#sibylle of cleves (sixtended)

[altairtalisman]

List Of Info On Sibylle of Cleves

Sibylle’s Reference

Other Facts About Sibylle

Five Facts About Sibylle’s Hair

[blackdiamondwrites127]

Lost Stars in the Night

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

The following characters belong to:

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

Isabella Trastámara: @lexartsstuff

Marion Trastámara and Elizabeth 'Liz' Seymour: @vanessaseymour

Juana 'la loca' de Castile: @ellielovesdrawing

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

.

Characters (Description and characters change with each chapter): 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Epilogue

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Catalina."

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

"Catalina, mi pequeña preciosa."

"Humph!" 

Time for bribery then.

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

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

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

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

"Ice cream!" she excitedly said.

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

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

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

.

Name: Catalina Trastámara

Age: 3 years old

Sex: Female

Height: N/A

Weight: N/A

Blood Pressure: N/A

Consent from subject's guardian: Approved

Vaccine dosage: N/A

Vaccine side effects: none so far

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Bella did say that papá was always extra."

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

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

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

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

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

Those were the days.

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

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

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

.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"And foggy memories," Catalina added.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You mean my godfather?" Catalina asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Oh…sorry," Cathy quickly apologized.

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

"Oh my god…," Kat muttered.

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

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

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

Catalina looked at her and nodded gratefully.

"Yeah." 

.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"The herd would have mostly gotten to us." 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"No I didn't," she said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Yeah," Maria said.

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

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

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

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

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

"See ya!"

.

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

"Catalina!" 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"De nada, señora."

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

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

"Mama!" 

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

"You're back!" Mary said.

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

"Sí! We missed you though," Hal said.

"Miss you so much!" Lillia added.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Yeah! We go swimming!" Lillia said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Jane."

"Hm?"

"What do you think about moving in together?" 

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

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

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

Things really are starting to turn out for the better.

.

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

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

"I didn't hear you come in." 

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

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

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

"H-How did you…?" 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"But why? The doctors can help you."

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

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

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

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

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

"Mamá?"

"I thought of you."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Okay."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I am." 

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

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

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

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

Isabel simply shook her head. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prev

[lexartsstuff]

My half of the art trade with @blackdiamondwrites127

They asked for some La Marck shenanigans and I give you- Drunk La Marcks!

This was supposed to be a family game night, but Anna brought drinks and.. this happened

There were so many scenes I could've gone with; I love this family

Sibylle belongs to @blackdiamondwrites127

Mali belongs to @pandora-dusk (sorry can't draw splits really well😅)

William belongs to me

[spooner7308]

Monster AU version of Sibylle von Kleve created by @blackdiamondwrites127

Sibylle is a centaur like her sister Anna, but whereas Anna’s body is that of Clydesdale, Sibylle’s is a Bavarian warmblood

I think she likes the extra height

[djts-arts]

For the art prompt thing:

How about Sibylle talking to Arthur about Kath while being flustered.

[blackdiamondwrites127]

Here's mine!

Sixtended alignment chart time!

i hope i left enough space for everyone’s characters

Thanks to @djts-arts​ for reblogging the post with all the templates :)

[blackdiamondwrites127]

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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[blackdiamondwrites127]

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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Prev Next

[blackdiamondwrites127]

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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Prev Next

[blackdiamondwrites127]

Halloween Costumes

Here are the Halloween costumes of all my Sixtended OCs!

Hal

Literally dressed up as another holiday entirely but is still cute.

Sibylle

*Belts out Defying Gravity*

Maria

Pretty sure this is only appropriate for an adults only Halloween party.

Mari

Local German mum dressed up as Death.

[altairtalisman]

Dorothy Seymour's Bio

Did I just create a second Sixtended Verse OC that I will barely create any content for? Absolutely yes, but I really had to get this damn idea out of my head. It's been living in my head for months now...

Name: Dorothy Seymour, prefers to go by Roth. She was previously known as Dorothea Sailsmoore, but legally got her name changed to her current name.

Personality: Impatient and short-tempered, it's a miracle that she hasn't gotten herself fired from the theatre just yet. Constantly yells at the queens for not staying still enough when doing their makeup and hair.

When it comes to conflicts, she will stand up for her opinions though she is willing to consider others. Expect her to give a passionate defence in response though, because she won't go down easily.

She's willing to commit most crimes, with anything fatal (for all parties involved) being out of the question. She does have a set of personal ethics, and won't harm people in need or children (unless said children are just pure assholes).

Dorothy's cynical when it comes to love, and doesn't believe in the concept of soulmates. Her recent breakup with her ex-girlfriend was pretty bad too, with her ex cheating on her as well as attempting to manipulate her into thinking that Dorothy was actually abusive. While she doesn't show it, she is left insecure that she's not really enough for others to stay.

Despite her general personality, she can be considerate of others and tries not to bother those in her social circle with serious matters. One example is her previously crushing on @inquisitive-mess's Ann Parr, Dorothy would never let her know that she once crushed on Ann in university, partially because she knows that Ann's straight and that knowledge would just burden her.

Likes/Dislikes on food: She really hates vegetables, but tolerates spinach after her doctor told her to eat some as she had symptoms of hypothyroidism. Dorothy loves seafood, and is trying to cut down on unhealthy cooking methods due to the Sailsmoore family's history of heart problems. She always gets an espresso when ordering coffee, and she prefers Pepsi over Coca-Cola. Don't tell her that Pepsi is inferior, she will physically fight anyone who tells her that.

Type of drunk: She's more honest and sentimental when drunk, but she can hold her liquor well plus she doesn't drink in public often...

Hobbies: Stargazing (she's well-versed in constellations), camping, taking long rides on her motorcycle, and boxing.

Clothes: Dorothy prefers clothes that she can easily breathe and move in, as being a makeup artist requires concentration. She prefers plain clothes that is black, grey, or have a cold colour scheme. She owns a few mandarin-collared shirts for smart casual events, and evening gowns for parties the Sailsmoores host or go to.

How she died: Not stated online, but based on Dorothy's last memory of her previous life, it was a natural death.

People she get along with: She gets along with Ann, mainly because the latter was on emergency call back when they were in university. Ann's introverted personality as well as her not asking why Dorothy's laptop is always broken helped to foster a genuine friendship between them. She also likes @redlover411's Hans Holbein as he doesn't say much and doesn't give her problems in general.

Dorothy tolerates Jane Parker, @djts-arts's Arthur Tudor and @pandora-dusk's Amalia of Cleves, with Parker because she doesn't try to purposely push her buttons and they have a common hobby, Arthur because he serves her coffee at the theatre cafe and hates Henry VIII, and Amalia because she's really likeable.

She does interact with @spooner7308's Elizabeth Barton and @ellielovesdrawing's George Boleyn, though it's more out of necessity as she needs to know how much light is shining on the queens so that she can adjust the amount of makeup appropriately.

She has seen @weirdbutdecentart's William Parr twice, once at Ann's graduation, and once at the hotel he worked at. She hasn't spoken to him at all, and given that he mirrored her usual expression, Dorothy assumes that he's not interested in interacting.

Dorothy knows that @vanessaseymour's Elizabeth Seymour exists, but hasn't really interacted with her sister. She does know that her sister is awkward at flirting, and really loves @lexartsstuff's Isabella Trastámara.

People she dislikes: Definitely Henry VIII, for everything he had done in his lifetime. She also dislikes @blackdiamondwrites127's Siblylle of Cleves, @thenicestnonbinary's Anya Askew and @the-fox-arts's Christina of Denmark not because of their personalities, but simply because as managers, they tend to throw her own schedule out of the window at the last minute. She does try to understand that they're dealing with whatever crisis is popping up without warning, nonetheless she still doesn't like them.

People she's afraid of: She dreads the idea of both her previous husbands reincarnating, not because she hated them in her past life, but because she doesn't want to deal with the fact that she would have to explain that she doesn't love either of them anymore and she currently views them as strangers.

Ship: She's currently not dating anyone, and is still hurt that she was cheated on. She doesn't have a label on her orientation, and when asked, she will always reply "I've dated guys, girls, and people who aren't either, and so far, I like girls the best. What does that make me, you ask? I don't know and I don't want to think so hard about that."

Reincarnated life: Dorothy was actually born as Dorothea Sailsmoore, but on 4 January, 10 year old Dorothea was involved in what was supposed to be fatal accident. As a result of this accident, she gained Dorothy's memories of her past life. Upon waking up in the hospital she was sent to, she learnt that the wounds she suffered were supposed to be fatal and as such, it was a miracle that she survived.

Dorothy was actually confused towards everything at first, for she didn't grasp any modern concepts and initially told the doctor as well as the Sailsmoores that she wasn't Dorothea. The doctor then hypothesised that she had amnesia as she didn't remember the identity of Dorothea, with her formally getting diagnosed with it after it was discovered that she doesn't remember anything about Dorothea's life.

This made Dorothy realise that instead of Dorothea surviving the accident, it was more likely that Dorothy and Dorothea swapped bodies despite the time gap. While she didn't place much belief in the supernatural even in her previous life, it was the likeliest explanation given that Dorothy Seymour's last memory was on 4 January, the same day the accident occurred.

Dorothy felt bad that she didn't remember anything about Dorothea and instead, had the memories of who she soon found out to be some barely known sister of the famous Jane Seymour. She did her best to play the role of a daughter to the Sailsmoores, who was rich and nearly spoilt her rotten. Dorothy was actually uncomfortable assuming the identity of Dorothea, but she wanted to be loved by a stable family, thus she put up with it.

Six years later, as a result of the Sailsmoores expanding their business, Dorothy's parents and her brother, Johnathan, were absent in her life. As she was afraid she would be forgotten like how she was in her previous life, she started skipping school and eventually turned to fighting street gangs at night. Dorothy realised that she actually liked fighting and continued to start fights with street gangs simply because she didn't like the way they looked or because they accidentally bumped into her when crossing paths.

She was soon addicted to fighting, and eventually landed herself in trouble when a few street gangs banded together and launched an ambush the moment she arrived at one of her usual haunts. Initially, Dorothy didn't view the ambush as a problem as she was confident in her street fighting skills, until she discovered that everyone brought weapons.

While Dorothy was about to escape from the gang members with wounds that weren't life-threatening, one of them had managed to stab her abdomen which left her bleeding in an alley. Assuming that she was dying, the gang members decided to leave out of fear of being caught. Johnathan, who had just left a party hosted by one of the companies the Sailsmoores were working with, noticed a figure bleeding out in the alley and approached her. When he realised that it was Dorothy who was dying, he immediately called for an ambulance which saved her life.

Warded at the hospital, the Sailsmoores came down to visit Dorothy as well as to give her a dressing down after finding out from the school that she hadn't been attending her lessons for a while. She decided to admit that she wanted the Sailsmoores to pay attention to her, and acted out in hopes of getting them to do so. Dorothy also admitted that fighting was much more addictive than she expected, which made her unable to stop.

Her family informed her that while her actions were wrong, they understood that their lack of presence resulted in her taking the wrong path. They then vowed to spend more time with her, with the latter confessing that they vowed to spend more time with Dorothea, not Dorothy.

"All of you have been nothing but good to me... which is why I'm sorry, but I'm not Dorothea Sailsmoore. I haven't been for six years now, and I know that I sound crazy, but your family member died in that accident. This is Dorothea Sailsmoore's body, but the one inhabiting it goes by Dorothy Seymour, Queen Jane Seymour's youngest sister. I'm sorry for pretending, and I understand if you wish to turn off my... whatever that machine is."

With these words, Dorothy expected the Sailsmoores to react badly, but instead, they told her that they needed time to process the information Dorothy had tried telling them after the accident. She nodded, resolving to stop participating in street fights as even though she was doing so as Dorothy, her body was still Dorothea's after all.

After getting discharged from the hospital, the Sailsmoores informed Dorothy that they still view her as part of the family. Her father added that she was free to change her name given that she was already of age, and that they won't love her any less. This touched Dorothy, and she immediately went to change her name.

A few months after changing her name, she decided to experiment with makeup to cover up her scars. While searching up how to do so, she realised that makeup was much deeper than it seemed and wanted to pursue a higher education in cosmetology. Her mother noticed her attempting to cover her scars with makeup, and commented that Dorothea wanted to be a makeup artist herself when she was nine.

"Is that so? Well then, all the more reason to study cosmetology. For her interests, as well as mine."

Dorothy's comment became her goal, and after graduating from university, she applied for a job at the theatre. She was accepted without an interview as Anya was desperate for a makeup artist back when the queens first went on stage. Dorothy was shocked to meet Jane Seymour, and was even more shocked to find out that there were many more figures from her era that were reincarnated.

Dorothy can be easily found at the theatre cafe, and on the theatre's rooftop at night.

[blackdiamondwrites127]

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.

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 excited at the prospect of having a relationship with Isabella.

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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Prev Next

[blackdiamondwrites127]

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.

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. Supposed to be studying to be a nurse before The End happened.

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.

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. 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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[blackdiamondwrites127]

The Mari Defense Squad

When there's someone being an asshole to the La Marck matriarch, rest assured that these four would instantly be there to deliver the verbal and physical smackdown.

Bonus: This is what they will do to you if you're being an asshole to the matriarch.

The three oldest will break you physically while the youngest will break you spiritually.

Bonus: The matriarch when her children comes to defend her honour.

Credits:

William belongs to @lexartsstuff

Mali belongs to @pandora-dusk

Mari and Sibylle belongs to yours truly

[blackdiamondwrites127]

Engagement Portrait

Decided to try my hand at drawing Sibylle's engagement portrait and I like how it turned out!

Original portrait from Wikipedia under cut.

[altairtalisman]

Here’s my half of the art trade with @inquisitive-mess​, she asked for Ann going to the zoo with @pandora-dusk’s Amalia, @blackdiamondwrites127​‘s Sibylle, @ellielovesdrawing​‘s Katherine and Jane Parker and Ann having a similar reaction as what happened to Jane at the museum during this date.

I hope that the breakdown is... well, breakdown-ish enough for you V.