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ultimatemilvesbracket · 2 years ago

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THE MILVENING CONTINUES

THERE ARE ONLY FOUR MILVES LEFT‼️

we (the gay council) sincerely thank you all for the enthusiastic participation, and hope you will join us for rounds five and six of the ULTIMATE MILVES BRACKET. pastramis has updated the bracket above to show the latest results.

we are literally soooo behind but we are SO back baby! all brackets will be updated below as the results come in hot.

milf lovers grab your therapist's number!

ROUND ONE MATCHUPS

ROUND 6 / BRACKET 1

Evelyn Wang (Everything Everywhere All at Once) vs. Lwaxana Troi (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine)

ROUND 6 / BRACKET 2

Morticia Addams (The Addams Family) vs. Melissa Schemmenti (Abbott Elementary)

ROUND 5 / BRACKET 1

Queen Clarisse Renaldi of Genovia (The Princess Diaries 2 & 2) vs. Evelyn Wang (Everything Everywhere All at Once)

ROUND 5 / BRACKET 2

The Xenomorph Queen (Alien Franchise) vs. Morticia Addams (The Addams Family)

ROUND 5 / BRACKET 3

Melissa Schemmenti (Abbott Elementary) vs. Yennefer of Vengerberg (The Witcher 3)

ROUND 5 / BRACKET 4

Captain Kathryn Janeway (Star Trek: Voyager) vs. Lwaxana Troi (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine)

ROUND 4 / BRACKET 1

Queen Clarisse Renaldi of Genovia (The Princess Diaries 1 & 2) vs. Barbara Howard (Abbott Elementary)

ROUND 4 / BRACKET 2

Penelope (The Odyssey, Greek Mythology) vs. The Xenomorph Queen (Alien Franchise)

ROUND 4 / BRACKET 2

Lady Dimitrescu (Resident Evil: Village) vs. Evelyn Wang (Everything Everywhere All at Once)

ROUND 4 / BRACKET 3

Cersei Lannister (A Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones) vs. Melissa Schemmenti (Abbott Elementary)

ROUND 4 / BRACKET 4

Captain Kathryn Janeway (Star Trek: Voyager) vs. Rebecca Welton (Ted Lasso)

ROUND 4 / BRACKET 5

Marisa Coulter (His Dark Materials) vs. Lwaxana Troi (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine)

ROUND 4 / BRACKET 6

Yennefer of Vengerberg (The Witcher 3) vs. Cat Grant (Supergirl)

ROUND 4 / BRACKET 7

Seven of Nine (Star Trek: Voyager, Picard) vs. Morticia Addams (The Addams Family)

ROUND 3 / BRACKET 1

Regina Mills (Once Upon a Time) vs. Queen Clarisse Renaldi of Genovia (The Princess Diaries 1 & 2) QUEEN CLARISSE WINNER

Barbara Howard (Abbott Elementary) vs. Taissa Turner (Yellowjackets) BARBARA WINNER

ROUND 3 / BRACKET 2

Catelyn Tully Stark (A Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones) vs. Penelope (The Odyssey, Greek Mythology) PENELOPE WINNER

The Xenomorph Queen (Alien Franchise) vs. Jean Milburn (Sex Education) XENOMORPH QUEEN WINNER

ROUND 3 / BRACKET 3

Cersei Lannister (A Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones) vs. Queen Calanthe (The Witcher Netflix) CERSEI WINNER

ROUND 3 / BRACKET 4

Eda Clawthorne (The Owl House) vs. Captain Kathryn Janeway (Star Trek: Voyager) JANEWAY WINNER

ROUND 3 / BRACKET 5

Marisa Coulter (His Dark Materials) vs. Addison Montgomery (Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice) MARISA WINNER

ROUND 3 / BRACKET 6

Yennefer of Vengerberg (The Witcher 3) vs. Melissa McCall (Teen Wolf) YEN WINNER

ROUND 3 / BRACKET 7

Mon Mothma (Star Wars) vs. Seven of Nine (Star Trek: Voyager, Picard) SEVEN OF NINE WINNER

ROUND 3 / BRACKET 8

Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada) vs. Evelyn Wang (Everything Everywhere All at Once) EVELYN WINNER

ROUND 3 / BRACKET 9

Lady Dimitrescu (Resident Evil: Village) vs. Fairy Godmother (Shrek 2) LADY D WINNER

ROUND 3 / BRACKET 10

Pyrrha Dve (The Locked Tomb) vs. Morticia Addams) PYRRHA WINNER

ROUND 3 / BRACKET 11

Cat Grant (Supergirl) vs. Beverly Crusher (Star Trek) CAT WINNER

ROUND 3 / BRACKET 12

Lwaxana Troi (Star Trek) vs. Zelda Spellman (The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) LWAXANA WINNER

ROUND 3 / BRACKET 13

Rebecca Welton (Ted Lasso) vs. Jocasta (Greek Mythology) REBECCA WINNER

ROUND 3 / BRACKET 14

Melissa Schemmenti (Abbott Elementary) vs. Chrisjen Avasarala (The Expanse) MELISSA WINNER

ROUND 2 / BRACKET 1

Regina Mills (Once Upon a Time) vs. Marge Simpson (The Simpsons) REGINA WINNER

Queen Clarisse Renaldi of Genovia (The Princess Diaries 1 & 2) vs. Olivia Crain (The Haunting of Hill House) QUEEN CLARISSE WINNER

Barbara Howard (Abbott Elementary) vs. Ambessa Medarda (Arcane) BARBARA WINNER

Helena "HG" Wells (Warehouse 13) vs. Taissa Turner (Yellowjackets) TAISSA WINNER

ROUND 2 / BRACKET 2

Catelyn Tully Stark (A Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones) vs. The Black Fairy (Once Upon a Time) CAT WINNER

Penelope (Greek Mythology) vs. Siobhan Sadler (Orphan Black) PENELOPE WINNER

The Xenomorph Queen (Alien Franchise) vs. Goldie O'Gilt (Ducktales 2017) XENOMORPH QUEEN WINNER

Bella Goth (The Sims) vs. Jean Milburn (Sex Education) JEAN MILBURN WINNER

ROUND 2 / BRACKET 3

Cersei Lannister (A Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones) vs. Valka (How to Train Your Dragon 2) CERSEI WINNER

Queen Calanthe (The Witcher Netflix) vs. Nancy Botwin (Weeds) QUEEN CALANTHE WINNER

ROUND 2 / BRACKET 4

Eda Clawthorne (The Owl House) vs. Aunt May (MCU Spider-Man) EDA WINNER

Joyce Byers (Stranger Things) vs. Captain Kathryn Janeway (Star Trek: Voyager) JANEWAY WINNER

ROUND 2 / BRACKET 5

Marisa Coulter (His Dark Materials) vs. Bette Porter (The L Word) MARISA WINNER

Addison Montgomery (Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice) vs. Laura Roslin (Battlestar Galactica 2004) ADDISON WINNER

ROUND 2 / BRACKET 6

Deborah Vance (HBO Hacks) vs. Yennefer of Vengerberg (The Witcher 3) YEN WINNER

Camila Noceda (The Owl House) vs. Melissa McCall (Teen Wolf) MELISSA WINNER

ROUND 2 / BRACKET 7

Serena Campbell (Holby City) vs. Mon Mothma (Star Wars) MON MOTHMA WINNER

Seven of Nine (Star Trek: Voyager, Picard) vs. Abigail Pent (The Locked Tomb) SEVEN WINNER

ROUND 2 / BRACKET 8

Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada) vs. Queen Elinor (Pixar's Brave) MIRANDA WINNER

Evelyn Wang (Everything Everywhere All at Once) vs. Annalise Keating (How to Get Away with Murder) EVELYN WINNER

ROUND 2 / BRACKET 9

Lady Dimitrescu (Resident Evil: Village) vs. Celeste Wright (Big Little Lies) LADY D WINS

Fairy Godmother (Shrek 2) vs. Marcia Roy (Succession) FAIRY GODMOTHER WINS

ROUND 2 / BRACKET 10

Shauna Shipman Sadecki (Yellowjackets) vs. Pyrrha Dve (The Locked Tomb) PYRRHA WINNER

Olivia Benson (Law and Order: SVU) vs. Morticia Addams (The Addams Family) MORTICIA WINNER

ROUND 2 / BRACKET 11

Cat Grant (Supergirl) vs. Melanie Cavill (Snowpiercer) CAT GRANT WINNER

Beverly Crusher (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Picard) vs. Laura de Mille (Doom Patrol) DR. CRUSHER WINNER

ROUND 2 / BRACKET 12

Lwaxana Troi (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space 9) vs. Alicia Florrick (The Good Wife) LWAXANA WINNER

Zelda Spellman (The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) vs. Tsunade (Naruto Cinematic Universe) ZELDA WINNER

ROUND 2 / BRACKET 13

Rebecca Welton (Ted Lasso) vs. Esme Cullen (Twilight) REBECCA WINNER

Abby Griffin (The 100) vs. Jocasta (Greek Mythology) JOCASTA WINNER

ROUND 2 / BRACKET 14

Melissa Schemmenti (Abbott Elementary) vs. Eve Fletcher (Mrs. Fletcher) MELISSA SCHEMMENTI WINNER

Chrisjen Avasarala (The Expanse) vs. Tiffany Valentine (Chucky Cinematic Universe) CHRISJEN AVASARALA WINNER

43 notes · View notes

blackdiamondwrites127 · 3 years ago

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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)

------------------------------------------------

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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multifandomflower · 3 years ago

Text

HERE IS MY PRIZED BOOTLEGS COLLECTION! 🤩🤩🤩

Limited edition 2:1 or 4 audios.

Updated as I get new stuff in. 🤩 (24.11.2021)

I'm looking for the following videos :

Any Jeremy Jordan , Aaron Tveit , Skylar Astin , Zachary Levi that I don't have already.

The last five years , West end 2016 with Jonathan Bailey as Jamie

Company , West end , 2018 with Jonathan Bailey

Waitress with Piers Bate as Dr Pomatter and Joe Sugg as Ogie.

&juliet with Alex Romeo that I don't already have , preferably him with goatee from December

&juliet with Kirstie Anne full show ( i know it exists)

&juliet with Jocasta Nurse or Anne if it exists

&juliet crazy second cover madness with Danielle Juliet , Dillon Romeo and Alex Tranter Shakespeare if it exists

Any new &Juliet videos from the reopening

City of Angels , west end 2020 with Theo James

Pretty woman , West end ,2020/2021 with Ben Darcy

Soho Cinders, West end 2019 with Ben Darcy

Bat out of hell , West end with Jordan Luke Gage that I don't have

Heathers west end 2021 with Christina Benington and Jordan Luke Gage or any Chris Parkinson cover

Frozen , West end 2021 , with Danielle Fiamanya as Elsa , Oliver Ormson as Hans

Cinderella , West end 2021 , with Carrie Hope Fletcher as Ella

Taboo , UK with Jordan Luke Gage

Hair , uk ,2020 with Jordan Luke Gage , Grace Mouat , Danielle Fiamanya , Matt Cooke, Alex Thomas Smith etc

Six , West end with Collette Guitart and Grace in all their covers

IF THERE'S ANY MISTAKES OR KNOW THE CAST JUST LET ME KNOW.

NOT IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER SORRY!

• 2 Be more chill , 1 incomplete , cast or place unknown

West Side Story, Hollywood Bowl Concert , 2016, with Jeremy Jordan as Tony and Solea Pfieffer as Maria

• Bring it on from youtube cast or date unknown

• Harry Potter and the cursed child complete , broadway , may 2019 , cast unknown

1. Dear Evan Hansen , Broadway , December 2016 with Ben Platt

2. Dear Evan Hansen , Broadway , date unknown, with Jordan Fisher

1. Hadestown broadway cast and date unknown

2. Hadestown national theater AUDIO cast unknown

1. Heathers , West end , Carrie Hope Fletcher , Sophie Evans , date unknown

2. Heathers , US , cast or date unknown

3. Heathers , West end , July 2021 , Christina Benington as Veronica Sawyer , Jodie Steele as Heather Chandler , Frances Mayli McCann as Heather McNamara , Bobbie Little as Heather Duke , Jordan Luke Gage as JD , Christopher Parkinson , Aimee Hodnett , Ross Harmon , Joaquin Pedro Valdes , Lauren Ward, Madison Swan , Simon Bailey , Steven Serlin , Giles Surridge, Iván Fernández González , Rachel Rawlinson, Rumi Sutton, Television Hughes. (LIMITED TRADE 2:1)

4. Heathers , USA , concert version , date unknown, with Jeremy Jordan

1. Beautiful the carole king musical , broadway , date or cast unknown

2. Beautiful the carole king musical , 2nd uk tour , February 2020 with Vicky Manser

3. Beautiful the carole king musical , US, date unknown, with Melissa Benoist

1. Cats , 2014 , date or cast uknown from youtube

2. Cats , Broadway, 22 july 2016 with Leona Lewis as Grizabella

• Grease, place, date or cast unknown from youtube

• Head over heels musical , US, date or cast unknown

• Lestat the musical , Broadway , opening night, cast unknown

• Sunday in the park with George place or date unknown, with Jake Gyllenhaal

• Addams family, broadway, date or cast unknown

• Eugenius , London , proshot , Rob Houchen , Scott Paigey, Laura Baldwin , Simon Thomas, Emily Tierney , Neil McDermott , Tom Senior ,Dillon Scott Lewis , Alex Tranter , Ben Darcy

• Six videos

1. West End , september 2018 with Aimie Atkinson -Howard , Natalie May Paris - Seymour , Millie O'Connell - Boleyn , Jarnéia Richard-Noel - Aragon , Maiya Quansah-Breed - Parr , Alexia McIntosh - Cleves

2. West End , march 2019 with Aimie Atkinson - Howard , Natalie May Paris - Seymour , Vicki Manser swing Cleves , Millie O'Connell - Boleyn , Jarnéia Richard-Noel - Aragon , Courtney Stapleton swing Parr

3. West End , 19 april 2019 , with Grace Mouat swing Aragon , Millie O'Connell - Boleyn , Courtney Stapleton swing Seymour, Alexia McIntosh - Cleves , Maiya Quansah-Breed - Parr

4. West End , January 2020 , Jarneia Aragon , Courtney Bowman Boleyn , Hanna alternative Seymour, Cherelle alternative Cleves , Zara alternative Howard , Collette Guitart swing Parr

5. Broadway, date unknown, Adrianna Hicks Aragon , Andrea Macasaet Boleyn , Abbey Mueller Seymour , Britney Mack Cleves , Samantha Paul Howard , Anna Uzele Parr

Six audios

West end , 19.04.2019 evening , with Courtney Aragon , Vicky Boleyn , Grace Howard

West end , 17.08.2019 , with Grace alt Aragon , Collette alt Boleyn , Courtney alt Seymour, Alexia Cleves , Aimie Howard , Maiya Parr

• Soho cinders , London, 10/2019 with Luke Bayer as Robbie , Millie O'Connell as Velcro , Michaela Stern as Clodagh , Natalie Harman as Dana , Lewis Asquith as James Prince , Tori Hargreaves as Marilyn Platt , Ewan Gillies as William George , Christopher Coleman as Lord Bellingham , Melissa Rose as Sasha , Ben Darcy , Jade Bailey , Thomas Ball , Luke Byrne , Laura Fulgenzi , Danny Lane , Savannah Reed

1. Something rotten ! , broadway ,cast and date unknown youtube rip

2. Something rotten ! , Broadway, youtube rip cast and date unknown

• Sweeney Todd OBC date or cast unknown

• Amélie , UK 06/2019 , with Audrey Brisson as Amelie , Danny Mac as Nino , Johnson Willis as Dufayel/Collignon , Jez Unwin as Raphael/Bretodeau , Rachel Dawson as Amandine/Philomene , Kate Robson-Stuart as Suzanne , Sophie Crawford as Gina , Faoileann Cunningham as Georgette/Sylvia , Josh Sneesby as Blind Beggar , Caolan McCarthy as Hippolito/Elton John , Samuel Morgan-Grahame as Joseph/Fluffy , Oliver Grant as Lucien/Mysterious Man , Nuwan Hugh Perera as Jean-Yves , Chris Jared as Raymond, Charley Magalit as Cecile , Emma Jane Morton as Delphine

• Cabaret , Broadway, date unknown , Emma Stone

1. Romeo & Juliet , West End , July 2016 with Lily James and Richard Madsen

2. Romeo & Juliet , USA , 2013 , Orlando Bloom as Romeo

1. Hedwig and the angry inch , Broadway with Darren Criss and LH , date unknown

2. Hedwig and the angry inch , broadway , with Darren Criss v1 , date unknown

3. Hedwig and the angry inch , broadway , with Darren Criss v2 , date unknown

• Rent , Hollywood Bowl , April 2010 with Aaron Tveit , Skylar Astin , Vanessa Hudgens, Nicole Scherzinger

Rent live , movie , 2019 , with Vanessa Hudgens , Jordan Fisher , Tinashe , Mario , Keala Settle

• Cinderella (Rodgers and Hammerstein) Broadway, with Carly Ray Jensen as Cinderella and Fran Dechner as Madamm

• The hunchback of Notre Dame , La Jill's Playhouse , 5 April 2015 with Ciara Renee as Esmeralda

• The grinning man Bristol Old Vic At Home official full length show cast unknown

• Gigi , Broadway , 28/03/2015 with Vanessa Hudgens and Corey Cott

• Parade , Lincoln Central Concert , 16/02/2015 with Jeremy Jordan

• Pippin , Broadway , 13/07/2013 cast unknown

• Back to the Future, Manchester, UK, February 2020 , cast uknown

• Newsies , Broadway , 2017 , proshot with Jeremy Jordan

• Waitress

1. Usa , Jeremy Jordan as Dr Pomatter

2. Usa , Colleen Ballinger as Dawn

3. West end , Lucy , Marisha and David

4. West end ,dec 20019 , Sarah O'Connor as Alt Jenna , Piers Bate as Earl , David as Dr Pomatter , Sandra Marvin as Becky , Hannah Tointon as Dawn , Joel Montague as Ogie , Andrew Boyer as Joe , Richard Taylor Woods as Cal , Lucia De Wan as Lulu , Rosemary Nkrumah as Nurse Norma , Olivia Moore as Francine Pomatter , Laura Selwood as Mother , Ben Morris as Father , Cindy Belliot , Nathaniel Morrison , Matthew Rowland swing

5. West end , jan 2020 , Desi Oakley as e/c Jenna , Piers Bate as Earl , Marisha as Becky , David as Dr Pomatter , Hannah Tointon as Dawn , Nathaniel Morrison as u/s Ogie , Mark Willshire as u/s Cal , Andrew Boyer as Joe , Rosemary Nkrumah as Nurse Norma , Olivia Moore as Francine Pomatter

6. Broadway , 29.06.2017 , Betsy Wolf as Jenna , Molly understudie Dawn

7. Broadway , AUDIO , 09.01.2018 , Betsy Wolf as Jenna , Jason Mraz as Dr Pomatter

8. West End , AUDIO , 29.11.2019 , Lucie Jenna , David Dr Pomatter, Laura Dawn , Joe Sugg Ogie , Sandra Becky

• Wicked

1. Broadway looks old cast unknown

2. Broadway , date unknown , with Aaron Tveit as Fiyero

3. West end , 18.10.2007 , with Oliver Tompsett as Fiyero , Kerry Ellis as Elphaba , Dianne Pilkington as Glenda, Susie Blake as Madame Morrible , Nigeria Planer as the wizard , James Gillan as Boq , Katy Rowley Jones as Nessarose

4. West end , 26.10.2007 , highlights with Cassidy Janson as Standby Elphaba , Oliver Tompsett as Fiyero , Sarah Earnshaw as Standby Glinda, Susie Blake as Madame Morrible , Nigel Planer as the wizard , Katie Rowley Jones as Nessarose , James Gillan as Boq , Andy Mace as Dr. Dillamond

5. Us , date unknown , teal wicks with Adam Lambert

1. Chicago , us tour , 2005 , cast unknown

2. Chicago , broadway , 2007 , cast unknown

Moulin Rouge

1. Broadway , December 2019 , with Karen Olive as Santine , Aaron Tveit Christian

2. Broadway , Jan 2020 , with Ashley Loren as Santine , Aaron Tveit Christian

3. Broadway , Jan 2020 , with Amber Ardolino as Santine , Aaron Tveit Christian , Dylan Paul as the Duke

Hamilton

1. Broadway ,proshot with Lin-Manuel Miranda , Philippa Soo , Renne Elise Goldsberg , Anthony Ramos , Jasmine Cephas Jones , Leslie Odom Jr , Jonathan Groff , Daveed Diggs , Chris Jackson , Okieriete Onaodowan

2. Broadway, ? 2016 , OG cast

3. obc understudies Javier Munoz as Hamilton , Renee Elise Goldsberg , Anthony Ramos , Jasmine Cephas Jones , Chris Jackson and rest covers

4. Los Angeles (tour) , 2.12.2017 , matinee , Emmy Raver-Lampman as Angelica

• Bat out of hell videos

1. Andrew and Christina, Colliseum , 12 august 2017 , Rob Fowler as Falco , Sharon Sexton as Sloane , Aran MacRae as Tink , Danielle Steers as Zahara , Billy Lewis Jr. as Jagwire , Giovanni Spano as Ledoux , Patrick Sullivan as Blake.

2. Barney and Georgia 15/12/2018 LIMITED TRADE

3. Jordan and Christina august 2018 just act1 LIMITED TRADE

4. Jordan and Georgia and Barney at the end 12/12/2018 LIMITED TRADE

5. Ben and Christina , 3 august 2017 , Rob Fowler as Falco , Sharon Sexton as Sloane , Aran MacRae as Tink , Danielle Steers as Zahara , Dom Hartley-Harris as Jagwire , Olly Dobson as Ledoux.

6. Simon and Georgia 05/18 LIMITED TRADE , Jordan Luke Gage as Hoffman

7. Simon and Christina 07/12/18 just act 1 LIMITED TRADE

• Bat out of hell audios

1. Toronto 17/01/2018 last show audio

2. Jordan strat last show audio ( master Simbaharmony ) LIMITED TRADE

11th June 2018

20th June 2018

9th July 2018

11th July 2018

16th July 2018

18th July 2018

27th July 2018

6th August 2018

20th August 2018

22nd August 2018

27th August 2018

All west end bootlegs are LIMITED TRADE from MASTER SimbaHarmony

• &Juliet video

1. 14/09/2019 Manchester incomplete

2. November 2019 Miriam with Sophie swing

3. November 2019 Grace Juliet debut with Sophie swing

4. December 2019 Ivan Shakespeare, Chris Lord Capulet

5. January 2th 2020 matinee , no Danielle + Sophie

6. January 2020 Alex Romeo Miriam Juliet Danielle Lady Capulet incomplete 2 minutes of act 1 and full act 2 (Alex from official dates , no goatee)

7. February 2020 Grace Juliet , Ivan Lance , Chris Lord Capulet

8. March 2020 Kirstie Anne highlights with Billy Lord Capulet , Josh bathroom attendant , Jaye Benvolio LIMITED TRADE

9. March 12th 2020 matinee Alex Romeo , Grace Juliet , Nathan May , Dillon Frankie LIMITED TRADE

• &Juliet audios

1. September Manchester

2. First show 10 Sept 2019 Manchester ( master Simbaharmony)

3. 20 Sept 2019 Manchester ( master Simbaharmony)

4. 28 Sept 2019 matinee Manchester ( master Simbaharmony)

5. 7 oct 2019 Manchester ( master Simbaharmony)

6. 10 Oct 2019 matinee Manchester ( master Simbaharmony)

7. 12 November 2019 west end ( master Simbaharmony)

8. Valentines Day 14 Feb 2020 ( master SimbaHarmony)

9. Alex Romeo feb 2020

10. Jocasta Anne debut (act 2) 15.02

11. Kirstie Anne debut 17 Feb 2020 ( master Simbaharmony)

12. Crazy second cover debuts night Alex Shakespeare, Danielle Juliet , Dillon Romeo , Billy Lord Capulet 11 March 2020 LIMITED TRADE ( master Simbaharmony)

13. Concert show Alex Romeo Danielle Juliet 14.03. Matinee LIMITED TRADE

14. 24.09.2021 , reopening night , OG cast + Alex Thomas Smith as May , Roshani Abbey as Lucy , Rhys Wilkinson as Richard and swing Sophie Usher (LIMITED TRADE)

• Grinch the musical 2020 with Matthew Morrison as Grinch , Booboo Steward as young Max , Billy Luke Nevers (ensemble)

• Online concerts

1. All I want for Christmas is theater

2. Girl power with the cast of Six and the band Seven

3. Oops I streamed it again with the cast of &Juliet

4. Unlimited the songs of Stephen schwartz with the cast of Wicked

• Online musicals 2020

1. A tale to tell . A short film musical (panto) with Alice Fern , Aston Merrygold, Kieran Lai

2. The last five years , Southwark Theater with Olie Higginson and Molly Lincoln

3. Rent , the Hopemill Theater with Jocasta Almgill , Millie O'Connell, Maiya Quansah-Breed, Alex Thomas Smith

4. Dick Whittington , UK national theater , with Melanie LaBarie

• Audios

1. Taboo , West end , 31.03.2013 , with Jordan Luke Gage as Marilyn

2. Hair in concert , the turbine theatre ,04.09.2020 , with Jordan Luke Gage , Grace Mouat , Danielle Fiamanya , Millie O'Connell , Alex Thomas Smith , Matthew Cooper, Jodie Steele LIMITED TRADE

3. Cinderella , West End , opening night 2021 , Carrie Hope Fletcher as Cinderella

4. Heathers , West end , 22.06.2021 , Christina Benington , Jodie Steele , Frances Mayli McCann , Amy Little , Jordan Luke Gage , Chris Parkinson , Aimee Hodnett , Joaquin Pedro Valdes , Ross Harmon

5. Heathers , West end , 26.06.2021 , same cast

7. Beauty and the Beast , UK tour , 25.08.2021 opening night, with Courtney Stapleton as Belle , Tom Senior as Gaston , Alan Hawke as Beast

8. In the heights , West end , 8.1.2017 , Sam Mackay Usnavi , Sarah Naudi Vanessa , Gabriela Garcia Nina , Arun Blair-Mangat Benny , Damian Buhagiar Sonny , Johnny Bishop Graffiti Pete , Aimie Atkinson Daniela , Stephanie Rojas Carla , David Bedella Kevin , Juliet Hough Camila , Vas Constanti Piragua , Genesis Lynea Yolanda

9. Slamilton - a basketball musical

• Alladin, youtube rip , cast and place unknown

• Into the woods , Hollywood Bowl, 28.07.2019 with Skylar Astin

• Bonnie and Clyde, USA with Jeremy Jordan , date unknown

• Everybody's talking about Jamie, West end , proshot , og cast , date unknown with Kirstie Skivington as ensemble

• Finding neverland , US , original a.r.t. , 2014 with Jeremy Jordan

• First date the musical with Zachary Levi , US , date unknown

• Frozen , Broadway , 2020 with Ciara Renee as Elsa and Ryan McCartan as Hans

• In the heights , OBC , with Lin-Manuel Miranda, date unknown

• Saved! The musical , US , 2008 , with Aaron Tveit

• Spring Awakening ,Broadway, 18.05.2008 , with Jonathan Groff , Leah Michelle , Skylar Astin

Spring Awakening , Broadway, 2021 , 15th years anniversary reunion concert , video slideshow with photos and a video. (LIMITED EDITION)

AUDIO VERSION from the 15th year anniversary reunion concert (LIMITED EDITION)

• Prince of egypt , west end, 2020 og cast

• Ratatouille the tiktok musical 2021

• Being Shakespeare, UK, date unknown, with Simon Callow

Hairspray live! With Dove Cameron , Ariana Grande , Zac Efron etc

Hairspray , us tour , 13.12.2005 with Aaron Tveit

Kinky boots , us , 2017 , with Brendon Urie (starts at sex in the heel)

• Beetlejuice , Broadway, date or cast unknown

• Come from away , Broadway, 10 march 2017 , cast unknown

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minervacasterly · 4 years ago

Text

"Catherine Howard was the opposite in every way from Anne of Cleves. She was English, and she was petite, plump, pretty and accomplished in the Courtly graces. She had an easy charm and an abundant store of good nature. And she knew how to attract men with a skill beyond her teenage years–perhaps indeed beyond her supposedly virginal state when she met Henry. Catherine belonged to the mighty Howard clan. Her father, Lord Edmund, was the thirdson of the second Duke of Norfolk. The third Duke of Norfolk was her uncle and AnneBoleyn was her cousin. But, in Catherine’s case, mighty connexions did not lead toan easy upbringing. Her father Edmund, like most Howards, enjoyed fighting. But, unlike his own fatherand his elder brother Thomas, he was a brawler rather than a general. He spent hisyouth hanging about the Court with no very obvious employment and it was not until1531 that his niece, Anne Boleyn, helped find him a position as Controller of Calais. Even so, the salary was barely enough for a man of his status to live on, much lessto pay off his debts. Catherine’s mother, Jocasta Culpepper, was Edmund’s first wife. She was co-heiressof the Culpeppers of Aylesford, Kent, and widow of Ralph Legh, by whom she alreadyhad several children. She had about ten more by Edmund in some fifteen years of marriage. She was dead by the late 1520s and Edmund went on to marry two other wives, both widows, by whom he was childless. He was dismissed from his post in Calais in 1539 and died shortlyafterwards. Lord Edmund Howard, in short, was a man of no importance–save for the fact that he had a daughter who happened to become Queen of England ... Catherine’s childhood was a short one, even by Tudor standards. Its end was marked by her mother’s death, and her father’sremarriage and appointment to Calais, which followed each other in quick succession. Catherine, at the age of ten or twelve, was now considered a young woman and was sentoff to finish her upbringing in the Household of her step-grandmother, the DowagerDuchess of Norfolk ...

When Catherine joined her step-grandmother's household, she joined the Maidens' Chamber. This was a large dormitory, in which the inmates generally slept two to abed. There, Catherine found herself among other young unmarried women of gentle ornoble birth ... Also in the Household were many young gentlemenwho were eager to teach the maidens other things as well.

The Duchess’s Household, in short, had something of the atmosphere of a slackly runmixed boarding school. The Duchess was an imperious but ineffectual headmistress; the boys spent their time trying to get into the girls’ dormitory; and there was excessive fraternisation between pupils and staff. Here, at last, Catherine found herself in her element. She was a quick developer, both physically and mentally. She also showed all the drive her father lacked. Theresult was that she became the leader in every escapade and act of domestic rebellion. And, because she was related to the Duchess, she got away with almost all of it."

- Six Wives: The Queens of Henry VIII by David Starkey

#tudor history #katherine howard #catherine howard

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musicalgifs · 4 years ago

Note

what would be your six dreamcast ?

i never know if these means from existing cast or new ones so i‘m gonna do both!

existing cast:

aragon: chloe zuel

boleyn: kelly sweeney

seymour: caitlin tipping

cleves: brittney mack

howard: zara macintosh

parr: danielle steers

new cast:

aragon: jocasta almgill

boleyn: amy lennox

seymour: nicole dennis

cleves: ciara renee

howard: denee benton

parr: lucie shorthouse

#love that every time someone asks me this i have completely different answers #Anonymous

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gigi-van-damn · 4 years ago

Photo

Six dreamcast Aragon: Jocasta Almgill / Renee Rapp Boleyn: Olivia Moore / Aisha Jackson Seymour: Nicole Raquel Dennis / Sharon Rose Cleves: Natalie McQueen / Miriam-Teak Lee Howard: Ashley De La Rosa / Hiba Elchikhe Parr: Melissa O’Neil / Julia K Harriman

#six #six the musical #six musical #dreamcast #jocasta almgill #renee rapp #olivia moore #aisha jackson #nicole raquel dennis #sharon rose #natalie mcqueen #miriam teak lee #ashley de la rosa #hiba elchikhe #melissa o'neil #julia k harriman #mine

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paradise-bi-the-dashboard-lightt · 4 years ago

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3 Year Anniversay of my Musical Trading Site!

It has been three years since I officially established my trading site! For those of you who don’t know I am https://its-all-green.weebly.com/ to celebrate I am gifting some of my audio masters from some of my favourite shows since I wouldnt be where I am today if it wasn’t for the kindness and generosity of others. Feel free to list them on your own site and enjoy!

Only Fools and Horses || West End || 5th October 2019 || Matinee

https://mega.nz/folder/U41gzCaD#gEcUbaMMZ0AN-BS4gKf1Pw

Cast: Tom Bennett (Del Boy), Ryan Hutton (Rodney), Philip Childs (u/s Grandad/Uncle Albert), Dianne Pilkington (Raquel), Lisa Bridge (u/s Cassandra), Peter Baker (Trigger), Andy Mace (u/s Boycie), Samantha Seager (Marlene), Bradley John (u/s Denzil), Andy Bryant (u/s Mickey Pearce), Peter Gallagher (Danny Driscoll), Adam Venus (Tony Driscoll), Lee Van Geelan (u/s Mike), Melanie Marshall (Mrs Obooko), Chris Bennett (Sid), Oscar Conolon Morrey (Dating Agent and Various) Notes: Its-all-green's master | Never to be sold except by me Tracked

Wicked || West End || 16th January 2019 || Matinee || Audio

https://mega.nz/folder/Ql0mWCZB#2U8j_OTwyQIgOKJ-uSPoAA

Cast: Aimee Fisher (u/s Elphaba), Maria Coyne (s/b Glinda), David Witts (Fiyero), Melanie La Barrie (Madame Morrible), Chris Jarman (u/s The Wizard), Jack Lansbury (Boq), Rosa O’Reilly (Nessarose), Rhidian Marc (u/s Doctor Dillamond) Notes: Recorded from the 2nd row || My master (It's-all-green's Master) Tracked and Untracked

Six || West End || 15th October 2019

https://mega.nz/folder/wht0QSiI#PK8ViLM1EylUKPqq4fUYFg

Cast: Jarneia Richard-Noel (Catherine of Aragon), Courtney Bowman (Anne Boleyn), Natalie Paris (Jane Seymour), Alexia McIntosh (Anna of Cleves), Vicki Manser (Katherine Howard), Danielle Steers (Catherine Parr) Notes: Danielle's and Courtney's first! Vickis first as principle Howards, it was also the musicals 500th performance for this run. Natalie has an emotional heart of stone. Includes Megasix video taken from the front row || Its-all-green's master, never to be sold

Bat Out of Hell || West End Dominion || 27th June 2018 || Matinee || Aduio

https://mega.nz/folder/xolCQSYB#uuQnl2O04_tlMdlsC2eNcA

Andrew Polec (Strat), Christina Bennington (Raven), Craig Ryder (u/s Falco), Hannah Ducharme (u/s Sloane), lex Thomas-Smith (Tink), Danielle Steers (Zahara), Wayne Robinson (Jagwire), Sam Toland (u/s Ledoux) Notes: Craig and Hannah's 2nd perfomance together, their first was the night before || My master (it's all green's master) || never to be sold Tracked

Waitress || West End || 27th March 2019 || Matinee

https://mega.nz/folder/11MzSQRL#3bvfOLnyqB8pxwq1H0wY6A

Cast: Katharine McPhee (Jenna), Marisha Wallace (Becky), Laura Baldwin (Dawn), David Hunter (Dr. Pomatter), Jack McBrayer (Ogie), Stephen Leask (Cal), Shaun Prendergast (Joe), Peter Hannah (Earl), Kelly Agbowu (Nurse Norma), Arabella Duffy (Lulu), Olivia Moore (Francine Pomatter), Charlotte Riby (Mother) Notes: Jack added this extra "hot coffee" bit after Never Ever getting rid of me, when I mentioned it at stage dorr he siad he wanted to "liven up the audience" the rest of the cast were trying so hard to not break character || My Master (it's all green's master), never to be sold Tracked and Untracked

Hamilton || West End || 14th August 2019

https://mega.nz/folder/0w9QRYDa#d2SPn_iJaLdsPhfzjXKaCA

Cast: Stephenson Ardern-Sodje (u/s Alexander Hamilton), Rachelle Ann Go (Eliza Hamilton), Sifiso Mazibuko (Aaron Burr), Jason Pennycooke (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson), Dom Hartley-Harris (George Washington), Allyson Ava-Brown (Angelica Schuyler), Tarinn Callender (Hercules Mulligan/James Madison), Cleve September (John Laurens/Philip Hamilton), Courtney-Mae Briggs (Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds), Waylon Jacobs (s/b King George III), Jack Butterworth (Samuel Seabury), Aaron Lee Lambert (Charles Lee), Curtis Angus (George Eacker), Leah Hill (The Bullet) Notes: Its-all-green's master, never to be sold except through me Tracked

& Juliet || West End || 4th December 2019

https://mega.nz/folder/h5kQgAQD#G9YpCdn5aZG0h_536E36hA

Cast: Miriam-Teak Lee (Juliet), Jordan Luke Gage (Romeo), Cassidy Janson (Anne Hathaway), Ivan de Freitas (u/s William Shakespeare), David Bedella (Lance), Tim Mahendran (Francois), Arun Blair-Mangat (May), Melanie La Barrie (Nurse), David Bedella (Lance), Jocasta Almgil (Lady Capulet/Nell), Christopher Parkinson (s/w Lord Cauplet/Sly), Rhian Duncan (Imogen), Danielle Fiamanya (Lucy), Kieran Lai (Kempe), Nathan Lorainey-Dineen (Gregory), Grace Mouat (Judith), Antoine Murray-Straughan (Augustine), Kerri Norville (Susanna), Dillon Scott-Lewis (Richard), Alex Tranter (Henry), Kirstie Skivington (Eleanor) Notes: My master (its-all-green's master). Record from the front row, includes curtain call video (though this is mostly Jordan (sorry not sorry)). Untracked but with a few tracked songs

#only fools and horses #wicked #six #bat out of hell #waitress #hamilton #& juliet #audio gift

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mischiefandspirits · 5 years ago

Text

Who is Iron Man?

Part 2 (Here is Part 1)

After a three month imprisonment by terrorists, child genius Tony Stark was rescued by an unknown entity. Who is this Iron Man? The world wants to know.

From One Court to Another

By Callum Killough - April 28, 2012

After six months, the adoption case for child genius and millionaire Tony Stark has finally finalized with United States Air Force Colonel James Rhodes and newly appointed Stark Industries Chief Executive Officer Virginia Potts gaining joint custody. When questioned at the press conference following the hearing, all three were pleased, though Stark once more bemoaned his failed emancipation.

For those unaware, five months ago Stark put in a request to become an emancipated minor despite being only ten. He used both his incredible intelligence and his work with Stark Industries as evidence that he was capable of functioning as an adult and should be excluded from the usual minimum age requirements. However, after long deliberation, the courts had decided not to grant him the exclusion, and therefore his emancipation.

In answer to a question about housing, Rhodes stated that Stark is currently staying with Potts until construction of Stark Tower completes in July, at which point all three will be moving into the penthouse there so that Potts and Stark can be on hand to set up the new headquarters and Rhodes can be near his latest assignment.

When one reporter questioned what “compensation” the courts had granted Potts and Rhodes “for their troubles,” Stark cut over Potts to remind everyone that she and Rhodes had turned down any subsidy or similar months earlier as their combined incomes were more than enough to care for the three’s needs and any of his more expensive endeavors (both personal and Stark Industries related) were financed by his monitored trust fund and private accounts. He then proceeded to refer to the reporter as something that can not be repeated to the admonishments of both Potts and Rhodes.

The conference ended shortly after and Potts was spotted lecturing Stark as they were escorted to their car, which Stark merely shrugged off with, “If they’re going to keep calling you and Rhodey gold-diggers, then they deserve it.”

Potts responded with, “Not on camera they don’t. Does Jocasta need to help you review the approved word list again?”

While Stark’s answer was unheard, he reportedly had a look of terror on his face as the door to the car was closed.

Though not confirmed, the Jocasta mentioned is believed to be one of the interns on the newly instated Stark Industries social media team who is credited with many of the photographs and videos on their Twitter and Instagram, including a video of the press conference which can be found here.

It seems that Stark is going from one court to another though as an inside source has let it be known that Potts and Stark arrived at the airport afterward to board their flight to New York to attend tomorrow’s opening ceremonies for the Stark Exo, only for Stark to be served with a subpoena stating he is to appear at a hearing for the Senate Armed Services Committee regarding Iron Man in D.C. the morning after the ceremonies.

It hasn’t been confirmed as of yet, but it can be assumed that Iron Man will likely be receiving one as well via his military liaison United States Air Force Major Monica Rambeau.

While the full purpose of the hearing hasn’t been revealed, it is speculated that the committee intends to force Iron Man to turn his suit over to the government. An anonymous source on the committee had this to say:

“While I can’t say for certain that is what the hearing is about, I will say that such an idea would be a hard sell indeed. While most on the committee think the suit should be in the hands of the military instead of a civilian, [Pennsylvania State Senator Gary] Stern in particular, they’d face a lot of backlash for pushing the topic. And I don’t just mean from Iron Man’s civilian fans.

“Many active servicemen and women — as well as their families and some veterans — have gotten behind the inventor thanks to some of the joint missions he has been a part of. Especially those in the know about rescue missions that never would have gotten off the ground without Iron Man’s assistance due to the danger involved for the rescue team. While I’m sure none of them would say no to a suit of their own, Rhodes, Rambeau, and [United States Air Force Brigadier General Glenn] Talbot won’t be the only ones up in arms if Iron Man retracts his help for fear that someone’s going to take his private property.

“Of course, that’s assuming the committee is even brave enough to go up against the cutthroat team Potts and Stark have proven themselves to be these past months in the first place.”

Subscribe to Celebtial Weekly for the latest and greatest celebrity gossip!!!!

An Excerpt From the Transcription of the Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing on Iron Man (April 30, 2012)

Senator Stern: Do you or do you not possess a specialized weapon?

Iron Man: I do not.

Stern: You do not?

Tony Stark: He doesn’t. Well, it depends on how you define the word weapon.

Stern: The Iron Man weapon.

IM: My device does not fit that description.

Stern: Well… How would you describe it?

IM: I would describe it by defining it as what it is, Senator.

Stern: As?

Stark: It’s a high-tech prosthesis. That is… That is… That’s actually the most apt description I can make of it.

Stern: It’s a weapon. It’s a weapon, Mr. Stark. I hate to inform you, it’s a weapon.

Stark: Please, if your priority was actually the well-being of the American citizen…

Stern: My priority is to get the Iron Man weapon turned over to the people of the United States of America.

Stark: Well, you can forget it.

IM: Sir, with all due respect, I am Iron Man. The suit and I are one. To turn over the Iron Man suit would be to turn over myself.

Stark: Which is tantamount to indentured servitude or prostitution, depending or what state you’re in. You can’t have it.

Stern: Look, I’m no expert…

Stark: In prostitution? Of course not. You’re a senator. Come on.

Virginia Potts: Tony, enough.

Stern: I’m no expert in weapons. We have somebody here who is an expert on weapons. I’d now like to call Justin Hammer, our current primary weapons contractor.

Stark: Let the record reflect that I observed Mr. Hammer entering the chamber, and I am wondering if and when any actual expert will also be in attendance.

Potts: Tony.

Justin Hammer: Absolutely. I’m no expert. I defer to you, Anthony. You’re the wonder boy. Senator, if I may. I may well not be an expert, but you know who was the expert? Your grandpa. Howard Stark. Really a father to us all, and to the military-industrial age. Let’s just be clear, he was no flower child. He was a lion. We all know why we’re here. In the last six months, this… Iron Man -- this unknown person -- has created a sword with untold possibilities. And yet, he insists it’s a shield. He asks us to trust him as we cower behind it, without even letting us know his face or name. With only the reassurances of a few handpicked people, including a ten-year-old child.

Stark: I’m the smartest person in this room and we all know it.

Hammer: I wish I were comforted, Anthony, I really do. I’d love to leave my door unlocked when I leave the house, but this ain’t Canada. You know, we live in a world of grave threats, threats that Iron Man will not always be able to foresee. Thank you. God bless Iron Man. God bless America.

Stern: That is well said, Mr. Hammer. The committee would now like to invite Major Monica Rambeau to the chamber.

Stark: Spectrum? What?

[Major Rambeau enters the court]

Potts: Tony, stay here.

Stark: Hey, Ramsey. I didn’t expect to see you here.

Rambeau: Sit down, kid.

IM: Major.

Rambeau: Deckard.

Stern: I have before me a complete report on the Iron Man weapon, compiled by Major Rambeau, Colonel Rhodes, and Brigadier General Talbot. And, Major, for the record, can you please read page 57, paragraph four?

Rambeau: You’re asking me to read a portion of a highly detailed report, Senator?

Stern: Yes, ma’am.

Rambeau: I was told I’d be giving a full testimony.

Stern: I understand. A lot of things have changed today. So if you could just read…

Rambeau: Just to be clear, you do realize that one portion of a report -- out of context and without the full summary of the findings -- does n-

Stern: Just read it, Major. I do. Thank you.

Rambeau: Alright. “As he does not operate within any definable branch of government, Iron Man presents a potential threat to the security of both the nation and to her interests.” Colonel Rhodes did, however, go on to say that the benefits of Iron Man far outweigh the liabilities and that it would be in our interest to fold him into the existing chain of command, Senator.

Stern: That’s enough. That’s enough, Major. That’s enough.

IM: I appreciate the offer, but I am not sure I meet the requirements of armed service without the suit.

Stark: I’m sure he’d consider Secretary of Defence if you ask nicely.

IM: I would not.

Stark: We can amend the hours a little bit, buddy.

Stern: I’d like to go on and show, if I may, the imagery that’s connected to your report.

Rambeau: I think it may be too soon to allow these images to reach the general public, sir.

Stern: With all due respect, Major, I understand. And if you could just narrate those for us, we’d be very grateful.

Rambeau: Bring up the images.

[Images located within file srcw35475]

Rambeau: Intelligence suggests that the devices seen in these photos are, in fact, attempts at making manned copies of Iron Man’s suit. This has been corroborated by our allies and local intelligence on the ground indicating that these suits are quite possibly, at this moment, operational.

Stark: Hold on a second, Ramsey. Let me see something here.

[Uncataloged videos appeared onscreen.]

Stark: Oh boy, I’m good. I commandeered your screens. I need them. Time for a little transparency. Now, let’s see what’s really going on.

Stern: What is he doing?

Tony: If you will direct your attention to said screens, I believe that’s North Korea.

[Uncataloged video 1: A large mechanical suit takes two steps then falls over, firing upon a crowd of onlookers as they scream and flee.]

Stern: Can you turn that off? Take it off.

Stark: Iran.

[Uncataloged video 2: A large flying suit spirals out of control.]

Stark: No grave immediate threat here. Is that Justin Hammer? How did Hammer get in the game? Justin, you’re on TV. Focus up.

[Uncataloged video 3: Justin Hammer is seen communicating with someone in a human-sized suit just before the suit twists nearly one hundred and eighty degrees at the waist. Its pilot immediately screams then falls silent.]

Stark: Wow. Yeah, I’d say most countries, five, ten years away. Hammer Industries, twenty.

Hammer: I’d like to point out that that test pilot survived.

Stern: I think we’re done is the point that he’s making. I don’t think there’s any reason…

Stark: The point is, you’re welcome, I guess. No need to thank IM, really.

Stern: For what?

Stark: Because he’s your nuclear deterrent. It’s working. We’re safe. America is secure. You want his property? You can’t have it. But he did you a big favor. He’s successfully privatized world peace. What more do you want? For now! I tried to play ball with these [redacted]!

Potts: Tony, enough!

Operation Robin: Second Report

Acting Agent: [redacted]

Date: [redacted]

Contact with the target has been made, but a problem has arisen as it would appear he has already found a new personal assistant.

I arrived at the target’s off-site lab on an errand to fill out paperwork and was greeted by a man (Japanese, late twenties, unseen) over an intercom. He checked my identity then allowed me in. When I walked in, the target was playing a game on a holographic screen while speaking to a woman (Irish, early thirties, unseen) over speakerphone as a pair of robots (little more than arms on wheels) cleaned. When I informed him of what I was there for he closed his game and spun the desk chair around to face me with a curious expression. When I attempted to hand him the paperwork, he frowned and moved away from the files.

That was when one of the robots rushed over in a flurry of beeps. It took the paperwork from my hand and dropped it into the target’s lap before rolling off back to the counter it had been wiping down.

“[Redacted] does not like to be handed things,” the man’s voice from the door responded.

I reminded the target that the information we needed to discuss was confidential and as such no one should listen in, but he waved it off saying there was no one listening that couldn’t hear. When I reminded him he was still on a call and that the man who had allowed me in was obviously listening, he said the woman -- he called her [redacted] -- was his new personal assistant and minder and the man -- he called him [redacted] -- was in charge of security for the lab and was required by [redacted] to keep an eye on the target whenever he was there for safety reasons, as such both were cleared for any information that he was privy to.

Due to the target’s dislike of paperwork, we finished quickly after that. In a successful attempt to stay longer to observe the target, I goaded his infamous ego by complimenting the robots and asking how they worked. Although he didn’t go into any details about how they actually functioned, he explained that they were designed to assist him. He had clear pride for his work in his eyes as he spoke of them, though he often spoke of how they messed up, especially one in particular which he repeatedly referred to as an idiot with humor in his eyes like he was telling me an inside joke. When I asked why he did not just reprogram them as “surely someone with your intelligence could make them better,” he immediately closed up and dismissed me soon after. As I left, I heard him tell them that they were “perfect just as you are, don’t listen to the mean lady.”

Initial assessment of target: Despite his intellect, he is far too immature at this point, with the propensity to boredom and anger that that pertains. He is a narcissist, takes to any criticism with denial and treats his creations as extensions of himself to be coddled and praised.

I have attempted to find more information on [redacted] and [redacted], but their employee files are encrypted. I confirmed that the bug [redacted] placed on the target’s servers was lost during his move so I could not access the files using that backdoor. As those are the only names the target proved and I can not be sure if they are even real names given the target’s fondness for pseudonyms, I am unable to investigate further at this time. I believe it is likely that the [redacted] the subject is connected to on Twitter is likely this woman, though I cannot confirm.

I will continue to investigate as much as possible without blowing my cover and await further orders.

Disaster at the Grand Prix

By Gisèle Favager - Translated by Valentin Paquet - 24 May 2012

The start of the Grand Prix De Monaco was delayed today when an unknown Russian man attacked American engineering prodigy Tony Stark.

Stark had come to Monte Carlo for the race with his adoptive mother Virginia Potts, but snuck away from her and their bodyguard after making a quick appearance at the VIP clubhouse to talk shop with the Stark Industries pit team.

He was reportedly in a playful debate with the team’s leader when the assailant, disguised as a Grand Prix mechanic, attacked the boy. He grabbed him and threw him into the road before using a weapon described as a pair of electrified whips connected to a chest harness power source.

Stark scrambled away from his assailant, barely managing to dodge the whips as he gave a sharp whistle. According to witnesses, the whistle caused the backpack he had brought down to the pit to unfold into a mechanical hound, which quickly scanned the area before running at the assailant. It leaped onto his back and bit into his shoulder. The man tried to remove it for only a moment before he collapsed to the ground in a jerking fit.

“Stun gun fangs,” Potts explained during a short public statement after the man had been taken away by the authorities. She continued on to say that the Digitally Operated Guarding and Guiding Individualized Entity -- or D.O.G.G.I.E. as Stark insisted -- is a prototype assistance drone modeled after service dogs that Stark Industries is currently working on.

“It is not currently available for production due to the current operating system being too specifically designed, though Stark Industries is collaborating with doctors specializing in neurology, cardiology, and psychology to ensure [the Digitally Operated Guarding and Guiding Individualized Entity] will be able to calibrate properly to its user. Further information will be disclosed once a release date has been set.”

Shortly after the incident, an American senator by the name of Stern appeared on television to make a public statement. However, what was assumed to be sympathies and concern over the wellbeing of his young countryman turned out to be an excuse to besmirch Iron Man. Stern attempted to discredit the inventor’s main defense that had been given at the hearing last month stating no one else had technology like the Iron Man armor and wouldn’t for at least five to ten years, as stated by Stark himself, by using the assailant’s weapon as proof that the technology did exist elsewhere.

Stark quickly took to Twitter with a retort.

“Hey intern that runs the @SenSternOfficial twitter, did your boss really just compare a suit of armor that can shrug off shots from a tank to a pair of whips that got their butt kicked by my dog?”

Who this man is and why he attacked Stark is as of yet unknown.

Amalia Riviera - (818) 375-8465 ext 8736 - [email protected]

May 30th, 2012

Natalie Rushman Notary Stark Industries Los Angeles Headquarters

Dear Ms. Rushman,

I regret to inform you that your employment at Stark Industries has been terminated, effective immediately.

This has come to pass for the following reasons:

Breach of contract

Corporate espionage

Misrepresentation of self in application

This decision is not reversible.

In accordance with your contract, all employee benefits have been revoked as of the sending of this letter. Your final paycheck will be withheld until the full investigation is completed and it is determined no further actions are necessary. Should it be determined that the matter must be taken to court, your final paycheck may be held indefinitely pending the court’s decision.

You have one hour from the time you receive this letter to vacate the premises. Should you remain, security will escort you out and trespassing charges will be issued. Any personal items remaining on the premises at the time of your departure will be gathered and delivered to your residence on file within seven to ten business days at the company’s expense.

It is requested that you turn over any company property you possess to human resources before you leave. This includes your company-issued laptop, cellphone, and badge. You will be fined for any company property not returned within forty-eight hours of receiving this message.

Please keep in mind the non-disclosure and non-solicitation agreements you have signed. Should you have any questions regarding the agreements, your termination, or the investigation, please contact the Former Employees sector of Human Resources at (818) 375-8465 ext. 5731.

Sincerely,

Amalia Riviera Human Resources Stark Industries Los Angeles Headquarters

Addendum:

Agent Romanoff,

Please inform your director that if he wishes to communicate with me, he need only utilize the number provided to him. This is your final warning. Any other incursions into the young sir’s privacy will be met with the harshest legal actions available.

Thank you for your time,

Iron Man

Iron Man 2.0

By CamicsComics - May 29, 2012

Hey there CamComs! I was woken up far too early this morning by my friend texting me and I’m not even mad.

Why?

Because she texted me a link to a tweet Tony Stark made at three A.M. this morning.

“@1r0n_M4n is doing some spring cleaning and giving away some old clothes. Think this will fit @ColRhodey?”

The tweet came alongside a pic of a silver Iron Man gauntlet engraved with Mark II.

Col Rhodes replied with “You’ve got no one to blame but yourself if Talbot sees this before his announcement and he bans you from any more meetings.” While Potts only said, “You’re grounded.”

Does this mean what I think it does? Could we soon have another Iron Man flying around?

So many have tweeted at IM asking for more info that #MarkII is trending, but he’s been silent all day except for a picture of Stark getting chewed out by Potts with the caption, “Happy Birthday, @TStark!!! 🎂”

I can’t wait to see what happens. And hopefully BGen Talbot doesn’t hear about this so Stark can keep giving us this quality content.

Happy B-Day you crazy eleven-year-old!!!!

Subscribe, like, and share, CamComs! Until next time, be the hero you want to see in the world!

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Re: Proposal for new element name - Anthony Stark

Dear Mr. Stark,

On behalf of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, I would like to congratulate you on your accomplishment. However, I regret to inform you that your proposal to name your new element “Badassium” has been denied.

This decision was based on the vulgar nature of the proposed name.

We would be pleased to review a second, more appropriate, choice of name at your earliest convenience.

Best wishes,

Teresa Cordon International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry Representative

Stark Under Surveillance

By Sabrina Blake - June 10, 2012

It’s well known that superhero Iron Man and kid genius Tony Stark have been connected since the very beginning, but so far there’s only been talk about the good things that come from it. Not anymore though as yesterday just might have given us a peek at the dark underbelly of this beast.

At around five in the afternoon, Stark broke the two-week-long media silence he’s been under since the attack on the Stark Expo to tweet, “TFW you finally duck out of the lecture on trying to slip inappropriate language into new element names, only for the director of New Age HYDRA to burst in complaining about how his spy got fired from your company for being a spy #FirstWorldProblems”. The tweet had been taken down in under ten minutes, but plenty had seen it by then. Screenshots and questions have flooded the internet, to no answer from Stark, Iron Man, or their people.

Someone’s giving us information, though, as an unknown person sent various news organizations a digital folder of information labeled The Aegis Files. The folder included a picture of a dark-skinned man with an eyepatch being escorted out of a building by Stark Industries security and a furious Col Rhodes alongside a slightly redacted report on the incident. All the personal information had been removed, though it did show that whoever the man was, he was taken in by the police before being turned over to a redacted organization. It’s assumed this man is likely the HYDRA director Stark mentioned giving the timing. Also included in the folder was a Stark Industries employee file. It was similarly redacted, though the woman’s photo was still there, revealing her to be a caucasian woman with auburn hair. She’s believed to be the spy as the file states she was fired due to corporate espionage.

Who are these people? These Aegis Agents, so to speak? What do they want with Stark? Where else have they infiltrated? How accurate is the comparison to the old Nazi intelligence organization? How is Iron Man connected?

Hopefully, we’ll hear more soon.

Subscribe to Celebtial Weekly for the latest and greatest celebrity gossip!!!!

#iron man 2 #j.a.r.v.i.s.#tony stark #rhodey #pepper potts

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sueboohscorner · 5 years ago

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#Outlander Recap - S5, Ep10 - "And Mercy Shall Follow Me"

I know the title of this episode was “Mercy Shall Follow Me” but I want to call it, “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead!” But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s recap!

We start in Wilmington where meetings are taking place with the Fraser clan making their plans to find Bonnet, trap him and make it pay for his crimes. Another meeting is taking place in Wilmington this day. This meeting is with Stephen Bonnet and Mr. Forbes.

The Fraser’s plan depends on Philip Wylie keeping his word; something that Claire is quite worried about. The plan also requires Ian to dress up as Alexander Malcolm so he puts on western clothing and Claire uses makeup to hide the markings on his face.

Now for the other meeting in town – Stephen Bonnet is meeting with Mr. Forbes in a brothel! Forbes is trying to convince Bonnet that he needs to be discreet and keep out of sight. But all Bonnet wants to do is go to the magistrate to claim Jemmy as his son. Once that is taken care of, Jocasta and her husband will have a terrible accident and Bonnet will inherit River Run and Forbes will get his share as well – 20% of the inheritance. A little side note, has anyone else realized that Forbes is played by Billy Boyd who was Pipen in the Lord of the Rings trilogy?

As both plans are now in play, Claire and Bree pay a visit to the local glassblower to create a tube that she can use to make a new syringe. Wait, are they alone as they run their errands or are they being watched?

It’s time for the Fraser plan. Jamie, Roger and Ian are at Wylie’s Landing in the woods. Roger explains to Jamie and Ian that Bonnet’s men won’t be a problem as they only work for Bonnet out of hunger and fear, not real devotion. Roger also tells them that he wants to be the one to kill Bonnet when the time comes. Jamie doesn’t like it but when Roger explains that Bree is his wife and he needs to be the one to finish this.

It’s time! As a rowboat approaches the dock, Jamie and Roger take their places hidden inside the cabin as Ian waits outside. The men get out of the boat but wait, no Bonnet! Bonnet sent his flunkies! Now what? The men are suspicious when they don’t see the whisky barrels. When they enter the shed, they are jumped by Roger and Jamie. The men demand to know where Bonnet is.

Unaware that the plan is unraveling, Brianna and Claire spend the afternoon at the sea. They watch a pod of whales, Bree talks about how much she loves Moby Dick. This, of course, hasn’t even been written yet.

Bree and Claire reminisce about how they used to race on the beach when Bree was a child and off they go! Mother and daughter race once again!

But this idyllic moment can’t last! As Claire is gathering shells, she is met by Bonnet in the sand dunes. He was the one watching her and Brianna as they walked through the streets of Wilmington. He grabs Claire and holds a knife to her throat. A terrified Bree pulls a gun on Bonnet but he promises to let Claire go if she comes with him. There’s a struggle and Bree and Claire are knocked out. When Claire wakes up, Bree is gone and she heads to find Roger and Jamie.

Bree wakes on Bonnet’s couch in his secret lair. He is playing at being a gentleman. He pours her some tea and tells her that he wants to build a life with her and Jeremiah. Bree is terrified to learn that he knows Jem’s name.

This new and improved Bonnet makes Bree participate in a dinner spectacle. She arrives in a beautiful gown. Bonnet asks Bree to teach him how to be a gentleman. Bree tells him that you can’t teach someone to have a “moral compass.” But Bonnet wants to teach his son to be a worthy gentleman and he needs Brianna’s help to do so.

Seeing no other way but to play along, Bree tells him to take his elbows off the table. He asks Bree what proper ladies and gentlemen do with their free time. Bree suggests that he could read to her. When Bree realizes that Bonnet can’t read and offers to do the reading. Bonnet asks if she reads to Jemmy and Bree explains how she likes to put herself in the character’s shoes. She starts questioning Bonnet to see what motivates him – love, money or revenge. She suspects money because he isn’t capable of love.

Bonnet angrily insists that there are 2 sides to every story and Bree doesn’t know anything about his story. He wants Bree to learn to love him. Bonnet explains that once he learned that a part of him is in the world, he wants to be a better man.

To get him away from her, Bree picks up a book and starts to read Moby Dick to him – by memory. Bonnet is enthralled by the story and excitedly hopes that Ahab slaughters the whale and gets his revenge. Bonnet is not happy to learn that the monster wins and that Ahab drowns. Bree responds, telling him that it depends on who you think that monster is.

In a rare, real moment, Bonnet opens up about his nightmares. So, his recurring nightmare is all about the sea and the darkness of the water as it closes around him and no one will save him. Bonnet worries that Bree will think less of him now that he’s exposed his vulnerability. Bree tells him that it’s not possible to think less of him.

When Bonnet asks if Jem sometimes get scared, Bree says that he needs his mother. He actually gets emotional, with real tears, when he tells Bree that he was an orphan and for a brief second, I almost feel compassion for him. Almost. He’s still Bonnet. Bonnet pulls Brianna close and again asks her to teach him to love. Bree pulls away, saying that a proper lady would say goodnight.

In the morning, Bree pleads with Bonnet to let her go and get Jeremiah. They can’t both go because her family would never let her leave with the baby and return to Bonnet but she believes that fate will bring her back to him.

Bonnet seems to believe her and wants to seal the deal with a kiss. The pair shares a kiss but the kiss seems to be lacking a certain something and Bonnet intends to show Bree that he knows how to pleasure a woman. To prove his point, he grabs a female servant (who is one of the girls from the Brothel) and has his way with her. When Bonnet leaves to get the girl her coin for services rendered, Bree sees this as her chance to get away. She begs the woman to help her escape. She manages to find out that she is being held on Bonnets island – Okracoke. But when Bree begs the woman to take her wedding ring to Wilmington and find Roger, the woman is too afraid to help her.

Heading back to Wilmington, Roger finds Wylie and holds him at gunpoint and demands to know where Bonnet is. Wylie says that he doesn’t know but that Bonnet has been blackmailing him and has made his life a misery. Roger pushes the knife a little closer and Wylie sends him back to the brothel for answers.

At River Run, Jocasta is meeting with Mr. Forbes. Forbes is furious when Jocasta announces that she wants to start giving some of her fortune away now, not when she’s gone. Forbes seethes when she tells him how much she wants to give her family but when Jocasta wants to give a sum to Lizzie, Forbes loses control and smothers Jocasta! But Ulysses bursts into the room, pulls Forbes off of Jocasta and breaks the man’s neck! Jocasta is shaken but alive! Way to go Ulysses!

As Jamie and Roger head back to the brothel, they meet up with Claire who tells them that Bonnet has Bree. Jamie and Claire race to the brothel. As they question the ladies, the woman that was at Bonnet’s place is there. Claire spots her trying to leave the room. She also notices that the girl seems to be in pain as she moves. Claire gives her a quick exam and realizes that the woman’s lets are uneven. She makes a life to go under one heel and the woman feels better. Claire instructs her to have the shoemaker make her a permanent lift for her shoe and gives the girl some money for the shoes. Claire’s kindness prompts the girl to share what she knows about Bonnet.

Back to Bonnet’s island, Bonnet has decided to sell Bree to Captain Howard. Bree is violated once again as the Howard looks her over. Brianna bites the man’s finger when Bonnet forces her to show the man her teeth. The Captain offers Bonnet six pounds. The Captain, Bonnet and Brianna head to the Captain’s boat for his money.

On the beach, Bonnet pushes Bree over the dunes when a shot rings out! One of the sailors falls. The Fraser’s made it in time! Bree runs to Claire, but Bonnet grabs her first and a fight ensues. Roger grabs Bonnet and knocks him out! They tie him up and give Brianna the choice of what to do with him. Bree wants him taken back to Wilmington to stand trial for all his crimes. Taking no chances though, they will ask Governor Tryon to be the judge in Bonnet’s since Tryon still owes them for what happened to Roger.

Bonnet was found guilty and sentenced to death by drowning. Poor Bonnet is smack in the middle of his worst fear come true! He is tied to a post in the water. He screams as the water rises and tries desperately to keep his face above the water. Suddenly someone appears on the shore and shoots Bonnet in the head – killing him.

It’s Bree and Roger standing on the beach and Brianna is the one who killed Bonnet. Roger asks if she shot him out of mercy or to make sure he’s dead. Bree doesn’t answer but turns and walks away. Stephen Bonnet is gone! Brianna and Roger no longer have to fear that they will lose Jemmy. Ding, dong, the witch is dead!

Sadly, only 2 episodes remain until the season 5 finale. “Journeycake” airs on Monday, May 3, on STARZ.

Visit www.sueboohscorner.com for my recap as well as recaps, news and info on all your favorite shows.

Stay safe!

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4yourexcitement · 5 years ago

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Credit: Johan Persson

There is no doubt that within the theatre community, brand new musical & Juliet is one of the most eagerly anticipated shows to open this year. The musical which stars Hamilton’s Miriam-Teak Lee in the eponymous role, uses the extensive back catalogue of music producer Max Martin, to tell the story of what happened if Juliet decided there was a life after Romeo and Juliet and decided that Paris is the place to be. The book by David West Read, tells us the story of how Juliet decides that life means more to her than dying for the one she thinks she loves.

Ahead of the show’s London opening in November, the show has been wowing audiences at Manchester Opera House since mid September and if the show I saw on October 1, 2019 then London audiences will be in for a real treat next month.

Although there is only one original song “One More Try” in the show, the re-orchestrations of the songs at the hands of Bill Sherman create a new twist on some incredibly memorable, and nostalgic songs and at no point did I feel that I was watching a traditional “jukebox musical” and that is due in no small part to the exceptional directing talent of Luke Sheppard (In The Heights).

West End stalwart Oliver Tompsett (We Will Rock You, Wicked, Rock of Ages, Kinky Boots), plays William Shakespeare who is debuting the first performance of Romeo and Juliet to a challenging audience after making a memorable entrance and Cassidy Janson (Beautiful, Man of La Mancha) stars as Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife who makes him reconsider his “shit” ending.

Tompsett is perfectly cast as Shakespeare, and his cheeky and clever Shakespeare is definitely not the bading, ruff wearing image we are used to seeing. He has exceptional chemistry with Janson, and there are times where you can’t decide whether you want to slap him or hug him. Of course Tompsett’s voice is nothing short of perfect, with the opening number “Larger Than Life” showing off his vocals perfectly, his duet with Janson “As Long as You Love Me” is one of the tearjerkers of the show, and of course hearing Tompsett rock out in “It’s My Life” is pure pleasure. Tompsett’s Shakespeare is definitely not a one dimensional caricature, and we definitely see Shakespeare as a slightly flawed human who pours himself into his work at the potential exclusion of Anne.

Janson is a joy to watch both as Anne Hathaway, and as Juliet’s new best friend April who helps her to find the way to secure her own happiness. Janson has a fabulous comic touch and she has some of the funniest lines in the show, and the scenes between Juliet and her friends are just a joy to watch. Janson blew the roof off the theatre with her rendition of the Celine Dion classic “That’s the Way It Is.” Whilst Lee (and Juliet) is no doubt the star of the show, it feels like Janson and her characters are the true heart of the show, and some of her scenes with Tompsett will bring a tear to your eye.

Joining Janson’s April as one of Juliet’s friends is Arun Blair-Mangat (Angels in America, Leave to Remain, In The Heights, Kinky Boots) as May who is always there for Juliet and is willing to throw away their own chance at love for their best friend. Blair-Mangat is as always heart wrenchingly amazing, and May is a truly fabulous character and at no point does May feel like a stereotype, or a reason to be mocked. May’s relationship with Juliet is something that everyone needs, a friend who has their back and there is a lovely emotional connection between the pair, however their group is not without its comedic elements which Blair-Mangat excels at as can be seen in songs such as “I Kissed a Girl”. Blair Mangat is a true vocal powerhouse with two of what I feel are some of the many unforgettable songs within the show; “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman” had the audience drawn in totally with an emotional rawness that Blair-Mangat creates effortlessly and it reduced me to a total puddle of tears and “Whataya Want From Me” shows a new side to his vocal range that I wasn’t used to hearing, and I need to hear more rock spring forth from his stunning vocals. I truly believe that Blair-Mangat’s role could see him receive nods when awards season comes round next year.

Tim Mahenderan, who plays Francois, is just exceptional and a shining talent with songs such as his duets with Blair-Mangat and Lee. I can’t wait to hear what Mahenderan will do next, and I have no doubt he has a bright and glittering future ahead of him. His emotional scenes are just amazing and you end the show rooting for Francois’s happiness just as much as Juliet’s.

Double Olivier Award winner David Bedella (Jerry Springer the Opera, The Rocky Horror Show, In The Heights) stars as Francois’s father Lance, who is blustering and pompous who is also an old flame of Juliet’s nurse, played by the sublime Melanie La Barrie (Wicked). Songs such as “Shape of My Heart” reminded me of what a wonderful voice and range Bedella has. Bedella’s comic side is definitely allowed to fly free in the role of Lance, and I had to pick my jaw off the floor (in the best possible way) watching Bedella and La Barrie frolicking around a bedroom whilst singing a mash up of “Teenage Dream” and “Break Free”.

In a similar vein, I never knew that I needed to see a “Bois Band” comprising Tompsett, Blair-Mangat, Mahenderan, Bedella, and Jordan Luke Gage (Bat Out of Hell) who sing and dance their way through “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)”, but now I’ve seen it I want to watch it again, and again.

Gage, plays Romeo who we only really see at the end of Act One, when he arrives in a blaze of glory rocking to “It’s My Life” and determined to win back the most recent woman he loved. This version of Romeo is vapid, dense and in the words of Anne Hathaway “a douche”. Gage’s voice is something special and his duet with Lee “One More Try” is gorgeous, and although his Romeo is anything by perfect he is still a guy trying to do the right thing.

There is one true star of the show and that is Miriam-Teak Lee as Juliet, a modern girl who isn’t willing to let a failed relationship define her life, and with the help of her friends she will discover who she is. Lee’s performance is truly of another level of power and awesome raw talent from her pared back version of “…Baby One More Time” to her theatre grabbing rendition of “Roar” which is undoubtedly the anthem of this show. There is not one song that she doesn’t fail to deliver on and her voice is truly of the most exceptional I have ever had the honour to listen to. The mash up “Problem/Can’t Feel My Face” with Lee and Gage is one of the most inventive reimaginings of the songs in the show. If Lee does not receive an Olivier Nomination for her role in the show, then I will wonder what is truly wrong with the world. Lee deserves every praise for the way that she becomes the centre of the show without making it a one woman show, yet standing tall in her own diva worthy way.

The “Company of Players” are one of the tightest I have seen in a long time, with a special mention to Grace Mouat (Six), and Jocasta Almgill (Dreamgirls, West Side Story, In The Heights) who plays the almost villainous Lady Capulet; they are both brilliant and bring a new level to the show.

The choreography from Jennifer Weber is clever, and in total keeping with the vision that has been created and the company execute it impeccably. Paloma Young’s costumes are unexpected but work so well with feel of the show, and the costumes never feel out of place or jarring to the action that is taking place on stage at the time. Soutra Gilmour’s set design in conjunction with the lighting designed by Howard Hudson create the varying worlds of Verona and Paris in a way that was totally unexpected and the mash up of period and more modern makes it even more interesting. I certainly found myself looking at so many details of the stage before the show and in the interval which is not something that happens all that often.

At the end of the show, the entire audience is on its feet and quite rightly so, because & Juliet is the musical we have been waiting for to show us all that there is more to a person than the person they fall in love with and that we are ok no matter what. I can’t wait to see this show again and again, because this show deserves to run for a long time.

Check out the gallery of official production photos below:

#gallery-0-4 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-4 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-4 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-4 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Credit: Johan Persson

& Juliet is currently playing at Manchester Opera House until October 12, and will open at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre on November 19 with previews starting on November 2. Tickets for both venues can be purchased via the show’s official website.

& Juliet Roars With Sass, Shakespeare and A Second Chance At Life There is no doubt that within the theatre community, brand new musical & Juliet is one of the most eagerly anticipated shows to open this year.

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blackdiamondwrites127 · 3 years ago

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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 Trastámara and has six children. She is currently the acting leader of the group. Is unsure how to react to her older half brother being the leader of a survivor’s society.

Isabella Trastámara - Age eighteen years old. Is the oldest child of Isabel. Her current priority is the safety of her siblings and mother. Is very wary of her uncle and prefers to distract herself by flirting with Liz.

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 now a proud father of two daughters.

Jocasta ‘Joyce’ Howard - Age twenty nine years old and currently a couple months along in her pregnancy. Is wary of the people in the camp. Especially it’s leader.

Gonzalo Fernández - Age thirty six years old, widow of Luisa Manrique-Fernández and had two children. He is currently the captain of his border patrol unit in Campamento Zaragoza and is very happy to have Isabel and her children in the camp.

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. No one knows of his true feelings about his half sister’s reemergence and arrival to his camp.

Joana Castro - Age fifty years old and married to Enrique Castro. She manages the agriculture and the food supply of Campamento Zaragoza. She’s unsure how to go about Isabel and her group’s arrival in the camp.

Beatriz de Bobadilla - Age forty eight years old. She is Isabel’s long time best friend and is very happy to know that she and her children are alive.

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.

Isabela Aviz-Castro - Age sixty one years old. She is Isabel’s mother and has dementia. Regardless, she’s really happy and relieved to see her only daughter.

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

--------------------------------------------------

Chapter Six: Campamento Zaragoza

Enrique chuckles and walks over to Isabel. Pulling her in for a tight hug. “¡Mi querida hermana! You’re alive!” he said. Still laughing happily.

Isabel returned her older half brother's hug hesitantly. Given that her and Enrique's relationship had been rocky to say the least, this was unusual. The fact that their father married her mother, who was Enrique's wife's cousin and younger than him, was one of the reasons for their tumultuous relationship. Not to mention the fact that their father removed him entirely from his will and gave the, then dying, company to Isabel, who successfully revived it and turned it into the powerhouse it once was.

So him hugging her right now was both perplexing and uncomfortable.

“U-Um…it’s…refreshing to see you too, Enrique,” she said.

“Is that Isabella?” Enrique asked. Pulling away from Isabel and making his way over to her eldest daughter.

“U-Um…Hola tio,” Isabella politely greeted. Trying to maintain an arm’s length of space between them. He ignored this and pulled her into a hug anyway. “Look at you, you’ve grown into a fine young woman,” he said. Pulling away and looking at her from head to toe. Isabella squirmed uncomfortably under his gaze. Fortunately, her mother saved her by getting Enrique’s attention with a question.

“How did you survive, Enrique? And how did you manage to build a community as large as this?” Isabel asked. Isabella used this opportunity to step away from her uncle and stand next to Johann and Joyce.

“It’s simply a gift, Isabel. I knew Castile Corp. wasn’t for me but an entire community of survivors is! This is my calling, hermana! These people need me and without me, they would have been dead or Infected a long time now,” Enrique said. He turned to his half sister and smirked. Isabel always hated that smirk. Especially when he was smirking at her younger brother, Alfonso’s, funeral many years back.

“You saved our father’s legacy, Isabel. Now, it is my turn to save you. This is my domain now. I have things handled and in order for you and your group to earn your stay, you have to answer to me,” he said. Taking Isabel’s hand in his own but she promptly yanked her hand away.

“Gracias pero no gracias, Enrique but my group and I are leaving for Girona. It’s safer that way,” Isabel said.

Enrique frowns at this. Even Gonzalo looked at her in confusion. “Isabel, this is a fully functioning community, why decide to leave for the countryside?” he asked.

“This is a fully functioning community, Gonzalo but looking at your walls earlier, I’m not sure if it can handle the large herd heading this way,” Isabel said.

“Herd? What herd?” Enrique asked.

“A herd of Infected. They number in the thousands and they are slowly making their way here by using the main highway. We were driven out of our last safe house because of them,” Isabella explained.

“We’ve seen it. The herd may be slow moving but it was a scary and overwhelming sight. It’s like they’re endless,” Joyce said.

The two men looked at each other in shock then shifted their gazes to Isabel who was discussing quietly with the present members of her group about their changes in plans.

“So it’s agreed that the soonest Mari recovers we take our leave for Girona?” She asked, and the plan was approved by all three adults. They've all put their faith in her to make decisions, and she's never let them down.

“Hold on, Isabel. You tell us there’s a herd of Infected headed our way and you’re just standing there’ discussing your escape with your group instead of helping us?” Enrique asked. Or, more accurately, demanded as he yanks his half sister by the shoulder and spins her around to face him.

Isabel gives him a cold stare and wrests her shoulder free from his grasp.

“Why? I thought you said you have things handled in this community. Surely you have something in mind for the oncoming herd, hermano,” she challenged.

Enrique's hand connected against her cheek in a flash, as he slapped her hard in the face. Isabel stumbled a little but kept her footing. When she looked up, he was glaring at her with such hatred that she felt he could murder her right then.

“¡Mamá!” Isabella exclaimed when her mother was attacked and Gonzalo yanked Enrique away from Isabel. Scolding him for attacking her.

“Did I strike a nerve, Enrique?” Isabel continues to challenge her older half brother. Ignoring the stinging on her cheek.

This was basically their relationship dynamic.

She provokes him and he violently lashes out. Oh how their father hated this dynamic of theirs but it's his fault anyways. He bred and raised a cunning asshole then bred and raised a hard headed wise woman.

Such is the family of the Castros.

“¡Maldita perra! I offer you shelter and safety and this is how you treat me!?” Enrique shouts angrily. Swinging at her again, but this time Gonzalo and Isabel were ready. Gonzalo pulled him back, and Isabel simply stepped back to avoid his lashing fists.

"Enrique! Calm down and stop shouting before anyone outside can hear you!" Gonzalo warns him. Still restraining him.

Isabel said nothing and just looked at her older half brother with an unreadable expression. Then all of a sudden, she said, "Lo siento, hermano. I didn't mean to provoke you. I'm just stressed from all the events that have happened recently."

When Isabel apologized to Enrique, he stopped flailing and cursing. It surprised him because she had never apologized to him on her own volition. As a result, this was a strange situation. When he had calmed down, Gonzalo let go of his grip on him, but he remained close by in case the half siblings got into another fight.

Between these two, there's always a conflict. You never know when it will happen.

"Uh...you're forgiven...I guess," Enrique hesitantly said.

"Look, just let us stay here until our resident nurse has recovered and we'll be out of your hair. You won't have to worry about feeding extra mouths after," Isabel said.

"Isabel--" Gonzalo wanted to protest but Enrique cut him off.

"I'll do you one better, Isabel. I'll let you stay here for as long as you will help me and my people prepare for the oncoming herd," he offers. Isabel frowns at this.

"The only advice I can give you about the herd is to move from the city. I have a theory that the herd will stay in one area until every living being in that area is Infected or dead. It's like they have a hive mind," she said.

"Moving is simply not an option for my people and I. Especially when we have everything we need here. What we need are stronger fortifications and I know you have extensive knowledge in constructing large walls," Enrique said.

He's right for once, Isabel had to admit. Moving a huge group of people isn't an option here, especially since they've established a comfortable camp. Fortifications may work for a while, but with thousands of Infected pounding on them, they are likely to fall and everyone will most likely die. She must, however, concentrate solely on her group. Her and her group may suffer as a result of assisting a large community.

"Chacón and your mother are here, Isabel. And you're willing to just leave them here to die?" Enrique guilted Isabel.

Isabel looked at him in shock. Her mother and godfather are still alive and they're here?

"Y-You're lying…," she said. It's hard to believe that her dementia ridden mother and godfather were still alive. She came to terms with those losses months ago.

"I am not. Gonzalo, go and fetch them. Tell Chacón that Isabel and her children are here," her older half brother said. Gonzalo nodded and went to go do as he was told.

That was all the confirmation Isabel needed.

"Alright. I'll help. I'll help as best as I can," she said.

Enrique smirked triumphantly and clapped a few times.

"¡Muy bien! I'll have you and your group screened then prepare accommodations for your stay. Again, welcome to Campamento Zaragoza. I look forward to your contributions." With that, he turned and left.

Isabel breathes out a sigh of relief. This wasn't anything she had planned, and she despised doing things on the spur of the moment.

Take, for example, the entire apocalypse.

After her uncle had left the room, Isabella approached her mother. "Mamá, are you sure? He could be lying about abuelo Chacón and Avó being here," she asked.

"Your padrino went to go get them and I trust him to never lie to me about something as serious as your abuelo Chacón and Avó still alive," Isabel said.

"What the hell was that about? Is that bloke really your brother?" Joyce asked as she and Johann walked over to the mother and daughter.

"Unfortunately. He's hated me and my family since our father married my mother and had me and my younger brother, Alfonso," Isabel explained.

"He looks really old though. Like way older than you," Joyce commented.

"He is. He's around twenty some years older than I am. He's actually older than my mother."

"Bloody hell."

"You can say that again."

"Also was machen wir jetzt?" Johann asked.

"What?" Isabel asked. Turning to the young man.

"He's asking what we should do now?" Isabella translated. Johann nodded in thanks.

"Well looks like we're staying here for an undisclosed amount of time. Hopefully before the herd shows up. I'll handle Enrique and you all should just try to help around as much as you can while keeping your head down. As soon as Enrique is satisfied with my help then we can leave," her mother explained. They've essentially altered plans multiple times in a single day, and there may be more changes in the following days, but Isabel will be ready to adjust and prioritize her family and group.

"What can we do to help around here?" Joyce asked.

"Maybe you can help in the hospital as a midwife or nurse. Johann, you can maybe help with agriculture or construction. Isabella can stick with her godfather as his secretary or maybe as a temporary member of his team," Isabel said.

"Yes!" Isabella cheered.

"What made you so happy about that?" Joyce asked. Raising a curious eyebrow.

"That beautiful brunette is in my godfather's team. I have a chance to make her swoon for me. Maybe serenading her with a guitar and a song might work," the younger Isabel said. An excited smirk on her face.

"Ay dios mio…" her mother sighs. Pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Babes, Your gay is showing," Joyce pointed out.

"Hey you can't blame me. I haven't seen a pretty girl around my age in months," Isabella retorts.

"I swear you flirt like your padre. But don't get too attached, mija. We're not staying here permanently," Isabel reminded.

"I know. Do you think asking padrino to put in a good word for me would be too much?"

The old shower room's doors opened, and a group of people entered. Isabel recognized one of them immediately. A woman with a small, plump physique, braided blonde hair, and a tiny buck toothed smile on her lips.

"Mamá...isn't that…?" Isabella asked. Recognizing the person as well.

"...Beatriz…?" Isabel said. The woman who the name belonged to looked up from her clipboard and her eyes widened in shock when she saw Isabel.

“Isabel…? Isabel!” Beatriz exclaimed and ran up to her dearest friend. Crying tears of happiness and relief when she saw her alive and well.

“Beatriz!” Isabel cried as she caught her best friend in her arms. The two women cried as they hugged each other tightly.

Beatriz was another one of Isabel's childhood friends. She regarded this woman as a great friend and looked up to her as an older sister. Beatriz stayed by her side through all of her highs and lows. At her and Fernando's wedding, she was her maid of honor. She is also the godmother of her children. She is, above all, her confidante and platonic soulmate.

This is a woman she can completely entrust her life to.

"¡Dios mio! You're alive! And oh! Isabella! Mija, thank God you're alive and well!" Beatriz said. After letting go of Isabel, she hugs her goddaughter. Isabella returned her godmother's hug with joy. Relieved and happy to see another familiar face.

She couldn't help but cry when she saw close friends of her family alive and well.

"Beatriz, this is such a blessing to see you again," Isabel said.

"I thought I would never see you again! I'm so glad you all survived!" Beatriz said. Taking Isabel’s hands in her own.

"Well...not all of us," Isabella said quite somberly.

It took a minute for Beatriz to realize the missing adult in their group when she noticed Isabel wearing a man's coat instead of her own. She takes Isabel and Isabella in her arms without saying anything. Offering comfort and sympathy for their loss.

Isabel finally let herself cry on her friend's shoulder after months of keeping strong. Beatriz's comfort reminded her that she didn't have time to properly mourn Fernando's death.

"He's in a better place now, Isabel. He's not in pain anymore," Beatriz said quietly.

"But I am...my children and I are still suffering...struggling to survive everyday…," Isabel sobs.

"I know, Isabel. I know. But it's going to be okay now. You're in a safe place now."

Isabel took a few moments to gather her thoughts and pull away from her friend's embrace. Beatriz handed her a handkerchief with which she wiped away the stray tears that continued to fall. They then moved on to the screening process. It was a brief encounter. Just check out for bites (Joyce had to explain hers, and the others confirmed it) and temperature readings. They were advised to wait while their accommodations were being readied for them after they were all cleared.

Beatriz stayed with them to catch up with Isabel more.

“Avó…? Mamá! It's Avó and abuelo Chacón!” Isabella suddenly said. Running over to the people that Gonzalo was accompanying. When Isabel turned around, she saw the two people who had raised her to be the woman she was now, and her eyes widened and tears streamed down her face.

"Mamãe...padrino…," Isabella said. Walking over to them.

Isabela Aviz-Castro was seated in a wheelchair that Gonzalo Chacón was pushing. When Isabella approached them, he came to a halt. He extended his arms wide and embraced his granddaughter.

"Isabella! Querida corazon, you're alive!" he said. Hugging her tight.

"So are you and a avó! You're both alive!" she said.

Isabel had reached them. Her tears ran down her face. She walked over to her mother and knelt in front of her. She took her hand in hers. The older of the two had a blank expression on her face when she gazed at her.

"Mamãe, você se lembra de mim?" she asked.

"Quem é Você?" Her mother asked. Frowning in thought as she tried to remember who this person in front of her was.

"Mamãe, sou eu. Isabel. Sua filha," Isabel said.

"Isabel…? Minha filha…?"

She smiled and nodded. Her mother was still puzzled, but she didn't seem to mind that she didn't recognize her. What mattered was that her mother was still alive. Isabel lovingly hugged her mother and kissed her on the forehead. When Isabela returned the hug, she smiled and cried a little.

"Graças a Deus você está viva, mamãe. Graças a Deus," Isabel said.

"Isabel, it's a relief to see you alive and well," Chacón said. Isabel smiled and let go of her mother to hug her godfather. The man who stood up in her father's place since he died.

The man who she calls 'Mi querido padre'.

Isabella went to her grandmother to talk to her while her mother and grandfather had their moment.

"I'm so sorry about Fernando, Isabel," Chacón said. Isabel shook her head. "It was inevitable. He sacrificed himself to protect our children," she said.

He kissed her forehead in comfort and hugged her closer.

"Long time, no see, Isabel."

Isabel frowns and pulls away to look at who addressed her. Her mood soured when she saw her older half brother's wife walking over. Of course she'd be here as well.

"Joana," she acknowledged. Her sister in law gave her an obviously fake smile. "How are you?" she asked.

"I'm getting by just fine. You?"

"Never better now that you're here."

For a few moments, the two women locked quiet stares, with Isabel winning the battle when Joana turned away quickly. She smiled a faint triumphant grin at herself.

"So what brings you here?" Isabel asked.

"Oh right. Enrique asked me to bring you and your group to your living accomodations. Come along so we're not wasting daylight," Joana said. Turning heel and walking away without waiting for them. Isabel sighs and gestures for her group to follow.

"We'll catch up later," Chacón said to her.

"They can join us at el comedor later tonight," Gonzalo reassures.

Isabel smiled at him and nodded in thanks before going out to follow Joana with her group. Gonzalo had a small smile on his face as he watched them leave.

"After all these years, you still have feelings for Isabel?" Beatriz asked. An amused look on her face.

"I loved Luisa as a wife but Isabel is another kind of woman entirely. I just...I just can't describe how or why I still have feelings for her. There's just something about her that draws me in like a magnet," Gonzalo said.

"Be careful, Gonzalo. Isabel may not still be over Fernando's death," Chacón warns.

Gonzalo sighs and nods. "I know. I'm still grieving my own loss as well anyways," he said.

“Well maybe you two need each other to cope with your losses,” Beeatrriz said before leaving the facility. Gonzalo sighs and escorts Chacón and Isabela back to the elderly care center in the camp.

Joana was waiting for Isabel and her group by a cart drawn by two horses. "Get on the cart. The driver will take you to your place. Your belongings have already been transferred there so you just have to unpack. Also, no need to worry about your little ones. They're in the nursery near to where you'll be staying. It's an old elementary school. It's not that hard to miss," she relayed.

Isabel nods and she and her group get on the cart. "Oh and Isabel," Joana said. Preventing the driver from taking off just yet.

"Si?" Isabel asked.

"Enrique wants you in his office after you've settled in," she answered.

"Alright. I’ll just find my way there, I guess," Isabel said.

Joana nodded and walked away, allowing them to continue on their path. The horses moved forward after the driver snapped the reins. As the cart traveled past the various facilities of Campamento Zaragoza, they took a look around. Isabel had to admit that her older half brother had outdone himself in this community. Everything had its own dedicated facility. A functioning hospital, a warehouse for scavenged goods, training facilities and barracks for the community's armed protectors, a functioning school, and an entertainment venue. Stables and barns for horses and cattle are also available. Campamento Zaragoza resembles a normal city in many ways. Everyone who lives here doesn't have to worry about survival because they have all they need and more in one place.

Isabel made eye contact with Johann, Joyce and Isabella. Since the beginning of The End, all four of them have been searching for this kind of place. Maybe, just maybe, plans will change, and traveling to Girona will be a fallback plan in case things go south, which they almost certainly will. Isabel simply nodded in agreement with the others.

Maybe Campamento Zaragoza won’t be so bad after all.

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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 Trastámara and has six children. She is currently the acting leader of the group and is bending over backwards desperately trying to keep her people alive. Even going as far as refusing to eat until everyone has eaten.

Isabella Trastámara - Age eighteen years old. Is the oldest child of Isabel. Her current priority is the safety of her siblings and mother. Desperately finding a way to help keep her family alive and continuously trying to convince her mother to eat when there’s food.

Juan Trastámara - Age ten years old. The second child of Isabel. Readily takes the role of brave big brother for his younger siblings. He's dedicated to protecting his family and has been practicing how to use his knife.

Juana Trastámara - Age nine years old. The third child of Isabel. Looks up to Juan for comfort and reassurance. Starting to show signs of anxiety due to constant stress and overthinking.

Maria Trastámara - Age seven years old. She is the fourth child of Isabel. Often sticks close to her twin. Desperately want things to go back to normal and start school again to see her friends.

Marion Trastámara - Age seven years old and the fifth child of Isabel. Often sticks close to his twin. They try to cheer up their twin sister as best as they can even though he shares her sentiments of wanting things to go back to normal.

Catalina Trastámara - Age three years old. The youngest child of Isabel. Has been really restless and stressed since she lost her beloved plush monkey, Pancho. No other toys could cheer her up or comfort her.

Maria 'Mari' Jülich - Age twenty years old and seven months pregnant with her second child. She is currently the resident nurse of the group. Starting to get tense and desperate to look for a safe place to give birth in.

Johann La Marck - Age twenty one. Readily does as he is told as long as it’s not to the detriment of his family. He's been trying his best to cater to his pregnant partner and prevent her from getting stressed.

Sibylle Jülich - La Marck - Two years old. Daughter of Mari and Johann and relies on them for care and protection. Tries countless times to cheer up Catalina but it's futile and she starts to get upset as well.

Günther - A one year old german shepherd that is fiercely loyal and protective of his owners and his owners’ friends. Willingly takes the role of hunting dog and goes on hunts with Isabella.

Jocasta ‘Joyce’ Howard - Age twenty nine years old. Found in the backroom of a petrol station convenience store by Isabel and is currently the midwife for Mari. Currently a couple months along her own pregnancy.

Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Seymour - Age eighteen years old. One of the two surviving children of the Seymour family. Recently moved to Spain with her family a month before The End happened. Her entire family, bar her and her youngest sister, Jane, died or turned into Infected. Currently serving as a patrol officer of Campamento Zaragoza under Gonzalo Fernández's unit.

Gonzalo Fernández - Age thirty six years old, widow of Luisa Manrique-Fernández and had two children who unfortunately died at the very start of The End. He is one of Isabel's childhood friends and he harbored romantic feelings for her for over the entirety of their friendship. He’s an ex-military captain who had taken in Liz and Jane Seymour under his care and protection when he found them all alone. He is currently the captain of his patrol unit in Campamento Zaragoza.

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

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Chapter Five: Dire Times, Desperate Actions

Isabel focused her gaze on the flames. Lost in contemplation.

They were back on the road again after a month of staying in the villa. Her group enjoyed a nice month in the villa. The villa provided them with refuge, food, and water. They had a gate. They have fences in place to keep any stray Infected from wandering inside the area. With all the prey Isabella and her bow and arrow caught, the adjacent forests also offered sustenance. Not to mention the nearby strip mall and grocery store, where they scavenged for supplies.

Things were really looking up for them back there.

Until it wasn’t.

They weren’t prepared at all when Isabella and Joyce had come back from a scavenging mission, frantic and telling everyone to grab whatever and head for the vehicles. They'd seen the herd, and it was going straight for them. They had only a few hours to gather everything, cram everything into the three vehicles, and leave. They couldn't get everything, so they had to leave some supplies behind. Even Catalina's beloved Pancho had been abandoned.

She had been crying uncontrollably as a result of it. Why wouldn’t she? Pancho was a gift from her father on her third birthday. It was the last thing she had from him, and it was now gone as well.

"Mamá," Isabella called as she approached her mother. Holding a bowl of soup that had been cooked over the fire and a bottle of water.

"Have the others eaten," Isabel asked. She had been doing this since they left the villa. Refusing to eat until everyone in her group had eaten.

"Sí. Everyone just finished eating. Here. It's your turn to eat," her eldest said. Handing her the food and water. Isabel gratefully accepted them and began eating after a little prayer of thanks. Isabella sat quietly next to her mother, watching the fire. She finally broke the silence by asking the question that had been on everyone's mind recently.

"What now?"

Isabel sighs and puts her empty bowl down next to her. Staring into the fire again. "We head to Girona as we had planned. We've been taking the back roads for days now so I think it’s safe to head back to the main roads since we've lost the herd," she said.

"We left a lot of supplies back at the villa. Food is almost running out," Isabella said. Grabbing a stray leaf and tossing it into the fire.

"I know. I checked Joyce's map earlier and the city that would be nearest is the community of Zaragoza. We can make a stop there and gather as much supplies as we can. Then we can take the highway from there to Girona," Isabel explained. Drawing up her plan on the soil with a stick. Drafting out their plans going forward. Isabella examined the schematics that her mother drew and pondered over the plan.

"When do you think we'll get there?" she asked.

"Less than a week at least. We'll have to get out of the backroads and into the main roads before taking the highway so it'll be a longer trip," Isabel answered. Tossing the stick into the fire. Fueling the flames more.

"We don't have that much time," her daughter said. She looked at her in confusion and asked, "why not?"

"Mari is starting to get anxious and worrying over finding a safe place to give birth in," Isabella pointed out.

Isabel shifted her gaze over to Mari. She was sleeping against Johann. Her hand was softly rubbing her belly, while the other rested above her sleeping daughter's head.

"She's seven months along now. She probably knows she's about to give birth anytime. What does Joyce say about her condition?"

"Joyce is trying her best to keep her calm but she told me that even she's worrying over finding a safe place for Mari."

"I'll check her map tomorrow and see if we can find any shelter nearby. That's the plan for now."

Isabella agrees with a nod. For the time being, Mari takes priority. When Mari is strong enough, they can think about traveling to Zaragoza. Isabel rose to her feet and took Fernando's cane and handgun. Isabella frowns and gets to her feet.

“Where are you going?” she asked her mother.

“Night watch. You should get some sleep. It’s late,” her mother answered.

“Oh no you don’t. You barely slept last night yourself. You get some sleep and let Joyce and I be tonight’s watch,” Isabella said. Taking her father’s weapons from her mother and setting them aside in the van.

“Isabella–” Isabel was cut off before she could protest.

“Mamá, rest. Please. You can lay down with Catalina. She’s been very upset lately and you know why,” Isabella said sternly.

Isabel gave in with a sigh and nodded. “Stay safe and keep an eye out,” she said before going over to where her children were sleeping. She laid down next to Catalina’s sleeping bag and gently pulled her close in her arms. The toddler instinctively snuggled closer in her mother’s embrace.

"Mama…," Catalina whimpers. Isabel lightly kissed her forehead to comfort her.

"It's okay, mija. You're safe," she reassured.

"I miss Pancho…," the toddler sadly said. Isabel sighs and says, "I know, Catalina. Lo siento." The little girl cried herself back to sleep and her mother followed suit by closing her eyes.

She could only pray for the wellbeing of her people.

“There’s a church not too far from this road. Think we can use that as a temporary shelter for Mari?”

“It’s better than nothing. We’ll have to make do with the supplies that we have.”

Joyce and Isabel were discussing where to put up a temporary refuge. On top of the van's hood, the map was spread out in front of them. The Spanish woman and the English woman talked about Mari’s current situation and what they should do moving forward.

“Do we have enough medical supplies for the birth?” Isabel asked.

“I did an inventory check the other day and I would say it’s enough for the upcoming birth but it won’t be afterwards. I’ll have to use a good number of them so I suggest going on a medical supply run,” Joyce said.

Isabel frowns in thought as she looks at the map. There were hospitals near the church they were planning to make camp in. The closest one would be in the city. Zaragoza.

“Looks like we’ll have to try not to injure ourselves or get sick in order to conserve what medical supplies we have left,” she said. Joyce just nods in agreement and folded up her map before returning it in her backpack.

“Everyone all set?” Isabel asked.

“Everything’s been packed and in the vehicles,” Isabella reported.

“And everyone is accounted for,” Mari reported as well.

“Then let’s get a move on.”

The group got into their vehicles and drove off. Continuing on the dirt road until they come to one of the main roads. Since Joyce was riding in her car, Isabella was in the lead as they utilized Joyce's map to guide them in the right direction. In the rearview mirror, Isabel saw Catalina crying over Pancho again, and her older siblings were attempting to cheer her up as well. She feels sorry for her youngest's situation.

Some hours into the drive, the walkie talkie that Johann had found during a supply run, crackled to life as one of them was trying to communicate.

“This is Joyce. Isabella’s running out of gas and needs to stop to refill,” Joyce said through the communicator.

“Got that. Mari, did you copy that?” Isabel asked.

“Ja. I already told Johann,” Mari replied. Isabel frowns in concern as she notices that her voice is a bit breathless. The group pulls over to the side to refill their tanks with gas and stretch their legs for a bit. Isabel was reminded that their jerry cans were almost empty as well and they needed to go on a fuel run soon.

“Ve’ll have to look for a petrol station to refill ze jerry cans,” Mari voiced out what was exactly in Isabel’s mind as her partner emptied a can to refill the caravan’s tank. She was still sitting on the passenger side. Her hands are constantly on her pregnant belly.

“Thankfully, there’s one nearby the church,” Joyce mentioned as she was reviewing her map.

“Do you think it has a convenience store that we can look for supplies in?” Isabel asks as she walks over to Joyce and peers over her shoulder. Johann and Isabella join them and they discuss whether or not to make a stop at the petrol station first or settle at the church before going on a supply run at the petrol station.

With Mari unable to look after the children and the other adults preoccupied by the map and their discussion, Juan has determined that for the time being, he is responsible enough to look after the children. His younger siblings were generally doing what they preferred to do, which was either playing with sticks or looking for rocks that were curiously shaped. Sibylle was merely playing with Güther while sitting next to her mother. For the ten-year-old boy, it was a fairly simple task.

“So it’s settled, we’ll settle first then Isabella and I will head out for supplies. Johann, Joyce, you’ll be staying with Mari and the children for that time being,” Isabel said.

Everyone nodded in agreement to the arrangement.

“Alright then it’s settled. Let’s head off now while the sun’s still high,” Isabel said.

“Vati! Vati! Mutti Bauch tut weh!” Sibylle said as she came running over to her father.

Johann immediately ran over to Mari, and Joyce was not far behind. Isabel and Isabella exchanged a shocked gaze before joining the others to the caravan to check on Mari. Joyce is doing her best to calm both the mother and the father so she can do her job while Johann was holding his partner's hand and worrying over her.

“Bella, take Johann aside and calm him down. Joyce can’t work if he’s fussing over Mari like that,” Isabella instructed her eldest.

Isabella nodded and went to go do as she was told. Taking Johann aside to calm him down. “Johann, lass uns ein bisschen hierher gehen und tief durchatmen,” she said.

Isabel took her children and Sibylle to the van and told them to stay put before going over to Mari and Joyce.

“How is she?” she asked Joyce. Mari was obviously wincing in pain and breathing heavily.

“She’s going into active labor. We need to get her to the church or somewhere that’s indoors as soon as possible,” Joyce said.

“Right. Can you drive the caravan? Johann’s panicking too much to drive and it’ll be a big risk,” Isabel asked and Joyce nodded. “I can. Let’s get moving,” she said. Going to the driver’s side of the caravan. Isabel goes over to Isabella and Johann and tells them about the urgent plan. Johann obviously didn’t like not being with Mari.

“Du kannst mich nicht von ihr fernhalten! Sie braucht mich!” he shouted at Isabel.

“Johann, du kannst bei ihr sein, aber du bist im Moment nicht in der richtigen Einstellung zum Autofahren,” Isabella explained.

“Let Joyce drive until we reach the church. This is very crucial in making sure of Mari’s well being, Johann,” Isabel said. Isabella translated to him what her mother had said and he defeatedly agreed.

“Alright, let’s go!”

Sibylle and Güther joined Johann in the caravan. Isabel climbed into the van and Isabella climbed into her car. They leave the scene without wasting any more time. They drove for an agonizing hour and a half. There were no buildings or houses to be seen, and the church where they planned to settle was approximately a half-hour drive away. Through the walkie talkie, Isabel could hear Mari's whimpers as Joyce updated them on her condition.

“Holy shit! Isabel, there are people on horseback riding alongside the caravan! They have weapons!” Joyce suddenly exclaimed frantically.

“What!?” Isabel exclaims. She could hear the thumping of horse hooves and shouting through the communication device.

“¡Volcar! ¡Ahora!”

She peered in the side mirror and could see people on horses and holding guns were flanking the caravan. A woman o n a brown sabino horse rides past her and towards Isabella's car at the front. Her eyes widened in shock when she saw the woman pull out a shotgun and point it towards her daughter's side window. Y yelling at her to pull over.

“Isabel! What do we do!?” Joyce asks frantically. Isabel could hear Johann shouting in the background.

“Everyone pull over!” Isabel shouts. Already slowing the van down. Isabella and Joyce followed suit. Pulling to the side and slowing down. While she unbuckles her seatbelt and gets out of the van, Isabel tells her children to stay in the vehicle. She reached to the passenger seat and grabbed the gun and cane. She looked and noticed Isabella was also out of her car with her weapon drawn. An arrow already set on her bow with the string pulled back a bit.

"¡Capitán! We found survivors!" The young woman shouts into her walkie talkie that was attached to her bulletproof vest. Her horse neighing a bit.

“¡Voy en camino!” the person on the other line replied.

Isabella took aim at the woman but she missed her aim when she heard her mother exclaim, “Bella don’t!” The woman was startled by the arrow brushing past her so she retaliated by hitting Isabella in the head with the butt of her shotgun and pointed it at her. Isabella goes down. Groaning as she holds her head in pain.

“¡No te muevas!” she orders.

Isabella managed to blink away the stars in front of her eyes and stared at the woman on horseback. The shotgun that was pointed at her appeared to have been sawed off, her gaze couldn't help but wander up the weapon's barrel to the woman's furious, piercing green eyes. The woman appeared to be around her age. Her brown hair was pulled back in a ponytail and framed her face with a couple strands of hair. Isabella's heartbeat sped up and her face flushed at the sight of her.

All brain function had ceased within her head.

Maybe it was because she was hit in the head with the butt of a shotgun that belonged to the beautiful brunette in front of her.

"Isabella!" Isabel shouts as she went to rush over to her daughter’s aid but she was hit in the back of the head with the butt of a gun.

“Mami!” Marion exclaimed as they watched their mother fall to the ground. Holding her head in pain. The young man that knocked her down removed all weapons from her person and confiscated them before forcing her back up to her feet.

“Search their vehicles!” the brunette woman commanded her group.

“No! Please we have children with us and we barely have any supplies left!” Isabel begs.

“Be quiet!” the young man snaps at her and goes ahead to open the van door. Juan lunged at him once the door opened. The young man lost his footing a bit but he managed to pull the boy off of him and toss him to the ground.

“¡Maldito bastardo!” the young man exclaimed in anger but looked on in horror when he realized he had attacked a child.

“Juan!” Isabel exclaimed in horror when her son was thrown to the ground like a ragdoll.

“Liz! There’s a pregnant woman in labor here as well as a toddler!” one of the brunette’s, Liz, teammates reported from the caravan. Güther was barking up a storm as he protectively stood in front of his owners.

“Oh my god…Just tie up the able adults and don’t hurt anyone else! We wait for capitán’s orders,” she instructed. Getting down from her horse and forcing Isabella up to her feet by yanking her up with her arm. She retrieves a rope from the saddle bag of her horse and ties her wrists together.

“What about the children and the pregnant woman?” another asked.

“Leave them be. They can’t do anything for the time being,” Liz said.

“¡Comprendida!”

Liz and one other teammate watched over Joyce, Johann, and Isabel, who were also tied up and ordered to sit together beside the van. Mari, who was still in labor, was rounded up and placed in the caravan with the children.

“Lass mich gehen! Mari braucht mich! Bitte! Sie geht in die Wehen!” Johann shouts. Struggling to get out of his binds.

“Johann, please calm down!” Joyce begged but it was futile. She looked up at Liz with pleading eyes and said, “please untie me, his partner is in labor and I’m a midwife! I need to help her!”

“Sorry but I can’t risk you escaping,” Liz said.

“Uh…Liz that girl is staring at you,” Liz’s teammate mentioned to her.

“What?” she asked and looked towards Isabella who was indeed staring intently at her. She glares at her and walks over. “Do you have a staring problem or something?” she demanded. Aiming her shotgun at her again in an attempt to scare her.

"Your eyes are as green as emeralds. I like emeralds," Isabella suddenly said. Breaking the silence and disappointing her devout catholic of a mother. Liz’s teammate couldn’t help but snort out a laugh.

“¡Isabella, ahora no es el momento!” Isabel hissed at her eldest but her scolding fell on deaf ears.

“Is she serious right now!?” Joyce asked. Looking at Isabel in confusion.

Liz looked at Isabella with a mix of confusion and amusement. "I'm...literally holding you at gunpoint," she pointed out. Even pointing at her shotgun.

"I know but it's not everyday I get to experience a pretty girl tying me up and holding me at gunpoint," Isabel's namesake keeps going. Giving her a suave smirk and a wink. Liz’s teammate bends over as she laughs more.

"Ay dios mio…," Isabel could only sigh in exasperation.

“¡Esa perra está tan cachonda por ti, Liz!”

“¡Ciérralo!”

The sound of hooves getting louder and louder as another rider on horseback arrives at the scene. The group of armed youth stood in attention and saluted the man that had arrived. Liz stepped forward and saluted as the man got down from his horse.

“Capitán,” she addressed.

“Status report,” he orders.

“We found these people trespassing on our territory. They were driving these three vehicles here and they had young children and a heavily pregnant woman in labor with them,” Liz reported to her commanding officer.

Her captain looked at her in shock. “A woman in labor and young children!?” he exclaims.

“Sí señor. One of them claimed to be a midwife and needed to help the pregnant woman.”

“Untie the midwife! ¡rápido!” he orders.

Liz nodded and hurriedly went to untie Joyce. Her captain followed her to see who his team had captured. Once she is free, she quickly rushes over to Mari to check up on her condition. Isabel looked up when she noticed a new person had arrived and her eyes widened when she saw those familiar brown eyes, unruly hair, and goatee. It was none other than her dear childhood friend, Gonzalo.

“Gonzalo!?” she exclaimed.

Gonzalo looked at Isabel in shock upon seeing. “Isabel!?” he exclaims as well. Liz looked at her captain and Isabel in confusion.

“You know her, Capitán?” she asks.

“Untie them now, Liz! They’re not a threat,” Gonzalo said. Liz and her teammate did as they were told. Isabel runs over to Gonzalo and leapt in his arms. Hugging him tightly as she sobs. She was so happy to see a very familiar face.

“You’re alive!” Gonzalo said. Hugging Isabel tightly. “So are you!” Isabel said.

He sets her down to her feet and the two just stand there. Smiling at each other. Just relieved to see the other alive and well after months of literal hell on earth. Gonzalo was about to ask her what happened when Isabella ran over and tackled him in a hug.

“¡Padrino Gonzalo!” she exclaims. Happy to see her godfather after a long time. The last time she’d seen him was at her eighteenth birthday last year.

“Isabella! Thank God you and your madre are doing well!” he said. Lifting her off her feet and spinning her around.

Gonzalo’s team was staring at them in abject confusion. Clearly their captain knew these people.

“We’re alive thanks to mamá. She got us out of every danger while making sure we’re all taken care of,” Isabella said. Hopping down from her godfather’s arms.

Gonzalo smiles at Isabel. “As expected of the wise, Isabela,” he said. Isabel smiles at this. Then Gonzalo frowns when he realizes someone was missing.

“Where’s Fernando?” he asked.

Both mother and daughter turned somber at the mention of the fallen father. Gonzalo was quick to read their change in demeanor and pulled the two women in his arms to comfort them.

“Lo siento por su pérdida,” he said.

“Fernando fought until the very end to keep us safe,” Isabel said.

“He was a brave man and his efforts were not in vain. You and your children surviving are proof of his love and efforts,” he said in reassurance.

“How did you survive, padrino?” Isabella asked.

“Barely. I barely made it out of Córdoba alive. I lost my family at the very start and I wandered alone for a long time,” Gonzalo said.

“Oh Gonzalo. I’m very sorry about Luisa and your children,” Isabel said. She gently placed her hand on his cheek to comfort him. Gonzalo smiled sadly.

“Gracias, Isabel.”

“Isabel! Isabel!” Joyce calls as she runs over.

“Joyce, what’s wrong?” Isabel asked.

“It’s Mari. She’s ready to push but this place isn’t safe enough for her to give birth in. We have to find a house or a building or even a shack! Anywhere that’s indoors!” she frantically said.

Isabel muttered curses under her breath as he tried to think quickly on what to do. Gonzalo thankfully gave her the answer she had been desperately looking for.

“We have a hospital. She can give birth there with proper equipment and doctors to tend to her,” he said. Isabel looked at him in surprise.

“You do?” she asked.

“Sí. Hop in your vehicles and follow us!” he said. Running over to his horse while telling his team to head back to camp.

Isabel and her group did so. Getting in their vehicles and following Gonzalo’s team. They finally arrived at the main entrance of the city of Zaragoza. The borders were barricaded with tall walls and the main entrance had a large gate with watchers patrolling on a platform above. Gonzalo signals to them to open the gate. Shouting over that Isabel’s group is with them and that they were not a threat. The gates were opened and he led them in.

“Get a stretcher quick! We have a woman in labor here!” he said. Getting off his horse and running over to the caravan. Mari was practically screaming in pain as Johann carried her out of the caravan and into the stretcher that was brought over. They took Mari away to the hospital and he was stopped when he was about to follow.

“Warum hältst du mich auf! Das ist meine Freundin und sie steht kurz vor der Geburt meines Kindes!” he demanded.

“Why can’t he go with Mari?” Isabel asked.

“I’m sorry but protocol for newcomers is that they should be quarantined for a day. Your friend is an exception because she’s in labor,” Gonzalo explained.

“What about Joyce? She’s a midwife.”

“We have a midwife, doctors, and nurses in our hospital. She’s in good hands so don’t worry. Now, come with me to the quarantine zone. The little ones will be taken to a nursery and will be looked after by the care takers so no need to worry about them.”

Isabella went to Johann to explain what was going on and encourage him to calm down. He reluctantly agrees to the terms and follows the others to the quarantine zone, which was an old gym that had been converted into a quarantine facility. Gonzalo takes them inside and into the facility's old shower area.

“You’ll stay here and wait until someone comes here and do a thorough screening to make sure no one is bitten or Infected. Once you’re all cleared, you’re given new clothes and be interviewed by the camp’s head to see what jobs you can do to earn your stay,” he explained.

“This is a really intricate system you have here, Gonzalo. Who’s in charge anyways?” Isabel asked.

"Uh…you probably won't like it when you find out who's in charge here," he said. Isabel frowns in confusion and looks at her longtime childhood friend.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

The door suddenly opens and in comes a man Isabel thought she would never see again.

"Hola, media hermana. I heard you were alive so I thought I’d come to see you myself,” the man said. Isabel's eyes widened in shock at the sight of him.

All she could do is utter the name she knew belonged to this man.

“Enrique.”

Enrique gave his half sister a triumphant smirk and proceeded to welcome her and her group to his domain.

“Bienvenido al Campamento Zaragoza.”

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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: @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 Trastámara and has six children. Has a few skills necessary for survival and is currently the acting leader of the group. Is unsure how to go about Joyce’s case.

Isabella Trastámara - Age eighteen years old. Is the oldest child of Isabel. Her current priority is the safety of her siblings and mother. She is starting to doubt her mother’s judgment.

Juan Trastámara - Age ten years old. The second child of Isabel and is currently relying on his mother and oldest sister for care and protection. Readily takes the role of brave big brother for his younger siblings. Unsure of his views and opinions on Joyce and has suspicions on his father's disappearance.

Juana Trastámara - Age nine years old. The third child of Isabel and is currently relying on her mother and oldest sister for care and protection. Looks up to Juan for comfort and reassurance. Is unsure of strangers but accepts Mari and her family but she’s afraid of Joyce.

Maria Trastámara - Age seven years old. She is the fourth child of Isabel and is currently relying on her mother and oldest sister for care and protection. Often sticks close to her twin.

Marion Trastámara - Age seven years old and the fifth child of Isabel. He is currently relying on his mother and oldest sister for care and protection. Often sticks close to his twin.

Catalina Trastámara - Age three years old. The youngest child of Isabel who is currently relying on her mother and oldest sister for care and protection. She has her trusted plush monkey 'Pancho' for comfort and became fast friends with Sibylle.

Maria 'Mari' Jülich - Age twenty and six months pregnant with her second child. Came to Spain with her boyfriend, two year old daughter, and dog to escape the carnage happening in Germany. Currently the resident nurse of the group.

Johann La Marck - Age twenty one. Came to Spain with his girlfriend, two year old daughter, and dog to escape the carnage happening in Germany. Readily does as he is told as long as it’s not to the detriment of his family.

Sibylle Jülich - La Marck - Two years old. Daughter of Mari and Johann and relies on them for care and protection. Made quick friends with Catalina.

Günther - A one year old german shepherd that is fiercely loyal and protective of his owners. Especially his owners’ daughter. Will also protect anyone that isn't a threat to his family as long as pets and treats are involved.

Jocasta ‘Joyce’ Howard - Age twenty nine years old. Came to Spain on a vacation with her family. Found in the backroom of a petrol station convenience store by Isabel. Currently bitten but source of the bite is unknown.

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

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Chapter Four: Tension Brings Togetherness

Things were quickly going south once everyone saw the bite on Joyce’s arm.

Isabel hurled accusations at Joyce, as Johann escorted Mari and Sibylle to the caravan for protection. Isabella followed suit, gathering her siblings in the van.

“You’ve been bitten and you didn’t tell us!?” Isabel accused.

“Please just listen to me! It's a dog bite! I wasn’t bitten by an Infected but by a dog just days ago! You have to believe me!” Joyce pleaded her case. Showing the bite on her arm. Because the bite marks were jagged and misshapen, it was difficult to tell what kind it was just by looking at it. "Please don't leave me here to die! I don't want to die! I swear I'm not Infected!" She keeps begging. As she sobs, she throws herself at Isabel's feet and clings to her.

Isabel's thoughts were conflicted as she was taken aback by this display of desperation. Her priorities are her children, thus leaving this woman and keeping her group safe from a possible Infected would be the obvious thing to do.

However…

...her morals are preventing her from doing so. Here was a woman who, like everyone else, had lost everything in The End, yet unlike her, Mari and Johann still had their families. Joyce had lost hers. She's the only one who's still alive.

This is going to be harder than she thought.

"I'll talk to the others and see what they think about this," Isabel remarked. Shaking her off her leg. Joyce releases her and takes a step back. Pleadingly looking up to her. "You stay here and don't do anything drastic or else," Isabel warned before turning and walking over to the three other adults in the group.

"Mamá. What now?" Isabella asked. Looking at her mother worriedly.

"Ve can't let her stay vith us! She's bitten!" Mari said.

"Joyce said it was a dog bite but it's hard to tell for sure. I don't want to just leave her here on the grounds of blind speculation that she's Infected," Isabel said.

"But we also can't just let her come with us when we're not sure if she's Infected or not!" Isabella argues. "Think of the children here, mamá! She might turn and attack one of them!"

"I know! I am thinking about the group here but what if it really is just a dog bite and not an Infected bite? We'd be abandoning her after offering to help her," Isabel rebutted. "She's all alone in a world that's dying. In terms of survival, groups give larger chances of survival and the more able bodied adults in a group, the better," she added.

"So vat now…?" Mari asked. Holding Johann's hand while the other sat protectively over her belly.

"We let her stay and see how her condition goes," Isabel said.

"Mamá!" Isabella exclaims. Clearly wants to protest. Her mother was suggesting that they allow a suspected Infected to remain in their group, putting everyone in peril, because her morality wouldn't allow it.

"Mija, I know what I'm doing," Isabel reasoned.

"Like hell you are! If papá were here he would have protested this decision!" Isabella snapped.

"Do not bring your padre into this discussion, Isabella!" her mother hissed back. The younger of the two glared at her mother but relented with the decision.

That doesn't mean she's going to make it easy for her mother though.

"Fine! But where are you going to place her huh? There's a small child and a pregnant woman in the caravan, the van has your children in it, and there's no way I am allowing her to ride with me in my car," she remarked. Her arms crossed over her chest, she gave her mother an 'I dare you' look. Isabel anticipated this. When it comes to negotiating decisions with others, Fernando constantly uses this method. She often says, 'Like father, like daughter' whenever this type of situation comes up and they both team up against her. Isabella may be named after her, but in more ways than one, she resembles her father.

"Then I drive your car with her and you drive the van," Isabel said with finality. Leaving no room for any more arguments. She fished out the van keys and tossed them to her eldest. Isabella almost dropped them. She looked at her mother in surprise and exclaimed, "w-wait what!? You're driving alone with her!?"

Isabel simply nodded in response. "I trust you to take care of your siblings, mija," she added. Patting her eldest on the head before turning to Mari and Johann, who were talking to each other in german.

"Mari, I would like to ask you to treat Joyce's wound," she said. Mari looked at her in surprise.

"V-Vat…? But Isabel, she's bitten!" she exclaimed. Johann looked at her in confusion. Unable to understand what she said to his partner that got her so upset.

"I know but you only turn into an Infected after you die and she's not dead yet so I think it's safe for now. Just treat her wound quickly and I'll deal with the rest after," Isabel reasoned.

Mari sighs. She turns and tells Johann what Isabel told her. Once he realized what Isabel was asking Mari to do, he flew into a rage.

"Zum Teufel würde ich ihr erlauben, diese Frau zu behandeln! Sie wurde um Himmels willen gebissen!" He shouts. Getting into the Spanish woman's face. Isabel couldn’t understand him but she knew enough that he was angry at her, suggesting that Mari should treat Joyce’s bite.

"Johann! Sich beruhigen!" Mari said. Pulling her partner back to calm him down.

"Sie können niemanden behandeln, der infiziert sein könnte!" Johann said to her. Trying to convince her that treating Joyce’s bite would be a bad idea.

"Ich weiß, aber Isabel sagte, dass du dich erst umdrehst, wenn du tot bist und sie noch nicht tot ist, also könnte ich zumindest versuchen, ihr zu helfen," She reasoned with him. Johann restlessly paced back and forth. He suddenly comes to a stop and looks at Mari. He pulls her close and hugged her. Being mindful of her pregnant belly between them.

"Ich will nur nicht, dass du verletzt wirst,” he whispers. Mari sighs and hugs him back.

“Ich weiß, meine Liebe. Ich weiss,” she said.

Isabel stepped back to give the couple some space. If she's being completely honest, she's envious of their relationship. Mari has Johann and she has no one else. Fernando is no longer with her, and all she has are his memories. She loved him despite his cheating on her twice during their relationship. Right now, she prayed she could have him with her. He was just what she needed. She needed him to console her. Help ease her fears by reassuring her that everything will be alright. Help her in caring for and protecting their children.

But he's not here and she wonders if she’ll ever find someone to love again.

“Isabel?”

Isabel quickly wiped away the stray tears and composed herself before turning to face Mari.

“Yes?” she asked. The German woman looked at her in worry but opted not to comment.

“I’ll go and treat Joyce’s bite. Johann’s already getting what I need,” she said.

“Good. Gracias for your help, Mari. I’ll go and tell Joyce that you’ll help,” Isabel said. Mari nodded and returned to the caravan to gather the necessary items. Isabel turned her attention to Joyce, who was still seated on the ground. Her legs were tucked towards her chest and she rocked back and forth.

“Mari has agreed to treat your bite and you’ll still be coming with us but I will have to keep a close eye on you,” she said to the woman. Joyce looked at her. Tears of relief brimming her eyes.

“Thank you so much! I promise I’ll do anything to get you to trust me,” she expressed.

“We’ll see.”

Mari arrived shortly after and did her best to treat Joyce's bite. Johann kept a close eye on the situation. Making sure that his partner was safe. Isabel stood nearby, her hand holding Fernando's cane tightly.

“Zat’s all I can do. I’ve cleaned it, disinfected it, and stitched it up. Ve’ll see if ze infection persists,” Mari said. Putting away her things and handing it to Johann.

“Thank you so much, Mari. I owe you one,” Joyce said. Tenderly rubbing her arm that was now wrapped with a clean bandage. Mari just nodded in acknowledgement.

“Let’s get going. The longer we stay here, the less daylight we’ll have. The nearest house is most likely some good hours away from here,” Isabel said.

“Um…I have a map if you want to look,” Joyce offered. Isabel looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

“You have a map?” she asked. Joyce nodded and reached inside her backpack for the item in question.

She takes her map from her bag and hands it to Isabel, who unfolds and examines it. Isabella, Mari, and Johann approached her and peered over her shoulder. She discovered the petrol station where they were currently located, as well as a villa not far off. They could go there first, explore the area, secure the building, and spend the night there. It's a sound strategy.

"We'll be spending the night at this villa here,” she pointed at the villa on the map, “let's hope there are no Infected swarming the area once we get there," Isabel commented. Folding the map again and returning it to Joyce.

"How long will the drive there be, mamá?" Isabella asked.

"Perhaps about twenty to thirty minutes give or take," Isabel speculates.

"I can go ahead and scout the area. Make sure it's safe," the young woman volunteered.

"You are not going there alone," her mother opposed.

“Ich kann mit ihr gehen,” Johann offered. Isabella looked at him in surprise and asked, “bist du sicher?” He nodded.

“Ich möchte sicherstellen, dass der Ort, an dem wir wohnen werden, sicher für meine Familie ist,” he said. Isabella smiled and looked back at her mother.

“Johann and I will scout the area,” she said.

"Alright. Arm yourselves and head on over to the village. Just go straight down the road. Do not engage in any Infected unless necessary okay?" Isabel said. Handing her daughter the map. "Don't worry. We'll be back in an hour or so," Isabella said and she and Johann got ready to leave.

Isabel's gaze shifted to Joyce, and she concluded she needed to understand more about her. She approaches her and asks, "Joyce, do you mind me asking you a few questions?"

"Not at all. Go ahead," Joyce said.

Isabel took a seat on the ground next to her before asking her first question. "How old are you?" She asked.

"I'm twenty nine years old," Joyce answered. "How about you?" she asked.

"I recently turned thirty eight back in April," Isabel answered.

“Oh well, a belated happy birthday to you, I suppose,” Joyce said. Smiling sheepishly. Isabel smiled a small smile. “Gracias though my twins are the ones whose birthday is today,” she remarked.

“Maybe I should greet them later if I’m allowed to,” Joyce said.

“Maybe. What were you before The End happened?” Isabel continues with her interview.

“I was just a simple housewife before The End happened. Tending to the house and my children. Though I was a licensed midwife before I married my second husband,” Joyce answered. Isabel looked at her in surprise.

"Really?" she asked. The other woman nodded in confirmation.

"Well that comes in handy given that we have a pregnant woman with us," Isabel said.

"It does seem like Mari is just about ready to give birth," Joyce commented. Looking across to Mari, who was keeping an eye on the children as they played.

"She told me she's about six to seven months along," Isabel said.

"She's close to her due. I wish I had my tools with me so I can properly help her when the time comes," Joyce said.

"She and Johann have medical supplies from a hospital so perhaps they managed to grab a few of the tools you use just in case."

"That would be nice. At least then I can help with something instead of being a burden."

Isabel looked at her. Studying her closely. This is a woman who really just wanted to help and have a safe space doing so. She had doubts about letting her stay with them but getting to know her now made the doubts in her mind disappear.

"I believe you now," she said. Joyce looked at her in confusion. "What?" she asked.

"Your bite. It's a dog bite. Normally, bites from Infected act quickly and you said you've had that bite for days now. So I believe you," Isabel explained.

Joyce's eyes welled up with tears, and she began profusely thanking her. It's better to have one believer than none, and she's grateful that Isabel is the one.

"Don't thank me just yet. We still have the others to convince so I suggest you keep your head down until your wound heals. Okay?" Joyce nodded and said, "okay."

"Good. Now tell me more about yourself."

"The area is clear and secure. We only found a few stray Infected in the premise, which we quickly disposed of. The villa itself is untouched except for dust and such, but it's in pretty good shape. It even has its own water tank, so we might have water there. Johann even fixed the gate so we're all secured for the night," Isabella reported after she and Johann returned from their scouting mission.

"That's good. Let's head on over there and get settled for the night," Isabel said. Taking the keys to her daughter's car.

They all got in their vehicles and started driving. Isabella is in the van with her siblings, Isabel and Joyce are in Isabella's car, and the Jülich-La Marck family is in their caravan. They left towards the villa once they had accounted for everyone and everything. They reached their destination and drove their cars inside when Johann had unlocked the gate. The little ones started to get excited when they saw the villa.

"Mamá, it looks like our summer home!" Juana excitedly pointed out.

Isabel couldn't help but chuckle at her daughter's observation. "It is, Juanita! Though ours was a lot bigger and near the beach," she said. Patting Juana's head.

"Come on! Let's go in and get comfortable. Bring only what we need for the night and leave the rest in the vehicles," she instructed the adults. Already unloading the items from the back of the van. While Johann and Isabella got to work, Mari took the children inside for a quick tour to keep them amused while they waited.

"How can I help?" Joyce asked. Nervously looking around. She didn't want to bother anyone, but she also didn't want to be a bother by doing nothing.

"Why don't you bring these sleeping bags inside?" Isabel suggested. She motioned to the sleeping bags she'd taken out of the van. The younger woman gladly nodded and proceeded to assist as much as she was allowed.

Isabel delegated chores to the group's capable adults after they had everything they needed inside. Isabella was entrusted with determining whether or not they had access to running water. Johann offered to prepare the meal for tonight. Joyce and Isabel will be monitoring the perimeter to ensure that no threats approach. Mari, of course, remains with the children.

"Mamá, can I help?" Juan asked his mother.

"You can look after your siblings for me, mi angél," Isabel said.

"But I wanna help patrolling!" he insists.

Isabel hesitates but relents with a sigh. "Alright. Let's give you a weapon to use first," she said. Reaching for one of the knives she had brought with her.

"I already have one!” Juan excitedly said. Brandishing a small knife he had tucked in his pocket. His mother looked at him in surprise.

“Where did you get that knife?” she asked. She has her suspicions that her husband has something to do with this.

Her suspicions were correct when her son said, “papá gave it to me on my birthday last year.” She's not sure why she's shocked at this point. Fernando was a paranoid man, and providing his family with the means of self-defense likely provided him ease of mind. Juan makes a worried look. He's concerned that having a knife will land him in trouble. His padre had specifically advised him not to tell his mother about the blade.

Isabel sighs and holds out her hand to Juan and asks, “may I have a look?” Juan nodded and handed his knife to his mother.

She removed the knife from its sheath and looked at the blade. The little nicks on the edge and a bit of rust at the base of the blade indicated that it had been used before. It was a basic design for a small blade, but it was clearly an authentic knife manufactured by a skilled craftsman. The sword's handle was solid, and it was covered in thick leather strips for a firm grip. The Trastámara family crest was on the butt of the handle, with Juan's initials beneath it. Fernando went above and beyond.

For his children, nothing but the best will do.

She stowed the knife in its sheath and returned it to her son. "Do you know how to use it?" she asked.

"Sort of. Papá started teaching me how to use it when he gave it to me," Juan said.

"Good enough I suppose. I'll teach you more sometime, okay?" Isabel said. Her son smiled and nodded at this. She smiled back and went to grab Fernando's cane and gun before going to Joyce. Handing her a kitchen knife.

"Here. Best to arm yourself as much as possible," she said.

"Oh no need. I still have my bat with me," Joyce said. Gesturing to the bat in her hand.

"Still. Best to have a backup just in case," the older woman insists. Joyce took the knife and secured it in her belt.

The three then went outside to begin their patrol. Juan stayed close to his mother at the front of the property, while Joyce took care of the back. As they walked the front, Isabel couldn't help but laugh amusedly as Juan marched by her like a soldier. He had his knife in his hand and was holding it out in front of him.

"You don't have to walk like that, mijo," she said. Gently lowering his arm to his side.

"I don't?" he asked. Looking up at his mother. She smiled and nodded. "But soldados do it all the time," he said.

"You can just walk normally while patrolling. You don't have to copy the soldados."

"But how will I be prepared when there's a threat?"

"I'll show you. Tuck your knife in your belt. Now place your hand on the handle. That way you can draw your weapon quickly when there's danger," Isabel said. Demonstrating to Juan what to do. He followed his mother's example. Tucking his knife in his belt to his side and placing his hand on the handle. Isabel smiled proudly at her son.

“Now show me how you’ll draw your knife if there’s a threat?” she asked. Stepping back to give him enough space to demonstrate.

Juan nodded and he drew his blade in a way one would draw a sword out its sheath. It was sloppy and the boy almost cut his in the process.

"You don't need to use your other hand to hold the sheath, Juan. You just need your dominant hand on the handle and pull it out in one swift motion," Isabel said. She demonstrated again by grabbing the hilt of her knife and pulling it out of her belt in one smooth and swift motion. Her other hand is ready to grab or block any incoming attacks. Juan copied his mother's actions and managed to get it right after the third try.

“Very good, mijo! Your papá would be so proud of you!” Isabel praised.

Juan grins then his smile drops. Isabel looked at him with worry when she noticed his change in demeanor.

“Mamá, is papá really coming back?” he asked. His voice was shaking a bit and tears were brimming his eyes. This crushed Isabel's heart. Her son is particularly close to Fernando, and his absence of more than three months has been difficult for him and his siblings, but they have clung to the hope that their father will return home to them.

It truly hurt Isabel to hide her husband’s death from their children.

“Mi angél, I…I’m not so sure anymore. Especially considering the dire times we live in now. I’m not sure your padre is coming back. lo siento mucho hijo mio,” she said. Kneeling down to his height.

Juan let his tears stream down his cheeks. He had a sneaking fear that his father wouldn’t come back to them. He knew that telling his younger siblings would make them sad, and he didn't want them to be sad. Isabel brushed his tears away and drew him into her arms. She tried to comfort him as best she could.

“Mamá…I-I want to keep this a secret. I don’t want the others to know that papá isn’t going to come back. I don’t want them to be sad,” he sobbed. Clinging to his mother tightly. Isabel nodded in understanding.

“Entiendo. I’ll keep this secret between us,” she promised. She wiped away his remaining tears and kissed his forehead.

"Come on. Let's finish up our patrol and then we head back for a nice bath and dinner. Okay?" Juan smiles and nods, putting on a brave face. Isabel gives him another embrace and smiles before moving on with their patrol.

Isabel, Juan, and Joyce return to the villa after patrolling. Isabella cheerfully informs everyone that there is enough running water for everyone to take a bath. The adults were grateful for a soothing bath, and Joyce made it even better by sharing the soaps and shampoos she had brought with her.

The children were bathed first, and then the adults took turns showering. Johann prepared dinner and the group ate it together in the dining room after they had all showered and refreshed.

It was a much-needed peaceful and relaxing experience.

"Danke for the meal, Johann," Isabel said. Wiping Catalina's mouth clean with a handkerchief after spoon feeding her.

"Yeah! It was delicious!" Joyce agrees. Collecting everyone’s empty plates to be cleaned later.

Mari translated their praises to her partner and Johann blushed at the compliments. “Es war nichts. Ich habe mein Bestes gegeben,” he said.

"How about some music to lull the kiddies to sleep?" Isabella suggests.

"Ja! A little music vould be wunderbar!" Mari excitedly said. Clapping her hands.

Isabella smiles as she stands up and goes into one of the rooms. She comes back out with a very familiar guitar in hand.

"You brought your papá's guitar," Isabel said. Her eldest nodded somberly.

"I couldn't just leave it," she said. Isabel nods in understanding.

Isabella tunes the guitar first and moves the capo to the first fret. "Any requests?" she asked.

Juana raised her hand to request a song. Isabella smiles at her younger sister and nods at her.

"Can you play us the song papá plays to us?" she asked.

Isabella turned her gaze to her mother. Asking permission silently. Isabel smiles and nods her head in approval. Her eldest returned the smile and began playing the song that their father frequently sings to them while playing his guitar. It was a song from a movie that the children liked, and Fernando learnt the chords so he could play it for them whenever they wanted. As her oldest played and sang the song, Isabel couldn't help but hear her husband's voice. Hearing the song played on her husband's guitar was a bittersweet experience.

"Isabel," Joyce whispers as she moves over next to Isabel. She turns to face the younger woman.

"Yes?" Isabel asked.

"Can we go outside and talk privately?" Joyce asked. Looking a little anxious.

Isabel shifted her gaze to the group. They were still enjoying Isabella's performance, and her voice was lulling the children to sleep. Catalina and Sibylle were already dozing off next to one other.

"Alright. Go get a flashlight and meet me outside," Isabel said and stood up. Going into one of the rooms to grab a flashlight before heading out.

She stood outside the villa's main door, waiting for Joyce. The beam of h er flashlight swung around in the darkness. The moon shone brightly in the area. It had a mild glow to it, but it was still difficult to see. With her own flashlight in hand, Joyce eventually joins her outside.

"Let's walk," Isabel said and led her around the property. They were silent for half of the walk. Isabel simply waits for Joyce to say something.

After a while, she finally breaks the silence.

“Isabel, I…I forgot to mention another thing to you earlier,” Joyce said. Stopping and shifting around nervously. She refused to meet the Spanish woman’s eyes. Isabel stops and frowns in confusion.

First, the bite, and now this?

What else has this woman failed to mention to them?

“What is it?” she asked. Turning to face her fully. Joyce finally looked up at her. A twinge of fear in her eyes. It’s better to say it now than have them find out later and kick her out when she’s at her most vulnerable.

“I’m pregnant.”

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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. She’s happy with the new normal with people her age.

Juan Trastámara - Age ten years old. The second child of Isabel. He’s happy to be around children his age.

Juana Trastámara - Age nine years old. The third child of Isabel. Still wary about the change but she’s happy to see and be around children her age.

Maria Trastámara - Age seven years old. She is the fourth child of Isabel. Often sticks close to her twin. She’s happy to get to play with children around her age.

Marion Trastámara - Age seven years old and the fifth child of Isabel. Often sticks close to his twin. He’s happy to get to play with children around their age.

Catalina Trastámara - Age three years old. The youngest child of Isabel. Still upset about not having her precious Pancho but is quite happy to be around and play with children her age.

Maria 'Mari' Jülich - Age twenty years old. She is currently the resident nurse of the group. She’s now a proud mother of two daughters.

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 now a proud father of two daughters.

Sibylle Jülich - La Marck - Two years old. Daughter of Mari and Johann and relies on them for care and protection. She’s now a proud older sister and is happy to get to play with other children around her age.

Günther - A one year old german shepherd that is fiercely loyal and protective of his owners and his owners’ friends. He’s happy to have another member of his little family.

Jocasta ‘Joyce’ Howard - Age twenty nine years old and currently a couple months along in her pregnancy. She’s slowly warming up to normal life in Campamento Zaragoza.

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. He is a little heartbroken but accepts his defeat to Fernando over Isabel’s heart.

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. He’s making sure Isabel knows he’s in charge now.

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. He’s happy to have Isabel alive and well.

Beatriz de Bobadilla - Age forty eight years old. She is Isabel’s long time best friend. She’s helping Isabel’s group adjust to life in Campamento Zaragoza

Isabela Aviz-Castro - Age sixty one years old. She is Isabel’s mother and has dementia. Regardless, she’s really happy and relieved to see her only daughter.

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

Maud Greene - Age twenty three years old and engaged to Thomas Parr. She and her fiance along with their baby, came to Spain for an engagement vacation when The End happened. She is currently pregnant with her second child and works as a nurse in Campamento Zaragoza's hospital.

Juan Pacheco - Age sixty eight years old. He's a former truck driver that came to Campamento Zaragoza with his fully loaded truck that provided the camp with food and supplies for months.

(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 Eight: Secrets Unearthed and Fates Uncertain

Light streamed through the curtains and hit Isabel on the face. Effectively rousing her from her sleep. She opens her eyes, only to be blinded by the harsh light. Groaning, she adjusts the blankets over her naked body and rolls over to the other side to snuggle closer to Gonzalo. The only problem is that he wasn't there at all. The spot where he'd slept the night before was empty and cold. That meant he'd been gone for quite some time.

Isabel sits up in her bed, sighing. She recalls what happened the night before while holding the covers up to her chest and running her fingers through her curls.

She and Gonzalo found themselves entangled with each other on the bed. Having had discarded their clothes earlier. On sometimes, she recalls seeing Fernando instead of Gonzalo. It almost seemed like he was with her rather than Gonzalo. She might have fantasized Fernando in her moments of vulnerability and pleasure. But if she had been thinking about her late husband, Gonzalo would have noticed and stopped, but he didn't. So maybe it was just her inner thoughts.

It's best not to think about what happened last night. There are things to be done today.

She got out of bed and gathered her discarded clothes from the floor, where they had been thrown the night before. She goes to her bag and picks out a new set of clean clothes to wear. A simple yellow shirt with the print 'No Way' across the chest, a pair of jeans, and one of Fernando's many jean jackets. She first goes to her adjoining bathroom to clean up. She then gets dressed, puts on her boots, and puts her hair up in a messy bun before leaving the room.

Isabel goes downstairs and runs into Joyce, who was on her way upstairs.

"Oh there you are! I was about to go wake you up for breakfast," she said.

"Lo siento, Joyce. I sort of overslept a bit," Isabel said.

"I'm guessing you had a fun night last night?" Joyce teased with a raised eyebrow and a smirk at her direction.

The Spanish woman couldn't help but blush at this. "You could say that," she said.

"Yeah well I noticed your 'friend' went out of your room earlier in the morning so it wasn't hard to put two and two together. And here you scolded Bella for hooking up with someone on the first day," Joyce points out. The two of them leave the house and make their way to the comedor for breakfast.

"I needed the stress relief. Don't judge," Isabel defended.

"Don't we all? Maybe I can find someone willing to hook up with a pregnant woman," Joyce laughs at her own statement. Isabel was reminded that Joyce was also a pregnant member of their group aside from Mari.

"That reminds me, how's your pregnancy coming along?" she asks.

"The usual. Nausea, pissing every hour, cravings. The works. I had a consultation with a doctor yesterday and she said that I'm all good now that we're here," Joyce replies. Placing her hand on her baby bump. It was still small but it was there.

Isabel nodded and said, "well don't overwork yourself when helping around okay?" She was thankful to the heavens above that they managed to get in a camp that willingly helped them during their most dire situation.

"Speaking of pregnancy, how's Mari and her baby?" she asked.

"Oh they're doing good. The baby is obviously two months premature but she's as healthy as can be," Joyce said. Isabel smiles at this. It's good that Mari and her baby were doing well.

"I think I'll go and visit her after breakfast."

The two women reached the comedor and went towards a table where the little ones were already having their breakfast.

"Buenos días, niños," Isabel greets her children. Kissing their foreheads.

"¡Buenos días, mamá!" they greet her in return.

Isabel frowns when she notices one child missing. "Where's Isabella?" she asked.

"Oh she's over there flirting with her new girlfriend," Joyce said. Pointing over to the table where Gonzalo's team sat. Isabella was sitting next to Liz. Talking while they eat their breakfast.

Isabel shook her head and sighs. "Isabella!" she calls.

Her namesake looked up before turning to say something to the brunette. She takes Liz's hand and stands up before going over to her mother with Liz in tow.

"¡Buenos días, mamá!" Isabella greets. She let go of Liz's hand and went over to her mother to kiss her on the cheek and hug her.

"I see that you've been very busy," Isabel said. Looking at her daughter and Liz with a raised eyebrow. Isabella blushed and chuckled sheepishly while Liz looked away to hide her own blush.

"You could say that! I'm just happy to see other people my age. A few of my schoolmates are here too!" she excitedly said.

Her mother smiled at her. She's very happy that her daughter has found friends again and even someone new to care for.

"That's great, mija. Now who's this young lady you're with?" Isabel asked.

"Oh! This is Liz. She's the vice captain of Padrino's team! She's uh…she's also my new girlfriend," Isabella said. Taking Liz's hand in hers again. Smiling with a healthy blush on her cheeks.

"N-Nice to properly meet you, señora. I'm sorry about uh…the scuffle yesterday. Capitán told me all about you," Liza said.

"Of course he did. No worries, chica. I understand that you were just doing your job," Isabel dismissed. "I should thank you for making my daughter happy though," she added. Liz blushes again and smiles at the praise.

"Mama! Mama! Liz and Bella were doing kissies earlier! Like this!" Juan said and started making kissy faces and noises. Isabella sputters and goes to retaliate on her brother by picking him up from his seat and giving him a noogie. Their younger siblings and Joyce all laugh at this.

Isabel chuckles and makes her daughter let go of her brother. "Alright, mija. Don't let me stop you from your new friends. Go back and play," she teases.

Isabella pouts then chuckles before going back with Liz to their table. Isabel shook her head and joined Joyce and the little ones for breakfast.

"So what's the plan for today?" Joyce asked.

"The plan is to head outside the safe zone to see if we can get some construction materials in one of my old warehouses," Isabel said.

"We're going out, mama?" Juan asked.

"No mijo. Just me and your padrino Gonzalo," she clarified.

"Where are you going, mami?" Maria asked.

"We're going out to find some supplies that can help us secure the camp from the herd, corazon."

"Is the herd coming over here?" Marion asked. Their voice quivering in fear. The last time they encountered the herd was when they were happy living in the villa.

"Sí. Which is why we're going to do our best to protect everyone."

"Please be careful, mama," Juana reminded worriedly.

"I will mija. Don't worry," Isabel reassures.

"Mama," Catalina whines. Isabel stood up from her seat and went over to her youngest's side.

"What is it, pequeña?" she asked.

"Pancho…can you go get him back?" the toddler requested.

"Oh mi Catalina. I'm not really sure if we can get him back. It's too dangerous. Lo siento, mija."

Catalina's lip quivers as she tries her best not to cry. Isabel pulls her youngest in her arms and comforts her. The little one sobs on her mother's shoulder as she clings to her.

"I miss papa…"

Isabel sighs sadly and hugs her daughter closer. Letting herself shed a tear.

"So do I, Catalina. So do I."

Isabel thanks the driver as she hops out of the cart. She walked in the hospital and asked one of the nurses where Mari's room was.

"Oh! You must be Isabel. My fiance has told me about you. Then again, almost everyone in the camp knows you by now," A nurse said. She had curly dark brown hair and blue eyes and was very obviously pregnant.

"Your fiance?" Isabel asked. Following the nurse as she leads her to Mari's room.

"My fiance, Thomas Parr. I'm Maud. Maud Greene. Lovely to meet you, Isabel," the nurse, Maud, introduced herself.

"Likewise, Maud. And thank you for helping Mari," Isabel said.

"Oh no need. We're just doing our job here. I should thank you for volunteering to help us with the incoming herd of Infected. Lord knows what would have happened if you and your group hadn't stumbled here," Maud said.

Indeed. They wouldn't have known about the herd and would have been blindsided by the overwhelming number of Infected headed their way. Many would surely die and become Infected.

"Here we are. Just knock and her husband will let you in," Maud said.

"You mean Johann?" Isabel asked.

"Is he not her husband?" the nurse asked.

"Not yet. He's just her boyfriend though at this point, they're practically married in their eyes."

"He's very sweet and supportive."

"Indeed he is."

"Well I'll leave you to it. Nice meeting you again, Isabel." With that, Maud walks away to resume her duties.

Isabel knocks on the door and waits. Johann opens it and smiles when he sees her.

"Hallo! Alles Liebe, Isabel ist da," he said. Letting her inside the room. She thanked him as she walked in.

"Isabel! Hallo!" Mari happily greets when she sees her. She looked a bit exhausted still after giving birth yesterday but she was definitely glowing.

"How are you feeling, Mari?" Isabel asks. Smiling as she approached the younger woman.

Mari smiles back. "Better now than yesterday. Ze doctors and nurses here are a godsend," she said.

Isabel smiles. "What have you named her?" she asked.

"Anna. Johann named her Anna after his Schwester. Sister," Mari said. Smiling at her partner as he gently picked their newborn from her bassinet and cradled her in his arms. Cooing softly in german.

Isabel looked over at Johann as cradled his newborn daughter and showed her to Sibylle. She's probably being told that she's now a big sister. Günther was also in attendance. His tail wagging as he looked at his owners' new baby, he sat close to Sibylle. She recalls giving birth to Juan and Fernando introducing him to Isabella. Telling her that she is now an older sister. The twelve-year-old was immediately taken with her younger brother and expressed an interest in having more siblings.

Lucky for her, her parents gave her five more siblings to love.

Isabel and Fernando agreed to stop having children for her health after going through traumatic pregnancies and childbirth with the twins and Catalina. Especially because she almost died while giving birth to the twins. Months after Catalina's birth, Fernando got snipped and she got her tubes tied.

"I'm so lucky," Mari said. Snapping Isabel out of her memories. She looked over at the German woman who was smiling at her little family.

"I can tell. It's rare for boyfriends to stay when they accidently knock you up. Goes to show that Johann is a devoted partner and father," she said. Smiling at Mari. Indeed it was rare. Even Fernando almost ran off when Isabel found out she was pregnant at nineteen with Isabella. Both were still attending university at the time. Thankfully, he picked his balls up from the floor and stayed to support her.

"Johann has told me about ze herd heading zis vay. Vat's ze plan? Should ve leave as soon as possible?" Mari asked Isabel. Frowning in concern.

"I actually volunteered to help fortify their walls. My mother, godfather, and childhood friends are all here. I can't just leave them here to die," Isabel said.

"So vat do you plan on doing? Johann told me zat ze leader is your half brother," Mari said.

"Unfortunately. Though he has given me authority to oversee the project as his representative. So in a way, I'm a leader of sorts for the time being," Isabel said.

"You're a good leader, Isabel. You've led us to safety zis far. I'm certain zat you can lead these people to safety as vell."

Isabel smiles at Mari. Grateful for believing and trusting her.

"Gracias, Mari. Really. Well, I better get going now. I'll visit again soon. Congratulations again on your new baby," she said.

"Danke for ze visit," Mari said.

She left the hospital after that. Hailing a cart once she was outside the facility. Her next objective now is to look for Gonzalo.

Gonzalo was found by Isabel at the makeshift military base and barracks, which was actually an old repurposed university football field. Isabel decided to wait until he finished informing his team on their day's objective. When she spotted her daughter among his teammates, she couldn't help but smile. Standing close to Liz and wearing the same bulletproof vest as the rest of the group. Despite being given a few weapons, she continued to carry her bow and arrow.

"Liz, I'll be absent for today's border patrol so I'm leaving you in charge," Gonzalo said.

"Entiendo, capitán," Liz said. Saluting to her captain.

He nods in approval and sends them off on their patrol. Isabel mutters a quick prayer of protection to the young people going out on patrol before approaching Gonzalo.

"Gonzalo," she calls. She noticed him flinch a bit when he heard her call.

"Isabel," he said. Turning around to face her.

"I was looking all over for you. Why did you leave the bed so early?" she asked.

"I had some errands to do earlier," he said. Isabel raised an eyebrow at his statement.

"Even skipping breakfast?" she points out.

"I ate breakfast early," Gonzalo answered.

She decides to let this excuse slide. "Alright then. So what's our plan for today?" she asked.

"I already spoke to some of the former truck drivers here and they're willing to come with us to the warehouse," he said.

"Do we have trucks with us?" Isabel asked. He nods in response. "We do. I asked the mechanics to check over the two trucks we'll be bringing and make sure they're in tip top shape."

"Good. I'll borrow Isabel's car for the meantime. Let's hope there's still supplies in that warehouse."

Gonzalo looks at her. Looking conflicted over something. Like he was unsure whether or not to say something to Isabel. Something about what happened last night.

He decided to just say it and get it over with.

"You said his name last night."

When he said this, Isabel's blood ran cold. It wasn't her imagination or a dream, after all. Instead of Gonzalo, she had hallucinated her husband with her that night and had said his name. She raised her gaze to his. When she saw his hurt expression, her guilt increased.

"G-Gonzalo I…" she stuttered. Unsure of what to say to him.

"It's alright. I've made peace with it. I knew you never returned my feelings and I'll always lose to Fernando," he said.

She looks down in shame. It's true. She just used him for her own benefit last night. Her heart will always belong to Fernando and no other man can make her think or feel otherwise.

"Lo siento, Gonzalo. I…I really didn't mean to hurt your feelings," Isabel said.

"It's alright. I'm used to your rejections," Gonzalo half joked. Chuckling a bit but Isabel wasn't laughing.

"Here. You deserve to have this," he said. Handing her an old folded envelope. She frowns in confusion as she takes the envelope.

"When you told me that Fernando cheated on you the second time, I went to his office and punched him in the face," he confessed.

Isabel looked at him in shock and exclaimed, "¿¡Que!?"

Gonzalo nods in confirmation to this. No wonder Fernando came home with a black eye that day. He had lied to her about some criminal wanting to rob him while on his way home. But why would he lie about who punched him?

"He could've had me jailed for assault but he didn't. He admitted that he deserved it. Especially from me. He was…genuinely remorseful. We talked. For a long while. He knew of my feelings for you and that I was someone you deserve to have as a husband but he didn't want to divorce you. He still loves you and he's just a spineless coward who runs away from problems," he said. Isabel glares at him at the last sentence.

"His words. Not mine," Gonzalo quickly clarified. She found that hard to believe but let him continue.

"Anyways, he and I made an agreement. If you ever decide to divorce him or manage to sleep with me, he'll buy me a beer. He owes me a beer now but since he's not here, I already grabbed one earlier and drank to his honor."

Isabel looks at the envelope in her hands. The envelope was clearly one of Aragon Inc.'s custom made envelopes so it was no doubt it came from Fernando that very day Gonzalo confronted him.

"But…what about this?" she asked. Gesturing to the item in her hand.

"He wrote you a letter that day and gave it to me. Said to give it to you if our agreement happened," Gonzalo explained.

Isabel looked at the envelope again before slowly opening it. She took the letter out and unfolded it to read what Fernando had written. She immediately recognized his neat and perfect handwriting. For an anxious man, he often took his time to make sure his writing was perfect.

'Isabel,

If you're reading this then it's either you've already served me with divorce papers or you've finally slept with Gonzalo. Either way, I owe him a beer now. Anyways, I am writing this letter to say my deepest apologies to you. I haven't been a good husband to you and you've been nothing but a loving and loyal wife to me and an amazing mother to our children. You deserve someone better. Someone like Gonzalo who loves you longer than I ever had. I will get out of the way of your happiness and just fulfill my duty as a father to our children but not as a spouse to you. I love you still but I know that's not enough to pardon me for what I had done to you.

Sincerely,

Fernando'

Tears streamed down her face and onto the paper. Gonzalo gently wipes her tears away and pulls her in his arms for a comforting hug. Isabel sobs on his shoulder while clutching the letter close to her chest.

The important thing to note here is that their marriage dramatically improved after they reconciled for the second time. To celebrate their success, they had the twins, and Catalina was born three years later. Now reading his letter from the time he had cheated on her again, it shows how he readily gives up on their marriage for the sake of her happiness.

She pulls away from Gonzalo and wipes the last of her tears away. She carefully folded the letter and put it back into the envelope before storing it in her pocket.

"Muchas gracias, Gonzalo. Really," she said to him. Smiling at him in gratitude. He smiles back at her.

"De nada, Isabel. I know you can never return my feelings but I don't mind casual friendly hookups here and there," he said. Laughing when Isabel punched him in the arm.

"I wouldn't mind that type of arrangement. Thank you again, Gonzalo," she said. Hugging him. He hugs her back. Gently patting her back.

"To be fair, I did think about Luisa last night," he said rather sheepishly.

"I guess that makes us even then," she said. Chuckling a bit. He laughs along with her.

"We should go and get ready for the drive out. Meet up with me at the main gate when you're ready," Gonzalo said. Isabel nodded and went back to the house to prepare.

Isabel slung her backpack over her shoulder and entered Isabella's room to retrieve her car keys. She then stepped outside and placed her bag into the passenger seat of her car.

Before leaving, she decides to pay a visit to her children. She walks over to the nursery after crossing the street. She was about to go after saying her goodbyes to her children when she was approached by a woman with long red hair in a braid and glasses over her intelligent green eyes. A precious newborn infant was cradled in her arms.

"Hi there. You must be Isabel that Ava told me about," the woman said.

"Sí. You must be Lilith? The head of the nursery?" Isabel asked. Holding out her hand to her for a handshake which Lilith took.

"That I am. Lilith James. At your service. This little cutie here is Katherine. Ava and I recently adopted her after her poor mother sadly didn't make it past the birth," Lilith said.

"Ay la pobre niña."

"Yeah. Her mother got separated from her husband and other children. She came to Camp Zaragoza already heavily pregnant. She just gave birth to this little one last week and she didn't make it."

"Anything and everything can happen in this world we live in. At least she has you and your wife now."

"That is true."

Out of nowhere, Lilith suddenly grabs Isabel's wrist and she looks at the Spanish woman with a serious expression. Isabel looked shocked at this. She tried yanking her wrist free but the redhead had a surprisingly tight grip. Lilith then leans in close to her and whispers in her ear,

"Be cautious of the blind who follow the tyrant."

"¿Que?" she asked in utter confusion.

Lilith lets go of her wrist and smiles at her before walking away. Isabel stood there. Dumbfounded as to what just happened.

"Esa mujer está loca…," she muttered to herself before heading out.

She crosses the street and gets in Isabella's car before driving off to the elderly facility to visit her mother and Chacón first. She arrives at the facility and parks up front. She heads inside to her mother's room where she was living with Chacón. She smiles when she finds them in the room. Chacón was gently bathing Isabela on her bed. His sleeves were rolled up as he washed the cloth he was using with the warm soapy water.

"Hola," Isabel greets as she walks over.

Chacón looked up and smiled at her. He stood up and gave her a hug before letting go so she could hug her mother.

"Olá mamãe," she said. Gently giving her mother a hug. Isabel looked confused but hugged her back anyways.

"Você a reconhece?" Chacón asks. Isabela. Pointing at Isabel.

Isabela squinted as she looked at her only daughter. She pointed at her and said, "Isabel?" she guessed.

Isabel fought back tears and nodded. "Isso mesmo," she said. Kissing her mother in the forehead. Chacón smiled proudly at Isabela.

"I'm guessing you're off to go out of the safe zone?" he asked. Continuing to bathe Isabela.

"Sí. Gonzalo will be assisting me," Isabel said. Gently putting her mother's hair up in a bun so it was out of the way.

"You two be careful out there. It's not a part of the safe zone for a reason," he said.

"We will. Don't worry."

Isabel stayed for a little bit before leaving after giving her mother and Chacón a hug each. She gets back in her daughter's car and drives off to the main gate of the camp. Once there, she could see three large trucks waiting and ready to be driven out. She parks next to a jeep, Gonzalo's jeep, and gets out to speak with the men waiting for her.

"Isabel, you're quite early actually. We're still waiting for one of our truck drivers," Gonzalo said as Isabel got out of the car.

"These trucks should be enough for carrying several tons of material," she said as she examined the three trucks.

"Yep. Thankfully, these trucks are still in good, working order. It'll be easier transporting heavy materials this way than just stuffing it into our vehicles and taking multiple trips," he said. Patting the hood of one truck.

"So who else are we waiting for?" she asked.

"His name is Juan Pacheco. He's a truck driver. Well used to be one until The End happened. He came to Campamento Zaragoza with this truck right here. It was full of food and supplies and it helped us for a long time," he said.

"It sounds like he was a blessing brought forth by the Lord."

"Agreed."

They wait for almost half an hour more before a cart pulls up and a tall man with graying hair and beard jumps out. Saying his thanks to the driver before walking over to them.

"There he is. Isabel, this is Juan Pacheco. He volunteered himself and his truck to help us. Pacheco, this is Isabel. She's the one in charge of this project," Gonzalo said. Introducing them to each other.

"Nice to meet you, señor," Isabel said. Shaking his hand. Pacheco nods and smiles as he shakes her hand as well.

"Likewise, señora. Gracias for helping us fortify our walls. Who knows what would have happened have you not come to our camp," he said.

"Innocent people are all here. I can't just leave them all to die. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself for that," she said. Pacheco nods in understanding.

"I understand. Especially when there's very little of us left alive. The safety of the population is a must."

"Exactly."

"The trucks are all set and ready to go. Let's move while there's still more time," Gonzalo said.

Isabel and Pacheco nod before going to their respective vehicles. Gonzalo signaled for the gate to be opened before he got into his jeep. They then set off outside the safe zone to gather the materials they desperately need to live through the oncoming herd.

Isabel kisses her rosary and mutters a prayer of safety as she and the trucks follow Gonzalo down the road.

"That's the materials we can carry and bring back for now. I suggest we head back and show this to the engineers first so that they can see what we'll be working with," Isabel said as she and the men loaded construction tools and materials into the trucks.

"Actually, there are more trucks waiting back in Campamento Zaragoza. One of us should head back and lead them out here to gather more materials," Gonzalo informed.

"I'll head back then. You stay here and look around for anything else that can be useful," Isabel said.

"Alright. Do you have your weapons with you?" he asked.

"I have the cane and the…wait. Where's my gun?" she patted herself and searched in her bag for Fernando's handgun.

"Maybe you forgot it back at the camp?" Gonzalo suggests.

Isabel frowns in thought as she tries to remember if she had forgotten it back at the house. "Maybe…maybe I had. I'll just go and see," she said.

"Here. Take one of mine. Best to be prepared for anything on your way back." He hands her his own pistol which she takes. Checking the number of bullets before tucking it in her belt.

"I'm heading back now," Isabel said. Heading over to Isabella's car outside. Gonzalo follows her out.

"Be careful, Isabel," he said. Giving her a quick kiss.

"You too, Gonzalo," she said and drove back to Campamento Zaragoza.

Along the road, she couldn't help but have an awful gut feeling that gradually got stronger the closer she got to camp.

She got her answer when the gates were opened for her and she drove in.

Joyce frantically ran over to her when she saw her arriving. "Isabel! Isabel, you've got to hurry to the elderly home! It's Chacón, he–" she couldn't finish what she was saying because Isabel ran past her and made her way towards the elderly home.

People were crowding the main entrance. Wondering what had happened inside one of their, supposedly, safe facilities. Isabel pushed past the crowd to reach the front. Her ears picked up the sounds of wailing from someone. Someone who sounded familiar. "Mamãe!" she shouts as she reaches the front of the crowd. The sight that greets her was something she only thought she could see in her nightmares.

Isabela was wailing in despair as she thrashed in her wheelchair. Beatriz and Isabella were with her. Trying to calm her down. Chacón's dead body lay in the middle of the floor in a pool of his own blood. A hole through his skull, between his eyes. The security team went to cover his corpse with a cloth while they investigated the crime scene.

Enrique was there as well. Trying to calm down the rowdy crowd while asking for updates from the security team.

"¡No! ¡Mi padre!" Isabel cries out as she tries to go to Chacón's body. Enrique stops her from tampering the crime scene.

"Isabel! Isabel, look at me! We'll get to the bottom of this. Whoever killed Chacón will face hell," he said as he held his half sister. Isabel cries loudly as she tries to escape his hold to reach her fallen father figure. He drags her over to her mother.

"Look, just help Beatriz and Isabella comfort your madre. She needs you now more than ever," he said. She relents and he lets go of her before heading back to work with the security team. She turns to her mother and hugs her. Both of them were crying over the death of a man that had loved and cared for them.

"Señor, I think we found the weapon," a member of the security team said. Showing Enrique the gun he was holding in his gloved hands.

Enrique put on a pair of gloves and took the possible murder weapon. To see who it belongs to. "Wait…this is…" He looked closer and spotted something very compelling.

The letters 'F' and 'T' etched on the handle's metal.

It was none other than Isabel's gun.

"Maldita perra…Isabel!" Enrique roars.

Isabel jolts a bit out of startlement. She turns around to face her half brother. He glares at her as he marches over to her. Gun still in his grasp.

"¿¡Cómo te atreves, perra!?" he shouts and slaps her hard with his back hand. So hard that she stumbled and fell to the floor.

"Isabel!" "Mamá!" Beatriz and Isabella exclaimed as they ran over to her side.

"Não! Não machuque minha pequena Isabel!" Isabela cries out. Waving an accusing finger at Enrigue.

Isabel looked at Enrique in shock and confusion. Holding her cheek delicately.

"E-Enrique wha–,"

"How dare you kill him after he had raised you!?" he accused which caused a huge shock to everyone.

"Enrique, you are delusional! Isabel would never kill Chacón!" Beatriz defended.

"See for yourself!" Enrique tosses the gun at them. They flinched as they thought it would discharge a bullet from the impact. Isabel took a closer look at the gun and her eyes widened when she realized it was hers.

"Mamá…that's…," Isabella said. Looking at her mother in disbelief.

"No! I didn't kill him!" Isabel cried.

"Then give me one good reason why you didn't commit the murder!?" Enrique interrogated.

"I was outside the camp with Gonzalo! We were at one of the Castile Corp.'s warehouses!" she defended.

"Chacón had been dead for hours! That meant he was murdered before you left the camp!" he accused. "When did you last see him? Tell me, Isabel!"

"I-I…before I left…"

"Then you killed him! I can't believe this, hermana! First your husband and now the man who raised you as his own!?"

"W-Wait…what do you mean by that…?" Isabella asked.

"Isabella! It's not what it seems!" Isabel said. Grabbing her daughter by the shoulders and pleading with her.

"Oh it is what it seems, Isabella! Your madre here shot your padre with that very same gun!" Enrique revealed. Everyone gasped in shock and looked at Isabel in horror. Isabella looked at her mother with wide eyes.

"No! It's not like that! I had no choice!" Isabella cried.

"Mamá…you told me he died protecting us. You…you him yourself…," her daughter said. Tears streamed down her face.

"Mija, I had no choice! Your padre had turned and he attacked me! Please believe me!" her mother begged.

"Lies! Lies! Nothing but lies, Isabel! I'm afraid I can't have such a dangerous murder running free in my community. Arrest her and we'll hold a trial to see what we'll do with her," Enrique ordered.

The security team closed on Isabel who continued to cry and beg for anyone to believe her. Isabella just stared at her mother. Betrayed at the lie she had been told regarding her father's death.

Isabel thrashed and fought to get out of their restraint. Enrique walked over and knocked her out cold so the security team could handle her a lot easier. Isabel slowly lost consciousness and the last thing she heard were her mother's cries.

"Minha Isabel! Não leve embora minha Isabel!"

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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: @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. Former owner and CEO of Castile Corp., widow of Fernando Trastámara and has six children. Has a few skills necessary for survival and is currently the main protector of her family.

Isabella Trastámara - Age eighteen years old. Supposed to be in her last year of secondary school. Is the oldest child of Isabel. Her current priority is the safety of her siblings and mother. Her skills with the bow and arrow come to good use.

Juan Trastámara - Age ten years old. Former elementary school student. The second child of Isabel and is currently relying on his mother and oldest sister for care and protection. Readily takes the role of brave big brother for his younger siblings.

Juana Trastámara - Age nine years old. Former elementary school student. The third child of Isabel and is currently relying on her mother and oldest sister for care and protection. Looks up to Juan for comfort and reassurance.

Maria Trastámara - Age seven years old. Former elementary school student. She is the fourth child of Isabel and is currently relying on her mother and oldest sister for care and protection. Often sticks close to her twin.

Marion Trastámara - Age seven years old. Former elementary school student. The fifth child of Isabel and is currently relying on his mother and oldest sister for care and protection. Often sticks close to his twin.

Catalina Trastámara - Age three years old. Formerly attended nursery school. The youngest child of Isabel who is currently relying on her mother and oldest sister for care and protection. Has her trusted plush monkey 'Pancho' for comfort and company.

Johann La Marck - Age twenty one. Came to Spain with his girlfriend, two year old daughter, and dog to escape the carnage happening in Germany. Studying to be a businessman before The End happened.

Sibylle Jülich - La Marck - Two years old. Daughter of Mari and Johann and they had her when they were both eighteen and nineteen respectively. Came to Spain with her parents to escape Germany.

Jocasta ‘Joyce’ Howard - Age twenty nine years old. Came to Spain on a vacation with her family. Ended up stranded when The End occurred.

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

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Chapter Three: The Survivors

Everything outside the van was desolate and empty.

The roadways were cluttered with cars, and there were bodies strewn everywhere. Rotting away in the sun's heat. Isabel shifted her gaze to her rearview mirror and made eye contact with her eldest, who was driving behind the van. They agreed to get up, stretch their legs, and eat by nodding at each other. They drove off to the side of the road and parked the cars after finding a safe area.

"Niños, wake up. Let's hop out and have our lunch," Isabel said to the children. She slid out of her seat, unbuckling her seatbelt. She approached Isabella, who was already assisting her siblings down from their seats.

"How much gas does your car still have?" she asked.

"Enough for a few more hours. Don't worry, I siphoned some extra fuel from the cars back in the city so we have more than enough for the trip to Girona," Isabella remarked. Setting Catalina down on her feet. With her beloved Pancho in her arms, the toddler decides to go for a walk around the area. Like she's on a trip to the zoo.

"Catalina! Don't wander off, mija!" Isabel called. "Don't worry mamá! I got her!" Juan reassures her. Running after his youngest sister with Juana in tow. The two brought the toddler back.

"Mami, I'm thirsty," Maria said. Tugging her mother's sleeve.

"I have some water bottles in my car, Ria. You can get some snacks there too. Just ask Juan to open the trunk for you," Isabella said. Handing her car keys to her sister.

"Okay! Rio, Bella has snacks!" Maria happily ran off to her twin. Isabel smiled and shook her head before she turned back to her eldest.

"I'm already predicting that the toll gates will be blocked off by cars so we'll have to find a longer route. Most likely off road," Isabella said.

"What makes you think the toll gates will be blocked?" her mother asked.

"Just think, mamá. When The End happened, people fled the city and with panic came traffic congestion. It's better to find another route while we're still not blocked with cars," Isabella explained.

Isabel smiled at her daughter and said, "you truly are your father's daughter." Isabella smiled back and shook her head.

"I'm not named Fernando Trastámara III, You know? I'm Isabella Trastámara II. Named after the intelligent CEO of the great Castile Corp," she said. This made her mother laugh. She appreciates these lighthearted times above all else. These times are becoming increasingly rarer, therefore she cherishes them.

A shriek from Juana jolted the two Isabellas out of their moment before racing over to the small ones, both turning and pulling their weapons. They were in front of Isabella's car. The trunk door was opened, and a young man, no more than twenty-one years old, stood in front of them, his eyes wide with surprise and a bottle of water in his hand that was clearly theirs.

"Hey! Stay away from my children!" Isabel shouts. Aiming her gun at him while Isabella aimed an arrow at him. Ready to release the string.

“Nicht schießen! Bitte nicht schießen! Ich habe eine schwangere Frau und ein Kind bei mir!” the young man said in german. Raising his arms up in the air as a sign of surrender.

He was holding nothing but the water bottle he had stolen. His eyes were wide and filled with fear. Isabel and Isabella exchanged glances before lowering their weapons but not putting them away. Although the young man dropped his arms, he remained stiff.

“He said he has a pregnant woman and a child with him,” Isabella told her mother. Isabel was thankful she and Fernando enrolled their children in multiple language courses. “Ask him what he wants with us,” she said. Her daughter nods and turns to the stranger.

“Was willst du?” she asked.

"Meine Tochter hat Durst und wir haben seit Tagen kein Wasser mehr. Dann sah ich dich und du hattest Vorräte, also dachte ich, ich könnte einfach eine Flasche nehmen und zurückgehen. Bitte erbarme dich!" he said. Falling to his knees, begging.

"He said his daughter was thirsty and they hadn't had any water for days now so he thought he could just grab one of ours and head back," Isabella translated to her mother.

Isabel fixed her gaze on the groveling man. Still holding on to the water bottle. He has a pregnant partner and is a father. He's doing everything he can to make sure they're taken care of. Even stealing from others. Although stealing is a sin, she would have done the same for her children.

"Tell him to bring his daughter and partner here. I want to see them before I consider sharing our supplies with them," she said to her daughter. Isabella looked at her mother in concern.

"Mamá, are you sure?" she asked. Her mother answered with a simple nod. She sighed and turned to the man who was looking at them pleadingly. Now that they look closely, he looked really thin for a tall man his age.

They must be starving for days now.

"Meine Mutter sagte, sie möchte, dass Sie Ihre Tochter und Ihren Partner hierher bringen, bevor Sie darüber nachdenken, unsere Vorräte mit Ihnen zu teilen," Isabella said to him.

The young man was taken aback and glanced at them with bewilderment. Were they thinking about sharing their resources with his family? Are they for real? Is this a set-up, and has he just ruined his family? he answered his own question when he remembered that it was simply these two adult women and their children. There was no father or other armed guards present.

At the very least, it's worth a shot.

"Danke schön! Danke schön! Ich bringe sie hierher. Wir haben einen Wohnwagen dabei, also fahre ich sie einfach rüber. Nochmals vielen Dank!" he said. Bowing to them in gratitude before standing up and running off to where he had left his family. Leaving the water bottle he had taken from Isabella's car behind.

"He left the water he needed for his daughter," Isabella said.

"A bargain. He's willing to show us that he really trusts us by leaving something he stole. Though I'm not sure if that was a wise thing," Isabel said.

"How come?" her daughter asked. "I would have taken the bottle with me and let my thirsty child drink. Then again, he's desperate to exchange a mere bottle of water for more supplies," she said.

"He mentioned he had a caravan with him earlier. Does it mean that they've been driving around off road this whole time?" Isabella asked.

"I'm not sure. We'll ask him that when he gets here. For now, let's divide up our supplies first and consider which ones we're willing to part with," Isabel answered.

Her eldest nodded and proceeded to count their supplies in the van. Isabel took some food and gave it to the children for lunch. An old caravan had parked up alongside their vehicles by the time they had joined them. It was driven by the young man from earlier, and a young woman with red hair in a messy braid sat in the passenger seat next to him.

"That must be them," Isabel said. Standing up to meet with them.

The young man exited the vehicle and dashed around to the passenger side, opening the door and assisting his pregnant partner down. His hugely pregnant partner, to be exact. Isabel was taken aback when she saw her. She estimates she's around six or seven months along about now. For a brief moment, the young couple exchanged words in German before the young man moved to open the caravan's side door. A dog, a german shepherd, and a young girl, no more than two years old, leap to their feet. She had a striking resemblance to her mother. Especially when it comes to red hair.

"Vati auf," the toddler said. Raising her little arms up to her father. The youngman picked his daughter up and set her down next to the dog.

Isabel was snapped out of her observation when she noticed the pregnant woman walking over. A hand over her pregnant belly.

"Guten tag. I apologize zat mein boyfriend tried to steal from you and scared your die Kleinen. I hope you understand our desperation," the young woman said. Her accent was thick and heavy but understandable nonetheless. Isabel shook her head. "I get where you're coming from. I would have done the same for my children's sake," she said and then asked, "how long have you been on the road?"

"Too long. Ve fled Germany ven Ze End started. It was horrible...everyone just started killing each other. Ve thought France would be safe but ve were wrong. So we ended up here in Spain. It's been quiet so far though," the young woman recounted.

"Well I'm sorry to say that Spain isn't as safe as anywhere now. There's a large herd of Infected coming from the city and going towards this direction. My children and I recently left our safehouse to escape the herd," Isabel said. The woman looked crestfallen. It seems that wherever they go, death is always close to follow.

"Ve...ve escaped Germany for our tochter's safety and now...ve don't know vat else to do…"

Isabel focused her attention on the young woman. She appeared to be in her late teens or early twenties. Even though she was just a year older than her eldest, she was already a mother to a toddler and with a baby on the way. Her boyfriend appeared to be supportive, but it was insufficient to keep them all alive. They remind her of herself and Fernando, who were both young parents at the time. Isabella was born when she was nineteen years old, and she is currently a student at the University of Madrid. Obviously, they had money and support from their family to assist them in raising a child, but these two don't. Their families may be Infected or dead, money has no value in this world, and every day is a day when they may die or become Infected.

Isabel noticed the young woman's partner and daughter enjoying lunch with her children and looked over to them. At least the young one was eating. Her father sat beside her, giving her the bread Isabella had given them. Her children were taking turns petting the dog who was loving the attention.

"Oh! Ve forgot to introduce ourselves to you. Meine name is Maria jülich. You can call me 'Mari'. Mein freund is Johann La Marck, zat's our tochter, Sibylle, and ze pooch is our dog, Günther," the young woman said. Snapping Isabel out of her thoughts. Their last names were very much familiar to her.

"Jülich? La Marck? As in two of the biggest families in Germany?" she asked.

"Ja. How did you know?" Mari asked.

"My husband and I made business with those two families. My name is Isabel Trastámara. I own...well used to own Castile Corp.," she explained.

"Oh! Mein vater mentioned you a few years ago. Vell, before he disowned me for getting pregnant out of vedlock," Mari said.

Isabel chuckled. "Sounds like my padre when he found out I was pregnant with my eldest," she said. Mari shares her laughter. Johann approached them with food in his hands.

"Maria, hier. Wir haben jetzt Essen, also kannst du essen," he said. Giving Mari the food but she didn't accept it immediately.

"Hast du schon gegessen?" she asked.

"Mach dir keine Sorgen um mich. Mir geht es gut, aber du musst für das Baby essen," he insisted as he gestures to her pregnant belly. Mari crossed her arms over her chest and stubbornly refused the food offered.

"Ich esse nicht, bis du es tust," she said. Johann sighed and kept half of the food portions to appease his pregnant partner.

"Wirst du jetzt essen?" he asked.

"Ja. Danke liebe," Mari said and took the other half of the food. Eating as well.

Isabel watched them with a smile on her face. Isabella approached her and stood next to her. Watching the small family share their meal with each other.

"They're quite adorable," Isabel said.

"Sí. They remind me of you and papá. Especially when Johann was convincing his partner to eat but she doesn't want to until he eats first," Isabella said. "Is that what they were talking about?" her mother asked and she nodded. They fell silent for a good while before Isabel broke it with a question.

"So what do you think?" she asked her daughter.

"About what?" Isabella asked in return.

"Them. Do you think we have enough supplies to share with them if we take them with us to Girona?"

Isabella frowns as she observes the little family. Günther was fed slices of bread that Sibylle was meant to be eating. The little one's father gently scolds her for feeding the dog her food.

"I'm not sure, there's about seven of us and three of them so if we bring them along, it'll be ten mouths to feed. It’ll be a bit difficult to find enough food for ten," she pointed out.

"I am aware of the extra mouths, mija but maybe we can make an arrangement. Just think, two more extra adults will be good so we can have three people that go out and scavenge while at least one can stay behind with the little ones," Isabel explained.

"Perhaps that could work but will they accept that kind of arrangement?" her daughter asked.

"Let's find out. Mari," Isabel called. Walking over to the German family. "Ja?" Mari asked. Standing up to her feet with her boyfriend's help.

"I have an offer for you and your family if you're willing to accept it."

"Vat is it?"

"Come along with us. My children and I are traveling to a farmhouse near the sea in Girona, away from the main highways where the herd is most likely to be going. In exchange, I'd like you and Johann to help out with the work. He can join me and Isabella on scavenging trips for food and supplies, while you can stay behind and care for the children. You'll be safe, fed, and have companionship. I'll give enough time for you and your novio to talk about it. Come to me after you've made your decision," Isabel proposed.

Mari was taken aback when she heard her offer and looked at her in disbelief. The deal seemed too good to be true. In exchange for helping to defend and care for the little ones, this strong woman offered to divide their supplies with them, defend them, and keep them safe. She and her family had been on the road for months alone, and being in a group with other people and children would undoubtedly help them.

"A-Are you absolutely sure you vant us to come vith you?'' she asked. The older of the two women nodded to her question.

"Very sure. The more adults in a group the better it is for the children. But still, the decision is up to you and Johann," Isabel said.

"I'll go and talk to him about zis though knowing him he'll quickly take ze deal," Mari said.

Isabel smiled at her and nodded before leaving to discuss her offer. She goes over to her children who are rubbing Günther's belly while he lays on his back. His tongue lolling out in a doggy smile. The two toddlers, Catalina and Sibylle, were happily chatting with each other with Isabella acting as their translator. They were showing each other their stuffed toys with Catalina proudly presenting Pancho and Sibylle showing her new friend her trusty red dragon. The lighthearted atmosphere and the quietness of the afternoon makes it seems like there’s nothing wrong with the world at that moment and Isabel wishes it would stay like that forever.

“He’s a friendly dog, isn’t he?” she said. Walking over and giving Günther a good scratch on the ear which earned her a leg thump and happy tail wag from the canine.

“He is, mami!” Marion said.

“Can we get a puppy like him?” Juana asked.

“Can we, mami! Please? We’ll take good care of it!” Maria said.

“Yeah! Can we, mamá?” Juan asked. At this point, all four children were looking up at her with pleading eyes.

Isabel feels trapped and cornered all of a sudden. Fernando would have just refused their request and chastised them for requesting a pet in the first place, but her husband isn't around . In conclusion , she'll have to be a strict parent and refuse her children a pet.

“Lo siento, amores but we can’t. Times are dire nowadays so I’m honestly not sure if there are any dogs around aside from Günther here,” she said.

“Awwww!” her children whined but didn’t complain or insist more. They were well aware that things were tough and that obtaining a dog, or any type of pet for that matter, was nearly impossible. Isabel comforted them by kissing their foreheads.

“Well, if Bella and I run into a puppy or a kitten somehow then we’ll bring it home but no promises that we will, okay?” she said. That was enough for them and they hugged her together in thanks. Isabel smiled and hugged them close.

“Isabel?” Mari and Johann approached her. They were holding hands and had smiles on their faces. Isabel stood up and faced them.

“Have you made your decision?” she asked. They nodded. “Ve have. Ve accept your offer and ve thought ve should inform you zat ve have medical supplies in our caravan,” Mari said. Isabel looked at her in surprise.

“You do?” she asked in disbelief.

“Ja! Ve stayed in a hospital for awhile in France and ve managed to gather some medical supplies and medicine. Plus, I vas actually studying to be a nurse before Ze End happened so I know a thing or two about medical care. So since you have given us food, ve vill provide medicine and medical care to you just in case,” Mari said.

Isabel beamed, relieved and grateful. With this family, God has fulfilled her prayers. They've got medical supplies, and she's got the rest. Through and through, it's an equal contribution.

“¡Muchas gracias! Your efforts are very much appreciated. Welcome to the group,” she said. Taking Mari and Johann’s hands in hers. Thanking them profusely.

“Nein. Danke, dass Sie uns aufgenommen haben. Wir sind wirklich dankbar,” Johann said. “He said ve’re ze ones who should thank you for taking us in,” Mari translated.

Isabel smiled at them. "It's good to have the company of others. Come. The sooner we leave the better. If you're running low on gas, we have enough to share," she said.

"Oh! Ve actually are low on gas. Ve vere planning on looking for a gas station and siphoning some fuel if there's any," Mari said.

"Well there's no need to go find one. Here. This is enough for now," she said. Giving them a jerry can full of fuel. Mari told Johann what Isabel said and he graciously took the can from her before going to fill up the caravan's tank with the fuel.

To save space in their vehicles, Isabel and Isabella carried some of their goods to the caravan. They have enough trust in them to safekeep their supplies. They drove away once everyone was present and accounted for in the vehicles. Isabel in the van taking the lead, Isabella in her car in the middle, and the Jülich-La Marck family taking up the rear. They got off the highway once they encountered their first blocked toll gate and started driving down the minor roads.

The trip to Girona will take longer than they thought.

An hour into the drive, Catalina woke up from her nap and started whining. Isabel looked at her through the rearview mirror. “What’s wrong, mija?” she asked her youngest.

“Mama, need wee,” the toddler said.

“Alright, Catalina. We’ll pull over and take a short break,” she said and lowered her window to stick her hand out to signal to the others to stop. Isabella and Johann saw the signal and slowed down to a stop at an empty petrol station.

“Isabella, let’s check the surroundings first to make sure it’s safe. Kindly tell Johann to stay with Mari and the children,” Isabel said. Grabbing Fernando's cane and gun. Before following her mother, Isabella did what she was told. bow and arrow in hand. The mother and daughter scoured the surroundings for any Infected or desperate survivors who could be waiting for them. People who are still alive can be just as lethal as the Infected. You never know when a gunshot will pass through your skull or a knife will slit your throat. At the very least, an Infected bite can be avoided.

They double-checked the area and determined that it was secure. Isabella returned to the others and gave them the all-clear, before guiding them to the restrooms to clean themselves and relieve themselves. Isabel walked into the convenience store at the petrol station to see if there was any food or supplies available. The shop was in shambles. Shelves crashed down, spilling and smashing things on the blood-splattered flooring.

“La desesperación convierte a las personas en animales,” Isabel mutters to herself as she climbs over the counter into the shop's backroom in the hopes of finding any stashed inventory. She attempts to open the door, but it is obviously locked.

She frowns and searches for the key. Fortunately, she discovered it the first time she opened the counter drawer. She takes the key and goes to unlock and open the door, only to be greeted by a bat swinging at her. She quickly acted and lifted the cane above her head to block the blow.

“¿¡Qué carajo!?” she exclaimed. Eyes wide in shock at what just happened.

The owner of the bat was a petite woman with brown hair tied back in a messy ponytail. Her brown eyes wide with fear and panic. Her hands were shaking as she held the bat. The older of the two women grabbed the bat and tossed it aside and out of reach. Now unarmed, the woman backed away and cowered in front of Isabel.

“P-Please! Don’t kill me!” the woman pleaded. Her fear-laced voice clearly bore the unmistakable accent of a Brit. Using her arms to shield herself from any retaliation. Her left arm had a bandaged messily wrapped around it.

Isabel looked at the woman in surprise. How long has she been hiding in here? She caught a glimpse of the back room and it seems to have been turned into a makeshift shack with a pile of sacks and plastics on the floor made into what seemed to be a bed of some sorts. A lone backpack sat next to the makeshift bed and food wrappers and such littered the floor.

Isabel shifts her gaze to the woman who was still cowering before her.

She's been living here on her own for who knows how long.

"You...you've been living here...all alone?" Isabel asked.

The woman looked up at her. Confused but still cautious. Why was this woman not attacking her? Is this a trap? Will she attack when she knows she's all alone?

"Mamá! I heard a commotion! Are you alright!?" Isabella calls as she enters the convenience store.

"Isabella! I found someone here!" Isabel calls back.

The woman looked at her in shock. 'Mamá'? This woman has a daughter? Perhaps she could be trustworthy and might help her.

"I...I've been alone ever since The End began…," she said. Isabel shifted her attention back to her. Isabella had entered the store and rushed over to her mother to see what or who she had found and to aid her just in case.

"I...I came to Spain on a vacation with my family three months ago. We were on a tour when The End happened. They...they didn't make it…," the woman said. As emotions begin to overpower her, her voice shakes and tears well up in her eyes. It brought her so much pain as she imagined her entire family dead or infected. Isabel fixed her gaze on the woman. Her eyes were filled with sympathy. This was someone who has been surviving on their own for quite some time. Someone who, on what was intended to be a family vacation, lost her whole family.

"I'm so sorry for your loss. No one should be alone in these times. Come with us. We have a group that can help you," Isabel said. Their eyes met and the woman broke down crying completely when she saw genuine sympathy in those eyes. She's been alone for so long that this was the first time she's experienced human sympathy.

Isabel and Isabella looked at each other. "Mamá, are you sure?" her daughter asked.

"Leaving her alone would be cruel, mija," Isabel responded. She goes over to the woman and offers her hand to her. The woman took her hand and she was helped up to her feet. “Grab whatever things you have here and meet us outside,” Isabel said. The woman nods and goes to grab her things.

“Come. Let’s wait for her outside,” Isabel said to Isabella and they exited the store. They filled in Mari and Johann on what had happened inside the store and about the woman.

“You helped us so we’ll pay it forward and help zis voman,” Mari said. Johann nodding in agreement with his partner. Juana ran over to her mother and clung to her leg. Fear in her eyes.

“Mija, what’s wrong?” Isabel asked. “Mamá, who’s that?” Juana asked. Pointing at the woman who just exited the store and walking towards them.

“She’s a friend, querida. Don’t worry,” she reassured.

The woman fixed her gaze on them. She was surprised to find just four adults in the group, with the remainder being small children. Though seeing the dog made her jump a little, it was a really welcoming sight. “Come over here. This is Mari. She’s our resident nurse. Perhaps she can help you with your injury there,” Isabel said. Beckoning her over.

“Oh! Uh thank you. This one’s been bugging me for days now. I sure hope the wound isn’t infected yet,” the woman said. Walking over to them. Mari gave her a kind smile.

“Hallo! Mein name is Maria but you can call me Mari. Let me have a look at your injury and see what we can do,” Mari said. Inviting her to take a seat. The woman sat down and allowed Mari to take her bandages off.

“My name is Jocasta. Jocasta Howard but you can call me Joyce,” the woman, Joyce, said.

“Nice to meet you, Joyce. My name is Isabel. This is my eldest daughter, Isabella,” Isabel introduced. Joyce smiled sheepishly at Isabel. “I’m sorry for trying to hit you with a bat earlier,” she said.

“No worries. I understand your predicament,” Isabel said. “Mami! Catalina’s wandering away again!” Marion called.

“Catalina! Mija, come back here!” Isabel chased after her youngest. Leaving Isabella with Mari and Joyce.

Mari let out a gasp and took a step back from Joyce, dropping the bandages she had removed from her arm. Her expression was filled with terror. Johann arrived at her side almost immediately. “Was ist los!?” he asked.

“What!? What is it!?” Joyce asked in a panic. Looking at her arm to see what was wrong.

“S-Sie ist gebissen…,” Mari said in a hushed tone. Isabella’s eyes widened and looked at Joyce in shock.

“What’s going on here?” Isabel asked as she returned to them. Mari and Johann were terrified by Joyce, and Isabella was staring at her with wide eyes. She turned to her mother and informed her of Mari's words.

“She's been bitten.”

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