Shadows From Above - Sequel to Down From Below

Shadows From Above

Mouse cocked his head and thought for a moment. Understanding dawned on his face. He nodded. And the expression in his eyes showed that he understood. He knew in his heart he could do whatever it took. He wanted Scarlett to be his girl. No matter what.

"Mouse ready." He spoke bravely. He stood and grasped Vincent by the shoulders. "Mouse care -very much. Mouse protect Scarlett with- life." Vincent clapped a paw on Moises shoulder and nodded. "Then you have my blessing. But you might want to talk to Father once we are all down at the party."

Mouse nodded and sprinted away, throwing over his shoulder: "Okay, good! Okay, fine!"

X_X_X_X_X_X_X

Scarlett leaned her head back against the rocky edge of the pool, the steam of the hot springs creating a becoming blush over her face. She swung her arms through the water lazily, keeping herself balanced. Catherine was busy nearby, preparing the outfit she had brought, letting the steam soften any wrinkles in the chiffon fabric. Scarlett felt her chest tighten as she thought of everything that had transpired since she was last in this room. The great chasm of the cathedral ceiling created by the rocky walls yawned above her and any small noise echoed playfully. She winced at the volume of the echo when she spoke.

"Catherine?"

Catherine turned from the dress and walked over to the edge of the spring. "Yes, Scarlett?" She sat down beside the water and swung her feet into its swirling steamy depths. "Something on your mind?"

Scarlett looked up at her. "How did you - get over- getting attacked. How did you move on?"

Catherine smiled gently and a faraway look came over her face. Pensively, she gazed across the bubbling spring and sighed. "Scarlett, I didn't 'get over it'. Vincent encouraged me to go back out into the world. He let me stay Below until I was well. Then he encouraged me to go back where I belonged. I was scared. I didn't want to go back to work. I was afraid every moment, jumped at every shadow. But gradually, through Vincent's love and encouragement, and his believing in me, I began to live again."

"I don't ever want to go back up Above, Catherine, like you did." Scarlett spoke softly, running her hands through her hair, now tightly curled from the steamy heat.

Catherine smiled. "I don't think Father wants you to go back, Scarlett. There are people here in these tunnels that care about you, and love you, Scarlett. Just let them in."

Scarlett smiled slightly and nodded. "I'm sure going to try."

Catherine smiled back at her and held out a hand. "Here, let's get you dried off and ready for the party."

Scarlett stared at the offered hand and hesitated. "Okay," she spoke softly.

She stood, carefully to avoid slipping and reached for the towel Catherine offered her. Quickly wrapping it around herself, she padded over to the dry side of the room. Catherine began rummaging in her own bag, preparing to get ready herself. She turned in time to see Scarlett standing there, biting her lip, towel wrapped tightly around herself. "Scarlett, are you okay?"

Scarlett hunched her shoulders. "Remember when you said you would be here if I ever wanted to talk?"

Catherine nodded slowly. "Yes?"

Scarlett slowly let the towel slip from her shoulders, revealing scars, both from her first experience above, and newer ones. They had to be from her experience with Paracelsus. "Scarlett..." Catherine's voice trailed off cautiously and she stepped closer. "Are you really okay?"

Hot tears sprang to Scarlett's eyes and ran down her face, mixing with the water dripping from her copper curls. "Catherine, how is Mouse going to love me? I'm not perfect. I wanted to give him perfection, but I can't. Paracelsus did nothing but remind me of what those men that killed my father did to me and I hate it. I hate what I am! I'm ugly, I'm not pure, I'm all scarred..."