The Adventures of Starmonia

Chapter Seven: Dana Gone Missing

The next few days passed by quickly. Cloudy and her family and friends worked together on the construction and costumes for the play. When Cloudy wasn’t working on the Nativity play, she was honing her swordfighting skills with Meta Knight, sightseeing around Leupochena and occasionally meeting up with Jacob Osen, or exploring around Vastre Hall. However, one thing Cloudy noticed about Dana was that she retreated to her room every night saying she had “important business” to attend to. At first Cloudy had thoughts this “important business” had something to do with wrapping Christmas gifts, but that made no sense. It wouldn’t take days to wrap a few Christmas gifts. And on top of that, Dana had told her yesterday that that the gifts were not going to be wrapped until Christmas Eve. So what was she doing every night? That was a big mystery Cloudy had to solve.

Cloudy memorized her lines so well that she sometimes found herself reciting the limes randomly. Whether she was folding clothes or practicing her figure-eight walks, she found herself saying parts of her lines out loud to herself. Meta Knight would ask her what certain lines meant and she would be all too happy to explain them.

For instance, one night, Cloudy was sitting on the front porch of Vastre Hall with Meta Knight, gazing up at the twinkling stars. As she stared at the blueish-black sky, she imagined the shepherds, tired and restless, standing huddled together in the field, staring with fright and awe at the angels that filled the heavens, their sheep scattering wildly in terror. Almost as if on impulse, Cloudy said audibly, “Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Meta Knight looked over at Cloudy in surprise. “What does that mean?”

Cloudy returned to the present and stared at her friend. “What does what mean?”

“What you just said. Your lines about. . .Jesus being wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger. What does that all mean exactly?”

Cloudy smiled. “I’d be happy to tell you what it means.” She placed a paw on his hand. “An angel of God came to the shepherds and the shepherds were freaked out. The angel assured them they needn’t be scared, for he was bringing them wonderful news that would be for everyone! The angel told them that a Bab would be born in Bethelehem, and even gave them a sign: Jesus would be wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a feeding trough, or manger. Then all the angels who were with the angel of the Lord began to praise God, saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

Meta Knight pondered all this information. “Wow,” he said. “That’s really amazing.”

“You bet it’s amazing,” Cloudy pointed out. “And it was a major turning point in history.”

Meta Knight shook his head. “No. I mean, I’m sure Jesus’ birth was a dominant turning point in history. But I meant that it was amazing that Jesus came down to die for us all and to save us all.”

Cloudy stared at him. “I thought you didn’t believe that.”

Meta Knight looked away from her and cast his eyes downward, not knowing what to say. “I don’t, but. . .” His voice trailed off.

“But?” Cloudy prompted.

He sighed. “Nothing. It is. . .just nothing.”

Cloudy sensed his discomfort with saying what he really thought and nudged his hand gently. Meta Knight wrapped his arms around Cloudy and gave her a hug, burying his face in her shoulder.

“You possess a power that not many do,” he told her. “I do now know what is it, however.”

“Maybe one day you’ll find the answer,” Cloudy said.

“Yes.” Meta Knight looked up to the stars. “Maybe someday.”

* * * * *

It was the nigh before Christmas Eve when the construction was finally completed, the costumes were pieced together, and all the lines had been memorized. Cloudy was finally ready for her debut in the Nativity play, as were the other children.

On this particular night, Cloudy was backstage trying on her angel costume when two other girls starring in the play came behind the curtain and approached her. Cloudy knew only their first names: Lea and Valerie. They had talked a few times, but had never actually been introduced.

“Hi,” the first girl said.

“Hi,” Cloudy replied.

“You’re in the play with us, correct?” the second girl inquired.

“That’s right,” Cloudy said.

“I’m Lea Osen, and this is my older sister, Valerie Osen,” the second girl said. “What’s your name?”

“Cloudburst, but call me Cloudy.” Then Cloudy blinked as she suddenly realized what Lea had just said. “Wait, did you say your last name was Osen?”

Lea nodded.

“Is your father Nathaniel Osen?” Cloudy blurted out.

Lea seemed puzzled. “No, that’s our uncle. Our father is Jacob Osen.”

“I met your dad about two weeks ago,” Cloudy said. “He was really nice.”

“he told us about you,” Lea said. “It’s great to meet you.”

“You’re the girl who’s playing the angel of the Lord,” Valerie confirmed.

“Yes,” Cloudy nodded. “That’s right.”

“As you know, Lea and I are both playing angels,” Valerie said. She clasped her hands in front of her and grinned with excitement. “I can’t wait for the big play tomorrow night. Can you, Cloudy?”

“No, I really can’t,” Cloudy admitted.

“You’re going to be one of the top stars,” Lea said. “I bet you’re excited.”

Cloudy mildly shrugged. “More or less,” she replied.

Valerie and Lea exchanged knowing looks and shrugged. “Well, maybe you’d like to come to our father’s house tonight,” Lea said.

“If I can get my parents’ permission, I’ll see you tonight,” Cloudy said.

Lea and Valerie nodded. “Okay, see you tonight,’ said Lea.

“if it’s possible,” Valerie chimed in. They waved goodbye to Cloudy and excited the church.

Cloudy took off her costume and stowed it in the costume box. Then she turned off the lights, grabbed her winter clothing and put it on, then went out of the church through the back door, heading along the icy road toward Vastre Hall.

* * * * *

Cloudy shivered and pulled her jacket hood over her head. The air was getting colder and colder as time went by. Cloudy looked up to the sky as she tramped along carefully over the ice. It was dark and gray and starless. Cloudy wondered what was going on when she saw something descending from above. It looked like a powdery white puff. The another cam down, and then another. Pretty soon, hundreds of the puffs were floating down gently and covering the ground in a soft blanket of white.

“Snow,” Cloudy said unbelievingly. She kicked up a mound of it. It was cold, sticky, and soft, just like her mother had described it. “I’ve waited for this snow for a long time. And now I’ve finally got it!”

Cloudy wanted so badly to roll in the snow, but knew she wasn’t bundled up properly for that. If she got a cold the night before the play and was unable to act, everyone would give her a hard time forever. So she sprinted as fast as she could back to Vastre Hall.

But despite her fast-paced running, by the time she entered the house, she was covered in snow from head to foot. Springtime chuckled as she saw her daughter, dressed in a pick jacket and snowboots, coated in the powdery, frozen rain. She almost looked like a puppy made out of snow. “My dear, however did you get like that?” Springtime wondered.

“It started snowing when I was outside,” Cloudy answered. “I liked seeing it come down. It was like white diamonds being dropped to us from God above.”

“How very poetic, darling,” Springtime giggled.

Cloudy shivered as her mother undressed her out of her jacket and slid off her boots. As Springtime shook the snow out of her daughter’s jacket, Cloudy glanced around. “Where’s Meta Knight?”

“He’s in his room. He’s preparing to talk to his mother via phone,” Springtime replied. “I know he can’t wait to see her. Those tow are so close that if they even spent a day away from each other, they would—”

THUMP!

Springtime turned her attention away from the jacket and scowled at Cloudy. “Don’t stamp when I’m talking to you, Cloudburst.”

“I didn’t do anything,” Cloudy protested.

“What do you mean, you didn’t. . .” Springtime paused as another loud thump was heard.

“It’s not me!” Cloudy insisted. “It’s someone else!”

Springtime set the drenched jacket on a chair back and walked to the window. Through the blinding expanse of swirling snow, she caught sight of a shadowy figure on the front lawn. “Hey. someone’s trespassing on the property!” she yelled.

“Let’s get him!” Cloudy hollered, and leaped out the front door.

“Cloudy, no! Come back! You could be in danger! He could be armed!” Springtime cried frantically, but Cloudy didn’t listen.

Cloudy darted across the lawn, looking this way and that, but saw no one,. Then she heard the squeak, squeak of the iron gate and saw somebody push back the latch, swing open the gate, and walk into the yard. Silent as a cat, she sprang at him and landed on the stranger, knocking him to the ground.

“HEY!” the man yelled loudly.

“Who are you?” Cloudy growled.

“Cloudy!” Springtime shouted from the porch.

“Cloudy, stop!” came a familiar voice from the direction of the open gate. Lea and Valerie Osen hurried into view of the porchlight. “Get off him! That’s our dad!” Lea yelled.

Cloudy gasped and climbed off the man, then got a good look at his face in the light. Sure enough, it was indeed Jacob Osen.

“Gee, sorry, Jacob,” Cloudy apologized meekly. “I sure thought you were the trespasser.”

“What trespasser?” Jacob demanded, studying Cloudy as he stood to his feet and brushed the snow off his clothes.

“We heard weird thumps and saw someone sneaking across the front yard, so we ran out to get him,” Cloudy explained.

“You mean you ran out to get him,” Springtime corrected pointedly.

“Well, as far as I know, my daughters and l are the only ones out here aside from you two,” Jacob said firmly. “And I’ll thank you not to knock me into the snow again, Cloudy.” He put an arm around Lea and hugged Valerie to himself.

“Sorry, Jacob,” Cloudy murmured, hanging her head. “I didn’t mean to attack you, really. I guess I was too rash.”

Jacob, who had been wearing a stern expression, finally got up the nerve to smile and even laugh. “That’s perfectly okay, Cloudy. No harm done.”

“No, not yet,” came a cold voice from behind the buses next to the porch. Cloudy’s blood froze and a look of disbelief passed over Jacob’s face. That voice. . .it sounded familiar. Could it be. . .?

A man who looked identical to Jacob, minus the tattoos, rose up and stepped into the light, whipping out a pistol from his jacket pocket a she did so. Everyone gasped.

“Don’t make a movement or you’ll be sorry you did!” the man threatened.

Jacob’s voice trembled slightly as he whispered, “Nathaniel!”

“That’s right,” Nathaniel said. “Nice to see you again, Jacob,” he added sarcastically.

“Hey!” Cloudy said sharply. “I know you! You were the one who said your name was Sam Danson!”

“Yeah, and so?” Nathaniel scoffed.

“Because that’s not your real name! Your name is Nathaniel Osen, and your brother is Jacob!” Cloudy said firmly. “And you know what, I bet you were behind the plane crash!”

Nathaniel gave her a smug look, his eyes shimmering with a strange light. “How clever of you to figure that out.”

“You did that?!” Lea exclaimed.

Cloudy’s eyes flashed angrily. “Why, you sick freak! How could you do such an awful thing? You’ve killed a lot of people and broken hundreds of hearts!”

“Save your lectures for somebody who cares, puppy,” Nathaniel said. He turned the pistol on Lea and Valerie, who were holding tight to their father. “Okay, girls. Step away from Jacob and you won’t get hurt.”

“No!” Valerie screamed. “I won’t let you hurt Dad!”

Nathaniel’s finger flew to the trigger. “I said, step away from Jacob,” he repeated menacingly.

“You just make us!” Lea retorted.

Nathaniel huffed. “Okay, I’ll make you!” He pressed the trigger, sending a bullet flying into Lea’s arm. Lea let out a horrible, pain-filled shriek and collapsed to the ground, clenching her arm. Cloudy screamed loudly and Springtime’s eyes were as big as saucers. “You shot your own niece!” Springtime cried.

“Oh, no, Lea!” Valerie gasped.

“Lea, my daughter!” Jacob wailed,. he attempted to bend down and help her up, but Nathaniel reloaded the gun, stepped forward, and pressed the point of the pistol to his neck. Cloudy tensed, afraid to move.

“Hey, step away from Jacob, you crackpot!” Nika yelled, rushing out on the porch with Eloise by her side.

“Yeah, you’ve got no right to put a gun to him like that!” Eloise backed Nika up. “He didn’t do anything to you!”

Nathaniel gritted his teeth in anger. “Oh, is that so?” he yelled belligerently. “He was always mean to me when I was younger!”

“I was not!” Jacob cried.

“Shut up!” Nathaniel roared, his finger moving to the trigger.

Nika gasped in horror. “Don’t shoot him!” she cried.

“I said, shut up!” Nathaniel commanded sharply.

“Why are you doing this?!” Eloise cried out. “What have we ever done to you?”

Nathaniel turned and aimed the pistol in Eloise’s direction. With the other hand, he grasped Jacob’s arm. “You be quiet this instant or I’ll kill you!”

“No, please! Not with the children!” Springtime begged.

“Quiet down, lady!” Nathaniel ordered roughly.

“What is going on out here?” Meta Knight wondered. appearing beside Eloise and Nika. What met his eyes was an unexpected and terrifying sight. Lea lay on the ground, her arm bleeding. A strange man with black hair and demonic tattoos layering his arms was holding a pistol and pointing it at Eloise. With his other hand, he was grabbing Jacob’s arm.

“Meta Knight!” Cloudy gasped.

Meta Knight’s eyes glowed white. “What in the . . .!”

“Well, well, well,” Nathaniel said loudly. “If it isn’t the Amazing Blueberry!”

Meta Knight clenched his fist, but forced himself to remain calm. “You must be Nathaniel Osen,” was the knight’s reply.

“That’s right, and you’re the fruit doofus.” Nathaniel roared with laughter.

“Ugh,” groaned Cloudy. “Nathaniel, what do you want?”

“I want the treasure hidden here at Vastre Hall!” was the startling answer.

There was complete silence for a while. Eloise and Nika gazed at each other, their eyes questioning. Cloudy’s face was a mixture of confusion and curiosity. Valerie and Lea shot their uncle funny looks and Springtime just seemed blank.

“Don’t act stupid,” Nathaniel said crossly. “I know you came here to help Dana and her husband locate the treasure. That’s why I tried to stop you!”

Cloudy recalled Nathaniel’s reaction that day at the airport to her mention of Vastre Hall, and now she understood why. She smiled and soothed out her rumpled fur. “Nathaniel, you got it all wrong,” she explained. “We came here to spend Christmas with Dana and her family. We weren’t aware there was even a treasure here.”

“Ha, ha, yeah, right,” Nathaniel growled. “Now tell me where the treasure is or I’ll kill every single one of you!”

“Got enough bullets for that?” Sniper taunted, stepping out onto the porch with his brothers and Star.

“Oh, no, Sniper!” Cloudy exclaimed. If she knew her eldest brother, he was going to pop off and land them all in severe trouble.

Nathaniel glared at Sniper wit disgust. “I don’t need any of your wisecracks, you mangy canine,” he returned. “Tell me where the treasure is now!”

“We don’t even know what you’re talking about!” Miriam said, appearing next to Sniper. Zach was with her.

Nathaniel stared at the army of children clustered together on the porch. “Say, how many of you kids are in this house?! Hopefully not a million!”

“A lot of kids,” Sniper responded.

“And plenty of adults too!” Waffle added.

“You’re outnumbered, Nate. Face it,” Pancake said. “One pistol can’t stand a chance against all of us.”

“That’s right, Pancake, because I have a gun too,” Frank said, popping up in the doorway and quickly advancing in front of the children to shield them. Quick as a flash, he raised his rifle to his shoulder and aimed it at Nathaniel. “Okay, Nate, leave now while you have a chance,” Frank said.

“What’s going on?” Dana asked, hurrying outside and down the porch steps, stopping short upon witnessing the awful scene in front of her eyes. “What in Planet Popstar just happened here?”

Meta Knight gasped. “Dana!”

“Miss Dana, you shouldn’t be here; you’re in danger!” Cloudy shouted.

Nathaniel chuckled wickedly and pointed the pistol at Dana, who stood frozen in fear. But Frank called out, “If you shoot my wife, I’m going to shoot you, Nathaniel!”

Nathaniel snarled internally to himself, realizing he was outnumbered. “Fine,” he grumbled. “You got me this time, but I’ll come back and get my revenge! You’ll all be sorry!” And with those threatening words, he released Jacob and ran out of the yard, clanging the iron gate behind him.

Lea winced as Jacob helped her up. “Are you okay, sweetheart?” he asked anxiously.

Lea sighed. “More or less,” she admitted. “The bullet exited my arm, I think, but I am pretty sore.”

Jacob examined the wound. “Yeah, there’s an exit wound. I think you’ll be okay, Lea. The wound doesn’t look terrible.”

Meta Knight sighed wearily. Cloudy tossed him a concerned look. “Are you all right?”

“Just drained,” the knight replied. He turned and went inside, leaving Cloudy looking after him, worry evident in her eyes. Dana strode over to Lea and heled her into the house while the rest of the kids and Springtime and Frank trickled slowly inside.

But only Cloudy stood where she was, her eyes saying one thing and one thing only: “What now?”

* * * * *

“How’s your arm, Lea?” Dana asked after she finished cleaning and bandaging the gunshot wound.

“It’s fine, but it still hurts,” Lea said. “Not as bad as it did before, though. Thanks for helping me, Miss Dana.”