old. Isabel’s godfather and caretaker of her mother. He’s considered as Enrique’s advisor when it comes to making decisions for the camp.

Avarice James - Age thirty eight years old and married to Lilith James. One of the caretakers of the children in the nursery of Campamento Zaragoza.

Thomas Parr - Age thirty years old and engaged to Maud Greene. He and his fiance, Maud, came to Spain for an engagement vacation when The End happened. He is currently the head of Campamento Zaragoza’s security force.

(Before you proceed, be warned It's the story contains graphic descriptions of violence, blood, gore, death. Please proceed with caution)

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Chapter Seven: A Sense of Normalcy

"Everything's here. They didn't take anything at all. Not even a single bandaid."

"Everything except our weapons," Isabel mumbled. Closing the door to her room.

During their stay at Campamento Zaragoza, they were given a five-bedroom, two-bathroom, two-story house to live in. It was a nice location. There's enough room for five people, seven kids, and a newborn baby. Their vehicles had already been parked in the property's driveway, and their belongings had been brought inside.

They concluded that everything was present except their weapons after conducting a triple inventory check.

"Will they give them back?" Isabella asked.

"I sort of doubt it. They don't trust us fully yet," said Joyce, "it's always like this in those zombie movies."

"I'll talk to Gonzalo about this and see if we can get our weapons back," Isabel said.

"What do we do for now?" Joyce asked.

"Ich gehe ins Krankenhaus, um Mari zu besuchen," Johann said.

"He said he's going to go visit Mari in the hospital," Isabella translated.

"I'll go with him. See how she's doing and if there's a slot for me in the hospital," Joyce volunteered.

"Good. Isabella, can you go to the nursery and check up on your siblings? I'm going to Enrique's office to talk," Isabel said.

Her daughter agreed to her request with a nod. They then left the house to go do their own thing. Isabella walked over to the nursery, which was only across the street. A kind driver agreed to give Johann and Joyce a lift to the hospital in a cart.

Isabel was left standing outside.

"I just realized Joana never gave me any directions to Enrique's office," she muttered to herself.

"Hey you!"

She turns around to see who had called her. A man approached her and he was wearing the same bullet proof vest that Gonzalo and his team were wearing. He was wearing a walkie-talkie on his belt, as well as a pistol and an automatic rifle on his back.

"Are you Isabel? Enrique's sister?" he asked.

"Half sister but yes. Did he send you?" she asked and he nodded in confirmation.

"My name is Thomas Parr. I'm the head of security in Camp Zaragoza. Follow me," the man, Thomas, said.

Isabel goes to follow him. Along the way, they made small talk to pass the time.

"Are you really Isabel Trastámara? The owner of a big construction company?" Thomas asked. Isabel couldn't help but smile with pride.

"Sí. That is me," she said.

"I've read business articles about you and even watched an interview of yours when you came to London for a business convention," he said.

"Those were the days. It's hard to think that it's only been several months since the world ended," she said. Thomas nodded in agreement.

"What about you? What were you before The End happened?" Isabel asked.

"I was a police officer in London. I came to Spain with my girlfriend and our baby to propose to her. You can guess how that went," he said.

"I'm so sorry about that," she said. He shook his head in dismissal.

"It's alright. What's important is that they're safe now. Camp Zaragoza is the perfect community to raise a family in," he said.

Isabel frowns in thought. Campamento Zaragoza appears to be perfect, but she knows that everything that appears to be flawless conceals flaws and cracks beneath the surface. Her half-brother is a narcissist and a notorious hothead. She's curious about how he interacts with his people.

"May I ask you a question?" she asked.

"Go ahead."

"What's Enrique like as a leader?"

He appeared to ponder the question for some time. Perhaps he's trying to come up with the appropriate words to characterize his leader. Isabel had expected this in-depth consideration of her question.

"Well...at first he was aggressive. Declaring himself as the leader of our, then small, group and taking charge of everything and everyone," he started. Carefully watching Isabel's reaction. Her expression remained neutral so he continued. "But when Chacón, Gonzalo, and the other members of his advising team, me included, he started to mellow out a bit. He has these people who help him make rational decisions and reel him back when he starts getting aggressive."

Isabel remembered that Gonzalo had quickly drew Enrique back and talked him down from his rage at the old gym showers. Gonzalo and her godfather appear to have more power in this society than she had assumed. She could utilize this to her advantage in learning more about the community's inner workings.

"Here we are," Thomas said as they arrived at the old municipal hall.

"Zaragoza's municipal hall?" she asked as they entered the former government building.

"Yep. It makes sense that it'd be the leadership council's headquarters," he said.

They climbed up the steps that led to the mayor's office where Isabel presumed would be Enrique's office. Thomas told her to wait and knocked on the door first.

"Come in!" Enrique called from the other side of the door.

The head of security enters first. Closing the door behind him. Isabel waited outside while Thomas spoke to Enrique. A few minutes later, she was allowed inside the office. She immediately noticed three other people inside aside from her half brother and Thomas. Gonzalo, her godfather Chacón, and Joana.

"Bienvenida hermana, I hope you and your group are settling in well," Enrique said.

"We're settling just fine. Gracias for the shelter," Isabel said. Walking over to the large desk that used to belong to the mayor of Zaragoza.

Now it belongs to Enrique.

"Good, good. Now, I would like to introduce you to the leadership council but I'm well aware that you've been fully acquainted with each one," he said.

"Quite. Some more than others," she said. Sending Joana a sharp gaze. She glares back at her in response.

"Which will be very essential given what we'll be discussing about. Members of the leadership council, there is a large herd of Infected heading our way," Enrique announced.

Joana, Chacón, and Thomas all reacted to the news in the same way. Exclaiming in disbelief and demanding over and over how Enrique knew this. To silence them, he raises his hand.

"Mi querida hermana here has graciously informed me about this herd and she's here to help us prepare for the inevitable," he said. Gesturing to Isabel.

"Enrique, how are you so sure that she's not lying about this herd?" Joana asked her husband.

"Give me one good reason why I would lie about something I'm running away from for over a month now?" Isabel challenged. Glaring at Joana.

"Stealing my husband's position like you've done before with Castile Corp!" Joana said. Marching up to Isabel and angrily getting in her face as she poked an accusatory finger at her.

"I have no desire to take your husband's place! My focus is solely on my family and my group!" Isabel jabs back.

Gonzalo looked across to Enrique to see if he would intervene on behalf of his wife and half-sister, but he just smirked as he watched the women squabble. He sighs and walks over to separate the two women before a full-fledged brawl ensues. Joana is grabbed by the shoulder and pulled away from Isabel, who he stands in front of.

"Enough! Real or not, it is best that we prepare, so I suggest we stop arguing and start discussing what to do," he said.

"You reel in that bitch of yours, Gonzalo or there will be consequences," Joana threatened.

"¡Maldita perra!" Isabel spats back.

"That's enough!" Enrique said. Standing up from his chair. "Querida esposa, will you please shut the fuck up for once!" he snaps. Slamming his fist on the desk. His wife immediately shuts up and falls back. Looking down at her feet.

This annoys Isabel, who growls angrily. Since she's known him, her half brother has been a misogynistic, controlling narcissist. Sure, she despises Joana, but she pities the woman for being married to Enrique.

"Alright, let's get down to business shall we? Joana, the map," Enrique orders. Snapping his fingers at his wife.

Joana swiftly pulls the official map of Zaragoza from one of the filing cabinets. She hands it to her husband, who accepts it and lays it out on the desk without thanking her. Isabel examined the map more closely and spotted numerous markings on it with various colored markers.

"Now here is where our walls are. The walls are made of any material we could scavenge. Roof paneling, wood, scrap metal, anything," Enrique said. Pointing at the red lines surrounding the borders of Zaragoza.

"The walls can hold back maybe a small group of infected but not a herd of thousands. We need to build an actual reinforced fortress," Isabel said.

"And how are we going to do that exactly without proper tools and materials?" Thomas asks her.

Isabel examines the map carefully then a certain area caught her eye. She points at it.

"There's a Castile Corp. warehouse located around here if I recall correctly. We can use the materials stored there to build the walls," she said.

"Absolutely not," Enrique said. Stabbing a knife at the area his half sister pointed at. Almost stabbing her finger had she not pulled back quick enough. Isabel glares at him for this.

"And why not?" she asked. Frowning in confusion.

"That is outside the safe zone. Hence why the area is marked in black," Chacón explained.

"Then how are we going to gather materials or any supplies for that matter if you don't want to explore outside your safe zone?"

"It is outside the safe zone for a reason. There has to be another way," Enrique said.

"Enrique, the safe zone is slowly running out of supplies, I'm going to have to agree with Isabel here in going outside the safe zone to gather more. We can't just rely on it forever," Gonzalo said.

"The safe zone has kept us safe these past months and it will continue doing so. That's why it is called the safe zone!" Enrique argues.

"Enrique, have you forgotten that Gonzalo and his team go outside the walls everyday? I think it's safe to assume that he knows when the safe zone is running out of supplies or not," Chacón pointed out. Enrique glares at him.

"We have crops! If the safe zone ever runs out of supplies then we'll still have crops that can feed everyone," Joana defended.

"And what if a major drought happens? What if there's a massive winter that kills every plant life for several months? What then? Anything and everything can happen nowadays and it's best to be prepared for the nonexistent what ifs than not at all," Isabel reasoned.

"I still don't agree with going outside the safe zone," Enrique said. Staying stubborn with his decision.

"I'm sorry Enrique but I'm afraid you're outnumbered here. I agree with Gonzalo and Isabel's point. We're a growing population and the more people we have the more mouths to feed. We don't have to go outside the safe zone all at once, we can, instead, expand it slowly but surely. The more we cover, the more territory we have," Thomas proposed. Gonzalo and Chacón gave nods of approval to his idea of area integration.

"I agree with Thomas' idea. Enrique, you may have everything within these walls but over time, supplies will surely dwindle. It's the same thing that happened to our father's company and I had to venture out in order to save it from going under red ink," Isabel said. Enrique growls in annoyance at the mention of their father's company.

Castile Corp. A symbol of his failure and her success.

How he hated to be reminded of that.

"The other members of the leadership council have spoken, Enrique. What do you say?" Chacón asked.

Enrique inhaled deeply through his nose then sighs. "Bueno. I'll allow expeditions outside the safe zone. Gonzalo, I leave it up to you to make arrangements," he said.

Gonzalo nodded and said, "of course."

"Anything else?"

"Yes. We need engineers and architects. Experts who can make us blueprints and skilled workers who know how to use tools to construct the walls," Isabel said.

"Do you need a city document of approval papers too? We don't have engineers and architects anymore, Isabel or have you forgotten that?" Enrique said.

"I can ask around and see if there are former professionals among us," Thomas offered.

"There's bound to be someone with a professional background. The lives of you and your people rests upon the protection of these walls. The more efficient we are the better."

"Fine. Anything else anyone wants to add?"

Everyone looked at each other. Seeing if someone has something to suggest more.

"No. No one? Alright then, Isabel, I give you the responsibility of being my representative regarding this project. That means the members of the leadership and their teams all answer to you for the time being."

"I'll do my best," Isabel said.

"Good. Now if there's nothing else to discuss then the meeting is adjourned," Enrique said.

The others started to head out the door but Isabel was stopped by her half brother.

"Isabel, can you stay for a bit? I would like to talk to you privately," he said.

Isabel looked over at Gonzalo and he looked back at her in concern. He leans down and whispers, "I'll wait for you by the door." She nodded in agreement and he exited the office. Closing the door behind him. Having him nearby and listening gave her a bit of comfort.

Being alone with Enrique was the last thing she needed.

She turns her attention to Enrique's desk. He was tinkering about with his knife. Tossing it from one hand to the other. She wished he'd just drop the knife and injure himself.

"Yes?" she asked.

"How are you these past years? The last time I saw you was when…uh…oh when was it?" he frowns in thought as he tries to recall when he last saw Isabel.

"My wedding," Isabel answered for him.

"Right! Right. Your wedding. Look, I'm sorry about Fernando. It must be hard without a husband and a father to protect you and your children," he said.

"He died protecting our children."

"Yes. He's a good father but not a very good husband." Enrique looked at his younger half sister with a mocking smirk. He knew fully well about Fernando's infidelity.

Isabel's eye twitched a bit in annoyance. "What do you want, Enrique?" she asked.

"Nothing really. I just want to catch up with mi hermana. That's all."

"I highly doubt that's what you want to talk about."

Enrique stood up with a chuckle. He slammed his knife against the desk, which remained upright in the wood. He then walks over to Isabel, who was tense and on high alert. Keeping a close eye on him.

"How old is Isabella? Sixteen? Seventeen?" he asked.

"She's eighteen," she answered. She noticed a glint in his eyes when she answered his question.

"I see. Time flies. Quite the fine young woman she grew up to be," he said.

"She's very much independent of me. I know I can rely on her. Fernando would be so proud," she said.

"How did he die?"

Isabel looked at him suspiciously. "Who?" she asked despite knowing who he was talking about.

"Fernando. How did he die?"

"He died protecting our children."

"Oh no no no, Isabel. I mean how exactly did he die?"

Enrique looked into Isabel's eyes as he waited for her to give him an answer. She remained tight lipped and said nothing. The half siblings shared a silent staring contest. Seeing who would falter first. Enrique got his win when he said the following;

"You killed him, didn't you?"

Isabel's strong demeanor faltered and she looked away. Still refusing to say anything. Enrique, meanwhile, had a triumphant smirk on his face.

"Oh you are so easy to read, hermana," he boasted.

Isabel clenched her fists tightly and tried to restrain herself from punching him square in his annoying face.

"I had no choice. He was already Infected and was trying to attack me," she defended.

"That still doesn't excuse you from the fact that you killed your own husband," he said. She glares at him and his smirk just grows wider.

"Why do you do this, Enrique?" Isabel asked.

"Simple. I want to show you that I'm on top now and you have no choice but to answer to me."

Enrique mocks her even more by patting her like she was a mere child compared to him. She slaps his hand away from her and he just chuckles.

"You're free to go, querida hermana. It was nice talking to you," he dismissed.

Isabel quickly turned and marched out the door. Slamming it shut behind her and startling Gonzalo who was waiting for her outside.

"I take it the talk didn't go well?" he asked. Following her as she makes her way out of the municipal hall.

"I fucking hate his mind games!" she exclaims.

"I'll take that as a 'yes' then," he said.

Isabel finally managed to calm down once they were outside. She takes a deep breath and lets out a sigh. She turns to her long time childhood friend and asks, "can you give me a tour around the camp? I need to get to know the people we'd be protecting."

"Of course but it'll take us a whole day and a half if we go on foot. Do you still remember how to ride a horse?"

"Of course I do! It's one of my past times in the summer. I even got Juana into it."

Gonzalo smiles at her. "Then let's go to the stables to get you a horse," he said.

"Can we stop by the nursery first? I need to see my children," Isabel requested.

"Sure! I want to see the little ones too. I haven't seen them since last year," Gonzalo said. She chuckles at this.

"Oh believe me, they will pile on you when they see you."

"We'll see about that."

"Padrino Gonzalo!"

As soon as Juan, Juana, Maria, Marion, and Catalina saw Gonzalo, they tackled him. Isabel stood there, laughing at him, as her children piled on top of him. You could say that he's their favorite uncle because he constantly spoils them.

"Okay! Okay! Let your padrino up so he can hug you!" Gonzalo said. Laughing happily. He's very thankful that the little ones were alive and unharmed. Goes to show how well Isabel has protected and taken care of them.

"Excuse me, are you the mother of these children?" A tall blonde woman approached Isabel. She was cradling a baby in her arms.

"Yes?" Isabel asked.

"My name is Avarice James. One of the caretakers here in the nursery along with my wife. Are you perhaps the mother of these children?" the woman, Avarice, asked. Gesturing to the children running around Gonzalo.

"Sí. They're mine. I hope they're not any trouble to you," Isabel said.

"Oh no! Not at all. I just want to commend you for keeping these little ones alive and safe. I've never really seen newcomers with children let alone perfectly healthy ones," Ava said.

"Gracias. We prioritize our children first and foremost in our group."

"Your little ones are also quite the fighters."

Isabel smiles proudly. "I expect nothing less from the children of Trastámara," she said.

Gonzalo finally managed to escape his godchildren and saunters over to the two women.

"Hey! Oh, is that Jane?" he asked when he saw the baby Avarice was holding.

"Yep. She was being a bit fussy so I've been carrying her for hours," she said.

"Here. Let me take her off you for a bit so you can have a break," he said. Already scooping the baby from her.

"Thank you! I just need to go on a snack run and a bathroom break. I'll be right back," she said and rushed off.

Isabel approached Gonzalo and took a good look at the baby he was holding. He was cooing as he gently rocked the baby in his arms.

"You seem to know that little one quite well," she commented.

"Well yeah. I rescued her and her older sister when I was just wandering around on my own. Liz and Jane were starving when I found them. I took them in my care that very day and here we are," Gonzalo recalled. She smiles at him.

"You're one noble man, Gonzalo," she said.

"Padrino," Isabella calls. Approaching her godfather and mother.

"¿Sí?" he asked. Turning to Isabel's namesake.

"Mamá said I can join your team to help while we're here," she said.

"Oh really?" he asked. Looking over at Isabel.

"I figured she can help your team. She can hold her own," Isabel said.

"Well I suppose you can. We could use help from someone like you," Gonzalo said.

Isabella grins happily. "When can I start?" she asked.

"Right now if you want. I'll radio Liz and tell her you're coming over for initiation," he said. Carefully shifting baby Jane on one arm while he used the other to grab his walkie talkie.

Isabella's eyes twinkled when the brunette beauty's name was mentioned. Her mother didn't miss it, and she simply rolled her eyes and shook her head at her daughter.

She may be dependable and self-sufficient, but when it comes to the girls she likes, all logic goes out the window.

Isabel decides to leave the two alone for a time and go see her children to check how they are doing. In the corner, she notices Juana. Her nose is buried in the pages of a book. She walks over with a smile on her face.

“What are you reading there, querida?” Isabel asked. Sitting on the floor next to Juana.

"A story about cats. They live in clans and have warriors and leaders that lead and protect them!" Juana excitedly said.

Isabel gave her daughter a loving grin. Juana has always favored reading than playing games. She does play on occasion, but if there are books nearby, she will make a beeline for them.

"Mama, are we going to stay here forever?" Juana asked.

"I don't know yet, mija," Isabel answered.

"Because we have playmates here. Even Catalina is happy now," the nine year old said. gesturing to her younger sister, who was happily playing with Sibylle and the other toddlers. Isabel gave a warm smile. Catalina was sufficiently distracted by other children her age to take her attention away from her beloved Pancho for a time, and she is grateful for that.

"I know. I'm glad she's not upset anymore," she said. Isabel kisses her daughter's forehead.

"Me too, querida. Me too."

Juana smiles at her. Then suddenly her smile drops and this worries Isabel a bit. "What's wrong, mija?" she asked.

"Um…mama about–" Juana was cut off when Gonzalo came over to them. "Ready to head out?" he asked Isabel.

"Sí. The sooner we get going the better. We'll talk later, querida. Okay?" Isabel said standing up.

Juana looked at her almost pleadingly but nodded anyway. Isabel smiles and kisses her on the forehead before following Gonzalo. The nine year old sighs and goes back to her book.

Perhaps her father's secret can wait.

As she exits the cart, Isabella expresses her thanks to the driver. She took a quick look around and discovered the military camp and barracks that her padrino had mentioned.

"Now to find Liz," she said to herself and walked along the many barracks of the base. Lucky for her, she had quickly found who she was looking for around the fifth barrack. Liz was out on the porch with her teammate. Chatting about.

"Hey there!" she greets. Going over to them.

Liz and her teammate looked up when they heard Isabella greet them.

"Oh. It's you," Liz said while her teammate stifled a laugh. She glares at them and jabs their side with her elbow.

"¡Ay!"

"Yeah! It's me. My name's Isabella Trastámara but you can call me Bella. I never got your name," Isabella said.

"Elizabeth. Elizabeth Seymour but I prefer being called 'Liz'."

"Liz. Liz is a lovely name."

"Thanks. So what brings you here to the barracks?" Liz asked. Leaning against the porch railing.

"Oh! My padrino told me to wait for him here and maybe get to know my future teammates while I wait. He also mentioned something about an initiation," Isabella said. Liz raised an eyebrow.

"Your padrino?" she asked.

"Padrino Gonzalo," Isabella answered.

"Oh! You mean the capitán."

"Yup!"

"He did radio me about you earlier. Well then, Bella. Why don't we get your initiation underway. Follow me," Liz said. Walking over to Isabella and looking at her from head to toe with an interesting look. Isabella tries to act cool and suave.

Key word being 'try'.

Liz chuckles and motions for the Spanish girl to follow her. And like a lost puppy, she does so. Isabella made futile attempts to flirt with Liz and the former is just amused at her attempts.

"Here we are," she said. Stopping at a weapons storage. She uses her key to unlock the door. She lets Isabella in first before entering herself.

Isabella was so distracted by looking at the various weapons stored there that she didn't notice Liz close and lock the door behind her.

"So uh what's my initiation going to be? Weapons test?" she asked. Turning around to face her only to be surprised, pleasantly so, when Liz pushes her and pins her against the wall. Caging her between her arms. Isabella's eyes widened, her face flushed, and heart beating fast.

"Wow…," was the only word she could utter due to her brain's lack of function at the moment.

Liz smirks and chuckles. "You are pretty cute, I'll give you that," she said.

"I have been told that I am quite adorable. So…is this my initiation?" Isabella asked.

"If you want to, it could be," Liz said. Gently tracing a finger down the side of the Spanish girl's face.

"Can it?"

"Sure. I'll just tell the capitán that I tested your stamina and strength."

"Gloria a Dios por esta bendición."

The residents of Campamento Zaragoza made their way to the comedor for dinner as the evening approached. Thanks to Gonzalo's tour, Isabel has met the majority of the residents, and practically everyone knows about the herd and the plans to build their walls.

Thomas had found a few former engineers and architects, and Isabel had already briefed them of the plan to construct stronger walls. The former professionals agreed to collaborate in order to present blueprints and plans to the workers who would be building the stronghold.

It had been a long day but Isabel can now relax at dinner with her family and friends.

"Where's Isabella and Johann? It's almost time for dinner," Isabel asked as she sat down at the table where her group had gathered.

"Johann stayed at the hospital with Mari and Sibylle. I'm not so sure about Isabella though," Joyce said.

"This is the first time we'll be having a proper meal in months and that girl decides to be late," Isabel grumbles.

Isabella arrived at the comedor at last. Her face was lit up with a smug, contented grin. After a minute, Liz rushed inside and made her way to her usual table with her teammates, adjusting and readjusting her turtleneck collar around her neck.

"There you are, Bella! Where have you been?" Isabel asked when her eldest finally came to join them for dinner.

"Oh I was just doing stuff," her namesake said. Taking a seat next to Joyce who got a good peek at her neck.

"Oh yeah? How was it?" Joyce casually asked.

"It was great."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"How was she in bed?"

"She was amazing."

Everyone at the table shifted their gazes on Isabella when she made that obvious Freudian slip. Joyce looked rather triumphant with her interrogation.

"You really were doing 'stuff'. What's her name though?" she asked.

"Uh…"

"Isabella Trastámara II--"

"Oh full name you're in bloody trouble now, mate."

"--we've only been here for a day and you've already hooked up with someone!?"

"Um...I uh…"

"Mami what's 'hooked up'?" Maria asked. The rest of her children looked at her expectantly. Waiting for the answer. Isabel sighs and goes to do damage control first.

"It's something only adults do, niños, no need to worry about it or say it to others, comprende?" she explained.

Despite their dissatisfaction with the answer, the children followed their mother's directions. Isabel gave her eldest an earful but Isabella let her mother's words go in one ear and out the other.

She's too much of a winner to be scolded at the moment.

Isabel gave up when she noticed Isabella wasn't paying attention to her and went back to eating her food. The newcomers were enthralled by their hot supper and were immediately stuffed after only one serving.

"I'm going to stay up and talk more with the others here. Go over the plans and all that. Can you take the children back to the house?" Isabel asked. Standing up and gathering their plates to put away to be cleaned.

"Even your big baby over there?" Joyce asked. Pointing over to Isabella who had moved to Liz's table after finishing her dinner.

"No. She'll probably end up in that girl's bed anyways," Isabella said. Handing the plates to one of the sanitary officers.

"Alright. Up you get, munchkins. Time to go to bed so say goodnight to your mum," Joyce said. Standing up from her table.

Isabella bid her children good night with a hug and a kiss on the forehead each before letting them go to Joyce. She waits for them to leave before heading over to one of the tables.

"Isabel!"

She stops in her tracks and turns around to see Gonzalo walking over to her. In his hands were Fernando's cane and handgun. "Here. I managed to get them from the confiscation ward. I already gave your friend her bat and Isabella her bow," he said. Handing her her husband's weapons.

Isabel smiles and holds them close. "Gracias, Gonzalo," she said. Looking up at him gratefully.

He smiled and said, "de nada."

There was a moment of silence between them. Paying their respects to the departed Fernando. Isabel broke the silence first after securing the handgun on her belt.

"Gonzalo, can we talk? I…I have something to confess," she said.

Gonzalo felt his heart beat faster at the mention of a confession from his childhood friend whom he's had feeling for a very long time now.

"Of course," he said. Gesturing for her to follow him out of the comedor. He leads her outside and towards a nearby park that the survivors maintained for their leisurely walks. They sat down on a bench and waited. Waited for time to pass by and for Isabel to gather her courage to say what she wanted to say. Gonzalo patiently waits for her to say the first word.

Clutching Fernando's cane tightly, she finally confesses her sins.

"I…I shot him…"

Gonzalo was taken aback and looked at her in disbelief. His mouth was agape and his eyes were wide. Isabel's eyes welled up with tears as she remembered the horrifying memories of shooting her own husband. Her hands began to shake, as if she could still feel the gun's recoil after pulling the trigger.

"He had turned and was attacking me. I didn't want to do it but...I had no choice...I shot him with his own gun," she recalled. Fully breaking down.

"Lo siento, Isabel. It's not your fault. You did what you had to. To protect yourself and your children. He would have wanted that," Gonzalo said. His voice is soft and calming.

He was at a loss for what to do for a while. Isabel sobbed loudly and her shoulder shook. With every tear, she released all of her grief and guilt. Finally, Gonzalo summoned the courage to reach her and comfort her in his arms.

Isabel agreed to it.

She cried on his shoulder as she clung to him. She let it all out until there was nothing more to let out. He remained silent and just held her close. Rubbing her back in soothing circles. After a time, Isabel finally pulls away. She wiped her tears with the sleeves of her husband's coat.

"Gracias, Gonzalo. For listening to me and not judging," she said. Smiling gratefully at her friend.

He smiles back. "Don't mention it. Beatriz and I are always here for you to have a shoulder to cry on," he said.

"I'm counting on you and Beatriz to stay alive then."

The two shared a laugh and then fell into silence again. A comfortable one this time. Finally, it was Gonzalo's turn to break the silence.

"I uh…I also have something to confess, Isabel," he said.

Isabel looked at him expectantly. "¿Sí?" she asks. He takes a deep breath and looks at her before confessing.

"I'm still in love with you."

It took a moment or two for Isabel to process what Gonzalo had just said. "Gonzalo!" she exclaimed in surprise.

"I know! I know it's not right but...I just can't help these feelings," he said. Looking down and fidgeting with his thumbs.

"Gonzalo, we've tried dating before and it didn't work. You know that," Isabel said.

"We were still young and ignorant back then, Isabel. We're practically different people now," Gonzalo said. Hoping she'd see his logic in wanting to try a relationship again.

"You're right but we've tried and decided we're not for each other long before we even married our spouses. It...surprises me that you still harbor feelings for me...did Luisa know?"

He shook his head. "No. No she didn't. I honestly loved her during our relationship. I just kept my feelings for you hidden and moved on," he said. "But I guess I just suppressed them and they resurfaced once again when I saw you. I realized that I never got over you."

Isabel looked at him and Gonzalo met her gaze. They looked at each other for what seemed like years. Both contemplating whether or not to do something. The long silence was broken by Gonzalo.

"Isabel, may I?" he asked. Isabel knew exactly what he was asking her permission of. She nodded slowly. Granting him permission.

Trying not to scare her away with his excitement, he slowly leans in. Isabel merely stayed in place and closed her eyes as she waited for him to close the gap between them. And he did. Their lips meeting in a gentle kiss.

He savors the feeling and taste of her lips on his. They were each other's first kiss back when they were young and Gonzalo discovered that the fireworks never went away. He pulled away after a long blissful minute and slowly opened his eyes. Meeting Isabel's brown hues.

"Gonzalo," she said. Her voice barely above a whisper.

"¿Sí?" he asks. Waiting with bated breath.

"Will you keep me company tonight?" she asked. More or less requested.

Gonzalo nodded and gave his answer, "of course."

Isabel stood up from the bench and offered her hand to him. Gonzalo took her hand in his and stood up as well.

"Are you sure, Isabel?" he asked. Wanting to be sure first. She nodded in response. Satisfied with that answer, he follows her back to her place. Their hands remain intertwined.

Two lost souls who mourned the loss of those they loved came together to be each other's comfort and company for a single night.

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