On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Ileana and Valeska were taken inside the well-kept, impressive building that was supposedly this Japanese Embassy. I do not exactly understand the significance of such a thing. Before I slept, the surrounding kingdoms, countries and dominions had diplomacy, yes, but not on the scale of this. The world has moved on while I… while I slumbered…

“Escort them to waiting room three.” Several staffers had come out when notified of their arrival by the security outside, and they had been polite, if a little nervous. Ileana had seldom met many ordinary humans in her time, the servants in her estate were usually blood children, be they of her parents, or her siblings, yet she was aware that the serfs, merchants and even the nobility of the surrounding lands viewed her kind with fear and awe, at least according to what her tutors, who were mostly her grandparents’ blood children, wise and long-lived, had taught her.

Once shown to a small, yet elegant room, the furnishings having a modern style Ileana was unfamiliar with, the man asked them if they needed anything, and pointed to a small refrigerator, one of the miraculous new technologies Ileana was starting to appreciate, as well as a kettle running on this electricity, saying they could help themselves, and that their party would be with them shortly.

As the door shut, leaving them in peace, Valeska let out a deep sigh. “How strange. I have met many people in my long life, little light, and they’ve had many different feelings for me. When I was younger, some of them were even pleasant.” She let out a rusty chuckle. “I wasn’t always an old crone, you know. But this is a first. The guards outside the Embassy showed no surprise, so they must only have been briefed guests might arrive, but this one…”

Ileana nodded. Her sense of the other person, the well-dressed, fussy-looking man who had guided them to this room, had been that he was rather frightened of them. Heart beating too fast, sweating, dilation of the pupils, breathing irregular… “Yes, he was treating us as if we were a pair of snakes, whom he wishes were not here. It does not bode well…”

“I made mention you were… akin to that Shaeula woman on the news.” Checking the kettle contained water, her blood child switched it on, before going to the fridge, and bringing out several wrapped desserts and a plate of what seemed like large, chunky biscuits. Seeing that, Ileana’s pale face brightened for a moment, before her wariness reasserted itself.

“I doubt they would poison us.” Valeska laughed, handing over the sweet dessert and a metal spoon. Ileana tore off the wrapping and took a bite, the rich cream and fine fruit delectable. As she made a delighted expression, she shrugged, licking cream from her lips.

“We are highly resistant to most poisons, as our hearts beat too slowly, and our bodies restore themselves rapidly. The combination is potent. Though I do remember some old lessons, that certain venoms will still work. I doubt anyone here would know of such though. This is good…”

“It seems so.” Valeska ate half a cookie with one satisfying bite. “You know, our party seems quite a loaded phrase. I doubt very much that such a high and mighty man such as this Akio Oshiro would have the leisure to fly all the way to Romania from Japan on a whim. Nor would he have the time.”

“Is it so far?” Ileana devoured the pudding, before reaching for a biscuit and taking a bite. It was smooth, buttery and chocolatey, and very good. If nothing else, the food has improved for the better since I awakened. Small, small mercies…

“Oh, further than you can imagine. Our country, Romania… it is probably bigger now than when you went to sleep, my dear.” The kettle boiled with a whistle of steam, and she poured out two cups, giving one to Ileana, who sipped at it slowly, enjoying the way it paired with the sweet treats. “Now it stretches three hundred miles from north to south, and four hundred from east to west. Yet to reach Japan from here… I can’t be sure of the exact distance, but it would be more than ten times that. Perhaps five thousand miles or so. Even flying, it would take the best part of a day.”

“So far? I remember my tutors telling me that even the elite, thoroughbred horses of the nobility can only manage a hundred miles in a day, at maximum, and they can seldom maintain that for multiple days. An ordinary horse would do perhaps thirty. This aeroplane as you call it, must be as swift as the birds in flight…”

“Faster. As I’m sure you’ll see, if we choose to go with them. Assuming we now have a choice.”

At her words, Ileana grimaced. Covering that with a sip of tea, after adding a little of the white sugar, she considered her blood child’s words. While Valeska made the arrangements, as I would have had no clue how to navigate such, it was my idea to seek… asylum, as they call it now. I was desperate… I am desperate, despite this momentary leisure. I am shocked that the Church has not found us. Unless perhaps something else has distracted them… Valeska’s efforts to help them escape notice were certainly praiseworthy, but the Church always had their spies, their ways. I doubt that has changed over the long centuries.

“We made the choice. It was a gamble, a throwing of the dice. Besides, it might be premature to worry.” Ileana tried to reassure herself. “If I must, I could fight my way out of here, I… think. Those guns are perhaps a threat, yet if I truly rouse myself…”

“Causing trouble in an Embassy would just lead us into a situation we don’t want to be in. The Romanian Police would respond quickly. And such a scene would surely alert our pursuers.” Valeska shook her head. “More to the point, if there are more of the Chosen, as the news is calling them… you weren’t paying much attention to the radio on our drive here, little light, but I wanted to gather information. Even discounting the wild myths circulating about Akio Oshiro, that his punches can crush tanks, and he can call upon the wrath of the heavens, and teleport around the globe…” She paused, sweating. “I am not prepared if he suddenly appears here. No, as I said before, it won’t happen…” She took a bite of a cookie to calm herself. “…there are confirmed reports of them here in our Romania too. Isus Hristos, what a mess. Strength and speed beyond belief, the ability to call upon fire and lightning, they say some can even transform themselves, becoming great wolves…”

Ileana grimaced at that, hardly able to imagine it. Yes, many rumours were spread about her kind, nonsense such as they could turn into swarms of bats, or mist, or control the wolves and bears… All such nonsense. If I was to become mist, would I not die, having no heart to pump my sluggish blood, no brain to think my thoughts?

“I would not wish to fight such a wolf. And while I am stronger than your kind, I am weak from my long slumber, and have recovered only a portion of my strength. Time is what we need, Valeska, time and safety, so that I might finally understand this world, and acclimatise myself to it.” There is a vast power in our blood. Mother and father always said so. If we were pushed beyond our limits our fury would know no boundaries. Though that makes me wonder… why did it end the way it did, with fire, and ash, with iron, hatred and sorrow? Were we not pushed far enough? Was the murder of my family, our kind, not enough to stir our listless hearts to action?

Her own heart beat faster, though still at a pace which would have left a human dead. Thud. Thump. Thud. Slow, rhythmical punches to her chest, each beat sending echoes through her body. Squeezing shut her eyes which shifted between blue, green and coppery hues, she calmed herself with another sip of the tea. “Time.” she repeated. “Time and safety. There is none to be found here. That man, Ardelean, he will find us. Your cunning can only keep us safe for so long. And it seems without money, we can have no safety. And even if we somehow defeat him… where one of them falls, a dozen more lurk behind, with their breaking wheels, hot irons, whips and swords…”

“There’s no shame in seeking a little help or protection.” Valeska agreed. “Though such aid comes with reciprocation. I worry, little light. You are too thin and pale, but undoubtedly a beauty. Such a price as may be asked…” She snorted then. “…isn’t likely to fall to me to pay, unless our saviour has exotic tastes. But you… I said there was no shame in it. Many young domnişoară make bad choices or end up trapped in troubling circumstances. I pity them, but I don’t despise them, no more I did you, when you came to my door and I mistook you for a poor runaway. Well, runaway you were…” she chuckled dryly. “…but not from your pimp, or an abusive boyfriend. Honestly, if it was just that, perhaps I could have handled matters peacefully. Fecioara Maria, the Holy Mother, supposedly bore Isus Hristos as a virgin, and the Lord knows, we are supposed to go to our bridal beds a virgin, but such is rather old-fashioned, and rather demeaning to women, if you ask me.”

Her smile was a bit ashamed now. “I never got married, but… I’m flesh and blood, just like you, little light. When I was younger, I had hopes, dreams, my head was full of flowers, to put it bluntly. But I never found the one. I’m happy, in a way. At long last, it seems I found a granddaughter. Though it would have been just lovely…” Her tone was amused, yet bitter. “…if your troubles were of the rather more usual kind.”

“I can hardly help that.” Another cup of tea was poured for her, and as the minutes dragged on, the two of them were growing rather more paranoid something was wrong, until there was a soft knock on the door, and an inquiry as to whether they could enter. I can hear other voices too. I do not know the language. I hear… the tongue of the Saxons. Or perhaps the Angles. No, an offshoot of both, with some other influences mixed in? They are speaking too quickly, and I hardly grasp the chances. But I am skilled at learning languages, my tutors always praised me, and I managed modern Romanian well enough…

“Yes, please enter.” her blood child spoke for them, and the door opened, revealing the scared man from earlier, as well as another man dressed in the same sort of uniform that Valeska called a suit, in addition to…

An older man, though still seeming robust and powerful, almost youthful, as much of a dichotomy as that was, followed them in. He was wearing a fine silver-blue mesh of what could only be described as chainmail, though it was sewn into a black fabric long coat, which gave Ileana an awkward feeling, as though it was somehow alive, if mindless. There was also a sword belted at his waist, which despite the Church still using such, was apparently unusual and obsolete, according to her blood child.

He had a bushy head of white hair, and a silver moustache. He was tall and well-muscled, and his blue eyes were piercing, yet didn’t give off any feeling of oppression. Behind him were two women, one young and looking around with inquisitive eyes. She was giving off the air of someone quite naïve, what with her wide-eyed mannerisms, and her freckled face and brown hair neither long nor short. She was wearing a robe, and it too gave off the same unpleasant feeling.

The second woman, who had a calm, motherly air, which gave Ileana a brief pang of wistful longing, as it reminded Ileana of her family, and the servants who took care of her, met her eyes, and she smiled warmly, a smile that seemed to relax Ileana. There was an odd pressure in the gaze too, and Ileana’s skin prickled, as she realised such eyes were far from ordinary.

“No need to be worried.” the woman, who again wore a robe made from some strange, unusual material, spoke, and Ileana tried to parse the etymology of the phrase, judging from the tone and sentence structure. Germanic, or perhaps Nordic roots. Definitely Saxon influence. Latin, maybe?

Seeing her puzzled, the woman turned her calm hazel eyes towards the second of the Embassy staff and spoke again. Then he translated her words into Romanian for them.

“She says there is no cause for alarm. They are simply here in response to your request.”

“Can we take a seat? I dislike keeping ladies standing.” the older man asked through his translator, and the two of them agreed. Once everyone had sat down, introductions were given.

“I am Sir Arthur Dumbarton. My two colleagues here are Mrs Mary-Jane Smith, and Miss Callie Rogers. We are emissaries from Japan. Actually, in truth, we are from Britain, which is rather closer, but… judging by the urgency of your email, it was felt you’d arrive today.” He paused, to let the translator catch up, and Ileana squeezed shut her eyes, concentrating. The added context from the words spoken in Romanian was allowing her to rapidly piece together the language shift.

“It would be so much easier if we had the translation device that little Tanya has…” the young girl, Callie, giggled.

“If she hears you calling her that, Miss Adelheid will be quite upset.” Mary-Jane warned. “Besides, unless Mr Oshiro…”

“Stop calling him that. He doesn’t like the formality.” Callie giggled. “Besides, he’s been good to you, to us…”

“If you don’t mind?” Arthur asked mildly, and the two apologised for interrupting. “I am sorry about that.” He turned his attention back to Ileana and Valeska. “Miss Callie means no offense. It certainly would be a wonder to have universal translation, but such devices only work when the owner of the Throne knows the language, so… unless he wants to learn every native tongue… but I digress.”

He leaned forward, his blue eyes sparkling with humour, warmth and curiosity. “Ordinarily, such an email would be a prank, or dismissed as the ramblings of a poor unfortunate with delusions. Even today. However…  there were a number of interesting points which warranted investigation. But first… who was it who sent the message?”

“It was me.” her blood child spoke up when the translator finished his recital. “I have been looking after her since she turned up on my doorstep. She knows little of the modern world and is being pursued relentlessly. We saw the talk of your Ministry on television, and also… that you do not fear her kind. Shaeula…”

“What’s to fear? Shaeula’s a cutie! Not like grumpy, gruff Raidre.” Callie giggled.

Fear? Not like… I think I am starting to puzzle out the tongue. Though some words are strange…

“Yes. We have no inherent prejudice against those who are not entirely human. Though that begs the question…” Arthur leaned forwards, his gaze now hard. “…you are not from the Boundary, are you? Since manifesting here usually requires a Throne, unless you are a true aberration like Tamamo-no-Mae, from a time long ago, with both great power, and the knowledge to match and utilise said power. Instead… you are a natural born being with a spiritual nature?”

Tamamo-no-Mae? No, that is unimportant, what is…

“Yes. Though I do wish not to be called by such unflattering names as Strigoi, or Moroi. I am no unquiet spirt, not a bestial sucker of blood, nor a demon, a devil, or a witch. Yes, my kind holds a great sympathy and resonance with blood, and the sun does discomfort us, but…” She stood, walking to the window, and while the hour was late and the sun had largely set, some light still lingered. “…I have travelled in the daylight well enough. I merely have… sensitive skin.”

“Oh, a Vampire then.” Callie exclaimed. “We’d best watch out, she might have mesmerism! Oh, wait, can you even get in here without being invited? Wait, the Ministry did invite her…”

“That’s rather rude, Miss Callie. Do calm down. This is a diplomatic meeting.” Mary-Jane chided gently. “Though you do need to experience more of the politics you will need if you are to truly support Princess Eleanor. So please listen and learn.”

Callie made a zipping gesture of her lips, and nodded, her inquisitive blueish-brown eyes sparkling.

“Perhaps, it might be more apt to say a Dhampir then.” Arthur suggested, stroking his chin. “Oh, many apologies, miss…”

“Ileana Roșuluminel. And this is… is my friend… I suppose… Valeska Roșuanu.”

“I see. A beautiful set of names.” Arthur remarked. “Now then… I am a little confused, as there are none going by the name of Valeska Roșuanu listed in the census and electoral records for Romania…”

Valeska shifted uncomfortably. “I seldom bothered to vote. All politicians are the same, out for themselves. And I lived a humble, quiet life, until a few days ago. But I’ll confess. Roșuanu is the name I was given by my little light here, when we became friends. No, family.” Her tone was defensive. “I am her grandmother now, since she has nobody else. And coming here, we hoped to find a place for her. Where she is not hunted. Perhaps… perhaps others like her still live, and we’d like to help them if they do, but… I want her safely settled first, and living a life where she can come to terms with the modern world. My name before… was Valeska Văduva. You can check that.”

“There’s no need.” Arthur shook his head. “In fact, I apologise for tricking you. It is discourteous to lie to a woman, but it was necessary to see your true character. In fact, I merely surmised, from the way your names shared a root, that it was not your real name. We would not wish to speak to the Romanian government regarding your circumstances. Firstly, this is in effect poaching their treasures. Even so, with you two and two more arrivals, one with his entire family… well, the Japanese government will likely work out a settlement, perhaps some diplomatic favours owed. Secondly, and more importantly, you are fugitives, you say, pursued? We would not endanger you by perhaps tipping off moles within the Romanian civil service or other governmental bodies.”

“I see.” Valeska pursed her lips, seeming a little angry. “A low move. But I appreciate your honesty, I suppose. And your care for our safety.”

“It is our top priority, rest assured.” Arthur agreed. “In your case, though, Miss Ileana…” He smiled warmly at her, seeming like a comforting uncle. “…we are especially cautious. It so happens that we are trying to find certain women…”

At his words, her blood child suddenly lost her good humour. Crossing her arms defensively, she gave Arthur a flinty glare. “My little light is indeed a beauty, though she has been dulled by hardship. When she has the leisure to relax and can eat properly… she’ll be a beauty second to none! But I’ll not let her be a plaything or toy, not even for this so-called hero! Find your women elsewhere!”

“You misunderstand.” Arthur began, as Callie snickered to herself, muttering something along the lines of ‘…not so sure, she’s very pretty yes, but there’s Shiro and Tsukiko…’

Shiro? Wait, I think she was on the television, when it showed footage from a royal palace in… Britain? Yes, she is indeed gorgeous enough to make one lose confidence. But our styles are different. I was always praised for my wisdom and charming beauty!

“I can see how you might draw that conclusion, knowing him. Our own Princess herself… no, that is hardly important now, and it is ill-mannered of me to gossip about her romantic entanglements.” Arthur paused, reorienting his thoughts. “It is simply that prophecy and dreams alike have somehow highlighted six women as vitally important. Our Princess is one of those six. The Shaeula you mention is another. But two remain missing. And from what you have said in your message, there is a potential that Miss Ileana here could be one of those.”

“And if she is?” Valeska insisted belligerently.

“Then all the more reason you should be protected from those who persecute you. From what I understand, just like our Princess, a great danger threatens each of them, and they must help each other. As for worrying about potential harassment… I would never allow the Princess to sacrifice her happiness just for Britain. You can rest assured, while constancy and faithfulness are not areas in which Akio excels, he only accepts those who seek him. He does not go searching for women, nor coerce them. Eleanor would not stand for such, she has a strong moral compass. Though I suppose I should clarify he does not search, except for this particular exception. And that is for your safety. Mrs Mary-Jane, if you would?”

“Excuse me.” The older woman apologised after the translation, before frowning, worried. “I’ll do my best. I am still a beginner with these Eyes.” There was a sudden glow that shone within her hazel orbs, faint flecks of orange, and Ileana’s flesh itched, a familiar feeling, that of slight spiritual power, of aether. “Yes, she’s definitely abnormal, as Miss Izumi would say. Though I find the phrasing rude.”

“Careful, you wouldn’t want to get mesmerised by our cute Vampire here, would you?” Callie giggled again, and Ileana frowned. She seems quite childish. And a little offensive. Mesmerism?

Having pieced together the English language, she scowled. “I do not dominate others, unlike my mother and father, who were very forceful!” she replied in oddly-accented and slightly broken English, shocking everyone. “I have… learned your language. It is not so hard. I have heard the roots before.”

“That simply isn’t possible.” Mary-Jane disagreed. “Even a supercomputer would not be able to process the few words we have spoken, when translated, into a lexicon of words and grammar. It… surely must be some sort of Skill related to language.”

Skill? As Ileana puffed out her cheeks in a sullen pout at her talent being questioned, Callie spoke again.

“Can’t you see what it is, teacher?”

“Please don’t call me that. You sound like Mr Reckless when you do.” Mary-Jane sighed. “My Eyes are wonderful, but they only see the flow of aether, and have the ability to stun those I look at. I haven’t the capacity to see Skill details. But…” She turned to Ileana with some interest. “…can I ask your aid to satisfy my curiosity? I am going to list off some rare words, and also a few in other languages. Can you try and understand them?”

Ileana blinked, surprised by the strange turn of events, but after glancing at Valeska, who shrugged, she nodded. The woman then proceeded to use a lot of unfamiliar words, though some of them started to make sense after a while.

“I see. It is as I suspected. Both Miss Ileana’s, and indeed my own, aether was disturbed and distributed. It is quite similar to what I see watching the Hikawa twins when they communicate mentally. You do indeed have a sort of telepathic talent. Amongst others. Your blood is full of aether, and your heart… it’s almost like a lunar Chakra, or perhaps a Dantian. Not the same as either, but… any organ around there seems to be significant.”

“Do you mean… the three Sources of Life? Energy, Blood and Thought?” Ileana asked, remembering her lessons.

“Perhaps. I am not an expert, I’m afraid.” Mary-Jane apologised. “But yes, you are clearly not entirely human. Perhaps that is why the Church of True Revelation seeks you out? We know from our own country they have done many purges in the shadows.”

“That is a tale for another time.” Arthur suggested. “Now then. Whether or not you are one of these Princesses, the matter remains you reached out. And I am not alone in finding it distinctly unchivalrous to leave a woman in distress, let alone in grave danger from misguided zealots. Miss Callie, can you check them to make sure they are in good health? Oh…” he explained to Ileana and Valeska. “Miss Callie here is our support role. She has a Favour for healing and has also received some lectures… never mind. You will see for yourself soon enough.”

“Let me see…” Callie frowned, and power surged around her, a halo of aether visible to Ileana’s shimmering eyes. “…oh, Dian Cécht, set your sights upon them!” The radiance was now visible even to the ordinary staff here, their nervous tension increasing, but Callie was concentrating, her childishness forgotten. “I see. Miss Ileana here is fine, just malnourished, lacking in spiritual vitality, and very stressed. However, Miss… uh… Mrs…?”

“I was never married. And drop the politeness.” Valeska grumbled. “I’m too old and too tired for it.”

“Fine, I don’t mind! It gets exhausting in Japan, so… anyway, you should be dead. Even if I assume that your body normally barely has a heartbeat, and your blood has accumulated aether and congealed to a sluggish ooze, the grave wounds you’ve sustained have healed, yes, but superficially. You too are stressed, exhausted and undernourished. Perhaps you need an aether infusion. Oh… I got distracted. Let me do this, at least I can do a bit better than just healing physical injuries now… Silver Regeneration!” Callie declared boldly.

A tide of energy surged out, flooding into Valeska. She panicked, but Ileana was composed, realising it was not harmful. As she watched, colour returned to Valeska’s ashen skin, and the black, sunken rings around her eyes filled out, though her blood child remained rather pale, her previous tanned skin from long hours outdoors having vanished after she was made a blood child. Even her threadbare hair regrew, a white thatch quickly lengthening, until it was at her shoulders. After a minute of this, Callie sat back, her own face now pale.

“All done. It’s not Ether Healing, but we focus on different things! I still think I’d earn some praise. It was hard though. If I made a mistake… it would conflict with whatever change you made to her.” Callie matched gazes with Ileana professionally, childishness absent, and Ileana had to wonder what Callie had been through to suddenly seem so cold and professional.

I do suppose we all have our tales to tell, our woes and sorrows to hide.

“If I wasn’t careful, it would have dispersed her blood and probably exploded her heart. I’m not really able to fix diseases like cancer, or strange mutations like this, yet. But… I’ve heard of Vampires! You turn people by biting them. Though it’s usually virgins, isn’t it? I’d be a bit frightened…”

Ileana coughed at her sudden change, as her personality seemed to have switched back to a more age-appropriate one. “I am not this… Vampire. And my blood children are not turned. They are family!”

“Hey, I’m not judging!” Callie shrugged. “And you can’t be any scarier than some of those you’ll be meeting. They’ve got all sorts. Even a wicked Goddess.”

“A Goddess? Isus Hristos, there can be no such thing.” Valeska crossed herself, before sighing and apologising. “Sorry, Ileana. But again, not all of the apples in the barrel will be rotten. Just those fanatics.”

“I can assure you Miss Callie is far from exaggerating. It is a den of…let me rephrase that.” Arthur chuckled dryly. “It’s not good to slander others, especially when Eleanor is close to them. It is an eclectic group, but when you meet them, you can hardly help but believe they will solve all of your worries, one way or another. Now, whether you consider yourself a Vampire or not, you have some similarities to the myth. But it is not our place to label you dangerous just because of that. Else with what some Chosen can do… no, that way lies the American conceit, and their own self-destruction, should their course remain unchanged. But I ask you to refrain from creating more ‘blood children’ until you have spoken to those who wished for your rescue.”

“This Akio Oshiro, yes.” Valeska nodded. “So, what does he propose for this asylum?”

“It is quite simple. A home, financial expenses, and of course security. In addition, he would aid her… and you, I suppose, since it seems you have changed too… in honing whatever talents you possess, and perhaps learning more. The threat you face, if you are indeed one of these Princesses, Miss Ileana, they would aid you through, and as the Church is already their, and indeed our, enemy, then it goes without saying you would be sheltered from their menacing gaze. In exchange… obviously you would be asked for some small boons, to help with research and training probably…”

“Yes, training, always training, learning, studying. We’re going to miss out tonight though, we won’t make it back in time, probably.” Callie chuckled.

“…and again, if you are one of these Princesses, naturally, there will be a trial to face. But knowing the identities of the others, I suspect you will wish to aid them, once you know them better.” Arthur finished.

“It is your decision, little light. It always was.” Valeska said at last, toying with her restored and lengthened hair. “I feel a little better, actually. I don’t trust charity, but it seems like they want something from you, so will surely treat you better.”

Ileana nodded. “I do not wish to always be running, hiding. I want… time to collect my thoughts, work out what I must do, what I wish to do. I do distrust those that boast of their heroics, however. Those that cry about their goodness the loudest often hide darkness beneath, like this Church.”

“Don’t worry about that.” Callie giggled. “Akio knows he’s not a good man. Just look at his love life! But he’s sentimental and has a soft spot for women in trouble. You’ll be fine. Promise!”

Mary-Jane agreed. “It is true. Miss Mistry and I, we were gravely hurt and robbed of our strength, yet for very little benefit, he has helped us regain both strength and self-respect. He can be hard on his enemies, but to those who are his friends, or indeed just innocent, he is rather sweet.”

“Then… how do we get there? Will you escort us?” Ileana asked, her question a tacit admission she had made up her mind.

“No, we have other duties. I dd not like leaving Eleanor just with David and Miss Aditi.” Arthur frowned. “Though with the Ring Gate, help is but a moment away. No, you two will be taking a private jet shortly. The other two arrivals, they and theirs can fly different commercial flights to Japan, since their circumstances are less… troubled.” He turned to the staff member beside him. “Are the documents ready?”

“Yes, they’ve been listening in. The Ministry Passports are done.”

“A passport, huh?” Valeska smiled. “So, Japan, you say? I hear they aren’t too keen on foreigners.”

“They can certainly be insular, but thanks in part to the efforts of this new Ministry, and the propaganda… I mean programming… that their dedicated television station is putting out, public sentiment is rather warm towards those such as yourselves.” Arthur promised. “Besides, that group will hardly let anyone disparage those under their protection. Nor will our Princess stand aside if such happens.”

“Do you think the fourth guest isn’t coming?” Callie asked, and Arthur shrugged.

“Perhaps. Either they got waylaid, it was a hoax, or something unexpected cropped up. Regardless, we cannot remain here. I feel uncomfortable with placing you in danger, Mrs Mary-Jane.” Arthur insisted. “You are still far from combat ready. Though don’t mistake me, you have worked hard, hard enough to merit a break. No, if they do arrive, a passport and plane ticket can be arranged.”

At that moment, the door opened, and in came a new member of staff, holding two small booklets. Taking hers, Ileana flipped through, seeing in surprise that her image was in it.

“It’s just a temporary one. Once you reach Japan you’ll have your biometrics taken, and also use an aetheric imprint, or some such.” Arthur promised. “Now then, do you have all your belongings?”

“Just what we wear on our backs.” Valeska snorted. “It was a… rough… escape.”

“I see. Then when you arrive in Japan, I am sure that they will take good care of you. Now then, if you will follow us? Transport is waiting.”

Closing her passport, Ileana nodded. Glancing at her blood child, who merely shrugged, she shut her eyes for a moment, thinking, before finally taking a deep breath, calming her racing heart. Though when my heart races, it still pales in comparison to the heartbeats I can hear from those around me, barring Valeska. Very well… the decision is made. And I confess to being curious…

Callie’s mysterious healing of her blood child, Mary-Jane’s ability to perceive and understand her gifts, and… Arthur, he feels powerful, yet, it is kept hidden… as well as the strange clothes they wore that somehow seemed alive, if not conscious, and the promise of stranger wonders to come… I am fearful, mother, father, my siblings… yet, I cannot move forward until I am free of pursuit. Then… then… Her expression hardened, her eyes shining like rubies and gold, and she didn’t notice those around her staggering a little under the sudden pressure, barring Arthur, who carefully observed her, eyebrows drawn down in an expression of unease. …only then can I decide my path, and whether… whether the descendants of those who brought conflagration, iron and death upon my family, my kind, can be forgiven…

***

“So that is one of these planes?” Ileana looked at the winged metal vehicle in awe, as it sailed in the sky above them, soaring up and beyond the clouds at impossible speed. They had just passed through a border checkpoint, and their passports had been inspected, but there were no issues. That done, they had left Arthur and the others, and headed to where their own, far smaller, sleeker craft waited.

“Yes. Aren’t you surprised?” Valeska teased.

“I admit to it. Words hardly do it justice.” she marvelled. “Let us enter ours. I would be away from here.”

At the stairs beside the small craft, was waiting a rather attractive woman wearing a short blue skirt and white blouse. “I am your flight attendant and personal assistant during the flight. Do come in. We are expecting a flight time of around fourteen hours, so food will be served, and we have a selection of beverages. Of course, if you wish to use the in-flight entertainment, or simply sleep, rest assured this jet comes with comfortable amenities.”

“That sounds… pleasant.” Valeska managed. “It seems no expense is being spared.”

“It is more to keep us out of the public eye. Did you not suggest buying one of those cars to avoid having to move where there are people?” Ileana whispered, and her blood child nodded.

“It seems you are right, little light.” As they followed the attendant and were pleasantly shocked by the plush interior, they exchanged a meaningful glance. Soon they were both seated in comfortable, reclining chairs that could become beds if necessary, and they were both enjoying traditional fruit brandy, the strong, flavourful Pălincă, as well as a wide variety of snacks.

Quickly thereafter, it was time for take-off, and Ileana was glued to the window, watching as the metal bird soared into the skies, leaving the ground below. Her ears felt uncomfortable, but after swallowing a mouthful of brandy, the discomfort largely vanished. “I still… do not see how these heavy things can fly. It stands to reason birds fly because they are light…”

“It’s all to do with aerodynamics. Numbers, science.” Her blood child smiled fondly, and Ileana puffed out her cheeks, as it seemed that Valeska felt her an idiot, or a foolish child. “Oh, don’t pout like that, if the wind changes, your face shall freeze that way, and it would be a shame. Or perhaps not. I shall have to watch this Akio Oshiro, so that he doesn’t bully you into something you will regret.”

“I hardly wish to talk about that.” Ileana sighed, watching the clouds pass by. “No, what worries me is… we escaped. That seems… unlikely. The hounds of the Church are always tenacious. I do not disparage your efforts, without your aid, and your wisdom, I would have been run down fleeing your lost home, but even with their leader injured, pursuit was… sporadic.”

“Hmm, I don’t believe in pushing my luck.” Valeska agreed. “Yes, we had the advantage of my knowledge of the local terrain, so instead of the winding main roads, we could save many miles taking risky shortcuts. But I was also injured, nearly dead, in fact, and that slowed us dramatically. Perhaps… perhaps something else interfered, or we weren’t as large a priority as you feared. That makes me wonder…”

“Yes?”

“Just why do they hate you, little light? Because they mistake you as a Strigoi, a Vampire, as our visitors called you? Simply because you are not human?”

“Perhaps.” Ileana admitted. “Though my nanny… she was my closest tutor…” Ileana explained. “…she said it was because…” Her pale face flushed a little, and she gently gnawed at her lip with her canines, embarrassed.

“Go on. You can talk to your grandmother.”

What grandmother? You are my blood child! Oh, what is the use… “Very well. She said it was simply that you humans were, in the main, foolish, short-lived beings. Yes, there were geniuses and the talented among you, yet… those often fell afoul of other humans, due to jealousy, or in the case of the Church… those who were wise, and who lived long enough to see the times change, were a threat to their power, and had to be dealt with. After all… if salvation does not arrive, generation after generation, even the most fervent would become jaded. Knowledge is poison to faith, so she said.”

“Is it? I don’t know about that.” Valeska surprised her by disagreeing. “Oh, don’t stare at me like that. I’m not particularly devout, but I do believe. Enough. We know there is no Heaven in the skies above, we’ve been there. Even to the moon, you know?”

Ileana shook her head, eyes wide at that thought.

“The more science and humanity advances, the more we know that the holy books we read are false. The world isn’t six thousand years old. I would say there’s no magic, raising the dead, Angels… yet that’s also a falsehood. They talked of an Angel descending in London. And being defeated by mortal hands. Perhaps I should have listened to the news more on my radio, it seems this world passed me by. My point is… even though we know much of what was written is wrong, that doesn’t mean we can’t believe. But yes, we don’t sacrifice for our beliefs like in the olden days. No more crusades, witch burnings, executions for blasphemy. I suppose that’s progress.”

“Yes, progress is the death of ignorance and slavish adherence to power.” Ileana nodded slowly. “One thing I liked to hear… Callie said they were always training and learning. That means at least Akio Oshiro’s mindset is not like the Church that hunted me and my kin. To learn is to accept the limits of one’s knowledge, and that we can be wrong.”

“Being wrong, you say? Well, if the reason they always hated your kind was due to your knowledge challenging them, perhaps you aren’t as important as you think. Akio Oshiro and others have openly blocked them, it seems. Though I imagine were we forced out of hiding, they still would have found us. For now though, we are safe…” She paused meaningfully. “…unless they shoot us down with a missile or have a fighter jet. I doubt either is likely. And… it would mean war.”

“Shoot us down? How? We are so high. If we do fall… not even I would survive.” Ileana shuddered. “Do not scare me like that. And what do you mean, war?”

Valeska retrieved her passport. “See? It may only be a temporary pass, until we reach Japan, yet we were accepted as Japanese nationals. Any terrorist attack on such would bring reprisals. It has happened before, in America. It led to a number of wars all around the world. I suppose they are already at odds though, so they might dare despite that threat. But… if they knew where we were, there are certainly easier ways to kill you, little light.”

Ileana nodded, pensive. Looking at the very nice television, she asked Valeska to turn it on. Soon, they were watching entertainment, and pre-recorded news programmes. Several were about Japan, and also Akio Oshiro. Seeing again his interview from London, she leaned back, sipping at her brandy. He is indeed surrounded by women. Perhaps I’ll listen to my blood child and keep a wary eye on him. But… I am not so ungrateful as to discount the grace we have been offered without cause. So I am a mysterious Princess, am I? Older sister always said I was the princess of the family, and since we were the purest bloodline, you could say that we were royalty, though we did not have such a distinction, not truly…

Thinking idle thoughts and setting aside the horrific idea of being ‘shot down’, Ileana actually found herself relaxing, the strong spirits making even her sluggish blood burn, her face flushed, as she became rather tipsy. Now then, I must make a proper impression when I arrive, else I will be at a disadvantage in negotiations. Yes, I am seeking aid, charity… but I cannot come across as a beggar, else I will be beholden to his whims… it is a challenge though, I do not speak the language, and I have never heard the root languages before. Though the woman Mary-Jane believes I am skimming their thoughts from their words? If so, perhaps…

Closing her eyes, the release of tension leaving her limp, she smiled. I shall… have a quick nap. I think better when I have rested. A full stomach, a refreshing sleep, and peace of mind… how wonderful those things are. Yet I would give up every one of those pleasures, if… if I could go back to before all this sadness befell us…