Boshville

B. 23

Natalie didn't take long to process the information. She wanted more answers actually. Carmosole saw that spark of curiosity in Natalie's eyes and regretted her decision. She turned to Fiona for help but Fiona looked away. "You brought this upon yourself". The woman added.

"Why weren't warriors allowed to have kids?" Was Natalie's first question. "The emotional bond with a child would make their powers spiral out of control and Anofemalalies were born for one purpose; fighting battles". Carmosole replied.

"How did Avara have me then? Wasn't there some law?"

"Oh there was. My sister refused to be a warrior. She ran from the troops like a coward all in the name of love". Carmosole snorted and rolled her eyes.

"You didn't really like her, did you?"

"I loved my sister but she was stubborn. The rules were simple and they were there to protect us. She had no regards for them".

"And you don't believe that love is worth breaking all the rules?"

"No, I don't. If it was, your father would be on Earth with us. She would be here too".

"Who was my father?"

"We do not speak his name. It is too painful. But he loved you. He had to go on self exile to avoid the punishment. You never saw him".

Natalie felt a crack in her chest. Her father had to leave her and her mother ended up dying without being able to raise her. She understood why Carmosole said rules were important. Her existence wasn't worth the sacrifices.

"I never said you weren't worth it", Carmosole clarified, "I was not pleased with the choice my sister made but you're a wonderful result of it. I couldn't be happier to have you as a niece". Natalie gave her a small smile before she went in search of the kitchen.

"Before you say anything, I know. I shouldn't have told her...at least not now". Carmosole grabbed a handful of her raven hair in frustration. "Better now than never", Fiona shrugged, "we still have to worry about sending out the warning". "I'll go. They are already on my trail. Teleporting won't cost me much". Carmosole responded.

"I wish I could help but I am still weak and they need the care".

"I don't think Natalie would appreciate a babysitter". Carmosole chuckled. The sass of the girl amazed her.

"I'm not talking about her. Don't tell me your observation skills are lacking?"

"I am rarely around. What I know is what Zarphon tells me".

"Tristan is expecting". Fiona dropped the bomb. Carmosole opened her mouth but no words came out. She fumbled with her tongue till it finally worked, "I didn't think he'd find an Anofemale he liked. I thought he..." "It's Zarphon's. Don't ask me how. Even I can't explain it". Fiona wore a tired expression. Carmosole just nodded and walked out. She needed space to think.

Natalie didn't mean to eavesdrop. She wanted to ask Fiona for the key to her cupboards. Tristan was expecting? What's that supposed to mean? Expecting what? She wondered. She decided that she'd ask about it in a better time. Her parents were still on her mind.

                      < ~ >< ~ >

"Can you chill out?" Casper was fed up with Moss's pout. "Chill out", Moss scoffed, "because it's totally normal for an interdimensional killer to hit on my..." "Your what?" Casper raised an eyebrow, "as far as I know you haven't made it clear what we were". "You know what I'm talking about?"

"Then say it. Admit to yourself".

"You're my husband and so what?!"

"Then you'd know that I could never leave you for a lizard. C'mon! I have standards!" Casper overdramatized. Moss let out a light laugh. He pecked Casper's cheek and said, "you can only be with me, got it?" "Loud and clear".