Realm Komiks Prequel: New Worlds Chapter 22: Arrival

Chaper 22:

Arrival

Margret and Colm stroll through the long hallways, hands intertwined. “His room is in here.” Colm stops.

Margret pauses hesitant, “I’m a little nervous about this.”

“I know. I can feel it.” Colm leans in and kisses her forehead and Margret begins to feel a calm pressing against her nerves.

“You don’t have to try and calm my nerves.” she shakes her head.

“Of course I do.” He grins opening the door and allowing her to enter.

She gives him an unapprovingly glance before entering.

The room is much like all the others, plain and colorless, translucent shields keep digital labeled bins snug, hovering above one another.

“Hello, Margret,” the gentlemen eagerly greets her with a hug, as if this was not a first meeting.

He had an odd but pleasurable smell to her nose, an aged Cepaen still displaying many attractive features.

“She is a bit nervous.” Colm deciphers.

“Not to be.” He insists. “Hakim is the name.” He removes the translucent door, ejecting a bin and taking from it.”

“Should I sit?” she hesitates.

“If you choose, it can bring a slight dizziness, but only for a couple seconds.” He turns and smiles.

She looks at Colm for a moment. ‘If it makes you feel more comfortable sit, my love’. He intrudes.

She slowly sits, searching for the item Hakim holds in his hand. “So, I’ll be able to understand thousands of languages, in the universe, once it’s implanted?”

Hakim titters, “Oh no, Margret. You will be able to understand three billion languages, to be exact.”

“Are there that many to know?” she wonders.

“I am sure more than that. We haven’t discovered them all.” He grins. “Ready?”

“It’s very small?” she wonders, “I won’t be able to feel it?”

Colm kneels down to her, “Like a blade of grass, but thinner, shorter, and not green.”

“You have one, you said?” she seeks the reassurance from her love.

“All us Planeteers do.” He reminds her.

“So since, I’m partial human it will still have the same effect on my brain? You are sure of this?” She questions Hakim.

Hakim shows her the small rectangle, device with a yellow lit dot on it.  “I attach it to your cerebral cortex, up here, underneath your hair,” he points, “I then release the device, causing this small light to turn orange, it’s as thin as one of these hairs on your head. Acupuncture like, you will not feel a thing. The mechanism then guides the thin device to attach itself to Wernicke’s area of the brain. Once there the mechanism light will then shine red, informing it is time for removal.”

Colm chimes in, “Then once we step off the ship, there won’t be a country on your planet that will sound foreign. You will be able to speak all their languages and understand. You will be the same of us Planeteers, and importantly we will not have to decipher languages for you.”

“I remember.” She sighs flatly.

“Ready then?” Hakim politely asks, already searching for placement upon her skull before she can answer. “Hold still. Don’t move.”

“What happens if I moved?” she suddenly wants to know, not being able to see the device is attached and light switching to orange.

“Size of a folic of hair, is still an interruption in the brain. Don’t want to disturb the path and chance it slicing through a part of your brain that it shouldn’t...”

“Oh, good to now know.” She grabs to the chair steading her. “Okay I’m ready.”

The small device light flashes to red. “You’re already done.” Hakim smirks.

“Really? That’s it?” she exhales a sigh of relief, feeling Colm squeezing her hand.

“That’s it, Margret. It has been such a pleasure finally meeting you. I’ve heard so many wonderful things pertaining to you.” Hakim compliments stepping away.

“Why thank you, Hakim. Likewise.” She grins humble.

“Thank you, Hakim.” Colm nods leading Margret from the room. “Time we join the others.”

“I’ve always wanted to travel to European countries. The thoughts… of Paris… Wow. Never did I think that it would be like this, though.” Margret’s eyes lock on Colm’s causing him to grab her in an embrace and kiss her passionately.

“I promise, I will take you to Paris, after this over.” He softly gives her lips a last peck. “Your images are amazing.”

“They are only of what I’ve seen on television.” She admits.

He tugs on her hand leading her to a large room, so many winged creatures in one area, the radiant and beauty made Margret envision what a heaven must appear to be; their features so perfect and precise as if Michelangelo carved each one from hand.

Natika approaches, of course embracing them in a group hug for speaking. “This is it. We are here,” she tries enthusiasm but her voice quakes a bit. “I’ve never been to another planet or met another Earthling, other than you, Margret. I must say my stomach feels rather fickle.” She tries to grin.

“We call it butterflies, feels like they are fluttering in your stomach. Nervous feeling.” She warmly grins, unexpectedly finding herself touching Natika for a bit of comfort. “Where’s Zulima?” she quickly switches gears, eyes searching the room.

“She’s out of transportation with Mother and Father. They are speaking to France government officials, meeting the commander of the Franco-German Brigade regiment that is located here. Now we wait.” Natika informs.

“Do you know where here is?” Margret wonders.

Natika nods, “It’s called Metz. Metz-Frescaty Airforce Base.”

Colm gives a toothy grin. “She has no idea where that is.”

Margret playfully elbows him in the side, “Must you tell everything?”

“France?” Natika tries to remember. “The country France?”

“Much more helpful to me. It all comes together now.” Margret blushes.

The door fades from the barrier to the outside, and Father appears in the door. “It is time to meet your joining forces. Zulima will stay in your company. Mother and I will depart from here to the city, Geneva. We will stay in direct contact with our devices. The devices operate on Earth as they do our planet. Please, leave inquiries for Zulima, once we all depart from this Air Base. Please remember that their army has never seen winged people. They have however been prepared for the appearance.”

Natika quickly falls back to Colm’s side, Margret close on the other, biting her lip. Margret’s heart suddenly becomes joyfully heavily, realizing at the same time as Colm, that two of their best friends have just entered, with Hakim close behind them.

“Opal.” And endearing relief falls from her lips, quickly nuzzling the handsome steed between her arms. Her fingers stroke his neck, feeling the softness and subtle twitching on her skin. His velvet muzzle finds her and gives a comforting sigh, misting her skin from his breath. She kisses Opal’s squishy muzzle, “I’m going to keep you safe. No one will hurt you.”

Her head tilts toward Colm who strokes Nacreous, promising the same reassurances.

“What will you do?” Natika ask Hakim bringing Margret and Colm’s attention directly toward him.

“I wait.” He nods. “My duty is here. I’m not alone. We will keep things close and safe until you all return.”

“All is a kind word.” Margret feels her heart heavy, for a moment, of the thought.

Hakim’s lips tighten and he gracefully nods, “Until then.” He gives the three of them a hug and then nods toward the door, the clearing becoming easy access.

Colm grabs Margret’s hand and Natika locks his arms tightly. “Let’s do this.”

*****

Tsunami is in awe of the Bahamas, it is much more like home, than what she had seen of the United States Country. Marlin had already departed with the Bahamas defense forces, and Acquavodians’ warriors. They are to join other forces throughout the countries, once it was figured why, walking reptiles are now walking cities along the coastlines. The only planet ever known of such a thing was Surraja, which seemed irrelevant to Earth or the Divobitian planet.

Kae retrieved the communication essentials for their division and then, the two were taken to an extravagant luxury, ironically called Atlantis.  Dressed now, in clothing of Earth custom, to ‘blend in’, yet followed by two beefy men to assure their safety. One appointed to Tsunami and one toward Kae, though neither of them were comfortable enough to separate one another.

Tsunami and Kae sat watching magnificent ocean creatures trapped behind a piece of glass, viewers ‘ooing ‘and ‘ahhing’ over their miraculous beauty, pointing and lifting their little Earthlings for better looks, not one, feeling the display of captivity, could be wronged. 

“It is odd, don’t you think?” Tsunami lets the thought roll from her lips as she observes.

“It’s relaxing.” Kae tries positivity, “Perhaps it is what soothes them?”

“They find knowledge in this custom as well.” Tsunami adds.

Kae looks at her curious, “You’ve read this?”

“Pure observation, Kae,” Tsunami smug, “Watch, some of the children’s parents, they’re reading those plaques to them, they explain what the creatures are. I believe it is a visual learning tool they need to understand the life in their waters.”

“What’s on her forehead, Mommy?” Tsunami sees the tot pulling at the mother who now blushes.

“No pointing.” The mother scolds, “I apologize.” The woman tells Tsunami, as if it were her words. She then begins to scurry the child along.

“They are different type of Oppenheimer.” Tsunami calls toward her.

The child halts intrigued struggling to walk back toward Tsunami. ‘Thank You’, the mother silently mouths pushing the child along to the next exhibit.

Kae shakes his head, “If they returned, curious, would you explain the significance and dimension, of each degree of Oppenheimer that rest above your brows?”

“I would not admit their power, if that is what you are asking.” She grunts, “You are now starting to sound like Bruinen or Marlin.”

“Good.” He stresses, “The Earthling children are adorable, no doubt, but please stop trying to cater to their curiosity. It will only end up drowning us.”

She rolls her eyes standing.

“Where are you going?” he insist.

“I’m tired of sitting here. I’m ready to go outside and explore.” She begins walking and he quickly follows, noticing the guards hidden in the shadows, now moving.

The heat is heavy once she steps outside, but toward the sky only one blazing star makes it a tad milder than what she is used to her on her planet. She stops and watches the ocean, the clear waves crashing against the coast, families’ frolicking in the waves or sunbathing on the sideline.  “How difficult it is, not to engage with the ocean the way I know.” She sighs.

“Soon enough you will be engaging with it in a way you have never known.” Kae reminds her.

She turns toward him and his eyes suddenly widen, pulling her face into his shoulder, leaning against his thin chest.

“What are you doing?” she struggles to push away.

“Tsu, your forehead, its’ lighting up. The jewels…” he panics.

“Okay, let me go. I’ll cover them with my hair and we will retreat inside somewhere.” She pulls away from him letting parts of her hair dangle in front her face.

“Has that happened before?” he ask.

“Never.” She explains, “But we’ve never been this close to ancient stone.”

*******

Coming into the crisp air of Earth, it felt a little smugger than what she had become accustom to on the Cepae planet. The Brigades eyes, uncontrollably, wide toward all the winged beings standing before them and then suddenly wider noticing Opal and Nacreous following close behind. As her feet hit the runway she found her head protectively grasping Opal’s cheek, as if a mother protective of a child.

“That is everyone.” Zulima announces, the Franco-German commander gives a nod, then  spouting a command that causes the military to turn and march.

The Cepaen warriors follow behind, with no current formation. “Our formations are in flight,” Colm whispers to Margret, again must be prying upon her thoughts.

She wants to be annoyed but is in relief that he is so close to her. They walk through the large air force base, the military men in France now talking among the Cepae warriors, harmonizing. The commander fraternizes with Zulima, who appears so far ahead. The unipegs follow close behind, Margret curious to how nothing was concerned upon their entry. Do they know Unipegs will find their way outside if they need to relieve themselves… she wonders, finding herself searching Colm’s face, seeing if he were listening once again.

Instead, he is engaged with Natika, participating in mild chatter and brief laughter.

Margret struggles to not feel envy of their friendship, and decides not to pry, instead admiring the experience, flinging a small peck against Opal’s muzzle.

Up ahead, Zulima and the Commander pause, causing the reaction among everyone. “I am Commander DuPont, again for those of us meeting the first time.” He begins. “And again, this is Zulima, who resides next to my side.” He introduces, following with a speech, in French, Margret sure to not understand if it weren’t for Hakim’s implant.

“Let us unite among each other, find a harmony of peace and understanding as we move forward together in joining other European forces to stop the spread of the vampire into our world.” He continues, “It is our honor to work alongside a planet as peaceful and loving as yours, that we find trust and security as you fight above, to what we cannot reach. We are eager to learn your ways as we hope you are eager in learning ours, let this be a defining moment in truce between France, Germany and the Cepae planet as we move forward into a combat we not know what yet awaits for us.”

The earthlings begin to cheer, the excitement contagious to the loving Cepaens, who in return, begin grabbing random military, and in doing the thing they know best, hugging them. Margret finds too much humor in the loving but chaotic scene and begins with uncontrollable laughter; finally, her not the only victim to the huge amount of hugs, of the flawless, Cepaen people.

“We should contribute,” Colm grins.

“You go; I’ll stay next to Opal and Nacreous.” She insists.

“They are fine. Nothing is going to happen to them.” Colm tries to reassure her.

“Keep telling yourself that,” she squints toward him, “These two rarities, on Earth, will make someone very rich if they were to get their hands on them.”

She feels Colm trying to pry further in her mind and she quickly blocks him. Mind yourself. She mentally scolds. He returns a sly glance and he joins the crowd in introductions.

A man, walks to Margret, “They are magical.” His eyes light up. “May I touch it?”

Margret thinks for a moment meeting the unipegs sweet faces, feeling Opal’s flattery. “They are flattered. Yes.” Margret decides not to deny the unipegs their glory. “They are unipegs.”

The man gently holds out his hand for a moment, before stroking their velvety skin. “I feel as though I am in a dream today. Tomorrow I will wake, and everything will be as it always was.”

“I completely understand.” She finds herself speaking the French language. “I at one time too felt this could only be a dream.”

“To be on Earth?” he decides.

She pauses for a moment, wondering if she should reveal her imposter self, but instead thinks of it being easier to not explain at all, “France. It’s lovely, from what I’ve heard, and I’m anxiously waiting to explore.”

“I can show you.” He enthusiastically offers. “Oh, may I?” he suddenly changes the subject pulling a small, black felted bag from the hidden pocket beneath his uniform. “May they have this small treat? It is called a sugar cube. It is what we give our horses. They look much similar without the horn and wings.”

“You’re an animal lover to carry around sugar cubes?” Margret’s lips purse as she sizes up the man’s integrity.

He finds a smile, “I am. I ride at night when I leave here. Our horses are nothing as impressive as your creatures, but I’d be honor to introduce you to them.”

“Honestly, I am not sure if they should have the cubes,” she quickly changes the subject, remembering Colm’s story of how horses came to be on Earth in the first place, “We have them on a strict diet from our own planet. It’s important they stay on it.”

He nods, “No offense taken. Of course.” Packing the sugar cube away, I can take you on that journey tonight though, if you’d like, we could invite some others from your planet if it would make you more comfortable.”

“Perhaps, not the horses so much as the city itself?” she suggest.

Colm returns to Margret’s side. “We have a night here before we depart on our journey.”

“Oh, yes, um…I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name?” Margret inquires toward the Franco-German solider.

“Lucas.” He smiles.

“Nice to meet you Lucas.” She turns toward Colm, “Lucas will take us out to see the city.”

“I’m not sure. Everyone is staying in; we don’t exactly fit in out there.” Colm unsteadily tries to explain.

“Nonsense. We do. We don’t have wings hanging off our back.” She disagrees, “I want to explore Metz while we are here. Please come with. Maybe Zulima will even join, some of the other healers?”

“Look, I do not want to cause friction, it was merely an offer. Please find me if you decide you want to go.” He nods giving Margret a kiss on her hand and turning away to some of his other men.

Colm is blind to Lucas’ subtle flirtation, “Very well. One night we see the city, but I feel we should seek Zulima’s approval.”

“Of course.” Margret agrees turning to the unipegs, “Don’t worry, you’ll stay with the warriors. You’ll be safe.”

******

Tsunami exits the restroom, short, thick bangs dangling above her brows, “Better?” she ask.

“Oh, yes, I can’t see them at all.” Kae stands.  “Are you ready to check out this place?”

“I am.” She excitedly admits.

*****

The night air is smooth against her face; the salty, ocean scent, falling heavenly against her nose. They walk into the casino area of Atlantis, now booming with nightlife. “That man over there has drinks. Let’s see what an Earth drink taste of.” She suggests.

Kae hesitantly follows her to the bar. “What can I get you?” the bartender asks.

“Uh…. A drink.” Tsunami decides.

“What kind,” he tries to hurry her along.

“My first time here, surprise us.” She smiles.

“Okay, your surprise then.” He nods his head, then mixing liquids, shaking, pouring and garnishing; Tsunami’s head swings back and forth trying to follow the man’s sudden movements.

He slides two blush, iced drinks, with floating orange slices, cherry and topped with a decorative umbrella.  “That’s eight.” He instructs.

“Only two…?” Kae questions.

Tsunami quickly whispers toward him, “Their currency, remember. They do things with paper or that plastic stuff, here. Do you have that thin card thing, they gave us?” she ask.

“It’s in the room.” Kae sighs. “I have that card key they gave us.”

“You room here?” The bartender chimes in.

“We do.” Tsunami nods.

He slides over a piece of paper and gives her a pen, “Just write your room number here and sign.”

She observes the pen for a second and then spies a man across the bar using the writing utensil. She watches as he confidently scribbles and slides the paper across the wood and walks away with his drink. She chews her lip for a moment and then subtly, lets the ball point tip touch the paper, lifting and witnessing a small microscopic dot against the paper. “Hmmm, look at that,” she grins writing their room number and making a line across the paper where her signature belongs. “Our penmanship is slightly different.” She hands it back to him.

He eyes her oddly, “Well, okay.” He swipes the paper and quickly falls into the next customer.

Tsunami hands Kae his drink and with a grin at one another they begin sipping, the sweetness sparking against her tongue, followed by a faint burning, trailing down her throat. “Wow.” Her pupils exploding against the taste.

Kae chugs his down and when he comes up for air grinning, “I’m ready for another. That was quite invigorating.”

*****

Three hours later they find themselves stumbling against one another over man made rocks, decorated through imaginary streams, caves, decorated with aquariums of fish. “I feel a bit dizzy, Kae and tired.”

Kae begins to chuckle, “Look at those Earthlings over there.”

“What are they doing?” Tsunami slurs, “Talking to the fish?”

“Do you think the fish understand?” Kae laughs.

“Perhaps we should take note, maybe they are cleverer than we have thought…” she tumbles up to the couple who quickly quiets their laughter, judging her “Are you talking to the fish?”

“Ooooooh, I thought you meant the fish more clever. Not the Earthlings!” Kae howls.

The man laughs with them, “We were. Oddly, talking to the fish, that is.”

“Wow.” Tsunami’s mouth exaggerated. “When did Earthlings require this gift?”

“Uh…Well…” words lost, he turns to his lover.

“We’ve always had it.” She smirks. “Look at the fish; he just keeps staring at us. Observing us as much as we observing him.”

“Yes! He is. Though he is obviously a she.” Tsunami laughs trying to lean her body against the wall and falling over. Kae runs to pick her, struggling and falling over her.

“Have fun tonight you two!” the couple calls back to them quickly hurrying away, “You get too drunk, the hangover is awful under the sun.”

“What’s drunk?” Tsunami pouts to Kae, trying to push herself off the ground, she surrenders resting her head down on the concrete and staring up at the fish swimming over her.

Kae cracks up laughing, “I’m not sure Tsunami. I need to get some of these drinks for back home though.”

*****

Margret’s head rises to the night sky, hitting the peak of Cathedrale Saint –Eteinne, even more massive under the spotlights, defining the huge stain glass window in center. “It’s breathtaking.” She sighs.

Colm pulls her into his side, “The structures here are magnificent. I’ve never seen such royalty owned, in simple buildings such as this.”

“Because they aren’t simple at all. Not only does the magnitude of the beauty amaze you, but the history of them, it burns a curious flow deep in your veins.”

Colm brings her in, embracing her, “Come let us see more before we need to meet up with the others.”

Margret and Colm run through the city, dancing past the fountain of the Opera-Theatre and traveling in taxis to the Temple Neuf and further; the full moon adding light to their exploration.

The night finally ends them at Vivian’s Pub Fairy, where Zulima sits at a table with some  military men, including Lucas, and Cepae’s healers.

“It’s a shame that Natika and the other warriors don’t get to experience this.” She thinks aloud.

“I agree. But they are having their own festivities with some of the other people of Franco-German resident. A gala of a time. Even our unipegs are there.” Colm beams with the excitement, “After our meal here, let’s join them.

“Okay,” Margret agrees, then hesitates, “Wait, how did you know about the other festivities.”

“Natika contacted me when we were out, of course.” Colm approaches the table.

“Of course.” Margret mumbles from under her breath.

Margret’s body quickly drifts toward Zulima, wrapping her arms around her. Zulima pulls a chair from another table allowing Margret to sit beside her, feeling suddenly important, as Zulima has felt untouchable since they have arrived. “Commander DuPont, this is Margret, your very own Earthling I have spoken of.”

“Margret, what a pleasure and honor it is for you to be part of such a beautiful planet, yet were grounded here on Earth, with us at one time.” He tries to compliment.

“Thank you, sir.” She nods, “It is indeed a honor. Zulima found me, here on Earth, became the mother I’ve always wish to have.”

Zulima’s lips widen warmly as she slightly lets out a bashful burst of laughter, “Really, Margret often talks up a rare moment that presented itself. I merely acted and fell in love with the dear child.”

“Modest too, if you noticed, Commander, Sir,” Margret finds Colm chatting toward the end of the table, meeting her hazel eyes for a brief moment and giving a twinkle. She returns the gesture as he returns to his conversation, her head toward Zulima and the DuPont, yet her eyes shifting. One long table, laughing soldiers and healers among one another; Cepae and Earth, two planets sitting in the same pub, Metz, a city of France… Margret’s heart feels warm as she lets her head fall against Zulima’s shoulder, the laughter, the French people’s inappropriate pub humor, falling upon the peaceful night… now becoming interrupted with horrid visions of death… 

Read Chapter 23: Rogue
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Realm Komiks Prequel: New Worlds Chapter 21 Refuge

Chapter 21:

Refuge

The vehicle eases through the gates to the small airport, a plane sitting football field away. “There’s your plane, Mrs. Smith.” Agent mumbles with some sort of relief in his voice. “Wait here. I will return.” He parks the car and pulling the key out he exits toward the plane, engaging with other men similarly dressed as he is.

Susan’s car door suddenly opens, causing her body to jolt from the unexpected noise. Officer Steve Walsh stands on the other side. “Are you okay, Mrs.?”

After the initial shock she softly answers with a question of her own, “Do you know what is going on?”

“Not in depth,” he admits, “I personally took the phone call from the older gentlemen at the gas station. He was concerned, also with conspiracies, but overall had well intentions toward your safety.  Said you were desperately trying to contact your husband about getting your daughter to safety.” His palm falls against the top of the car, “Why don’t you stand out here?”

She hesitates for a moment, finding the agents, XXG giving her a glance before following the others on the open plane. Steve reaches his hand out to her, helping her out of the car. “Thank you.” She tries to force a smile on her face. “Do you believe in aliens?”

“Little green men? No. But I guess our country has been faced recently with a new era. From what I know of, most of them look like us.” He glances toward her and then gently pulls her body from the car so he can shut the door.

“They think my family has alien blood. Apparently they recruit aliens and…well, I’m not sure what they do with them. Some were locked up.” Her eyes stare at the plane and the open hatch, waiting for what happens next.

“Do you have alien blood in you?” The officer nonchalantly enquires.

“Not that I ever knew or thought. But now they are after my daughter to do some testing on her.” She turns toward the officer, “Over my dead body.”

His lips tighten, “I’m sorry. Truly I am. I’m here to help you. I know that must be little comfort with what you have must endured recently.”

“I appreciate it. You’ve put your butt on the line with little answers. I just don’t know what you can do to help.” She turns back toward the plane as men begin to exit toward the runway.

“We have little time left to discuss options. I’m not going anywhere until that plane is in the air. I will take you where you need to go. I have a lot of friends but no family or attachments to keep me here. Not anymore.” He hastily speaks as XXG heads towards them.

“If I don’t go I will never get to the Bahamas where I need to be.” She speedily answers.

“I have a friend that flies planes. He would get you there. Key West at least.” His words almost trip over each other as XXG approaches, his glasses now useless with the low sun.

“Mrs. Smith, they are ready for you to board. I have another assignment and must depart.

Find your way to the plane and another agent will assist you when on board.” His head turns to Steve. “Steve Walsh.” His voice intimidating. “I want you to know I will never forget your name.” His body pauses before the officer, then he continues the vehicle. “Mrs. Smith, they are waiting.”

Susan swallows giving the officer one last look before walking across the runway toward the plane. Her feet are heavy, cement sliding over the asphalt, to the flying metal box. The still air presses against her nose as she finds the railing, an agent standing next to the entrance, expressionless, his dark glasses covering his eyes, almost a clone to XXG. Susan consciously has to lift her left foot to find the steps, her head turning to find Officer Walsh. He still stands not far from XXG’s vehicle, watching her. His presence gives her some uncertain courage, leading the rest of her body to the entrance of the plane. The small plane is fashioned differently than any commercial airline she has flown, a long bench with seat belts along the wall, reminding her slightly of an old army plane, from movies she had seen.

A woman sits on the bench, her back propped against the wall, and she lifts her head meeting Susan’s eyes. The woman’s long raven hair flops over her forehead, straggling over her shoulders.  Susan slides on the bench from across, her young face watches Susan fidget for a moment.

“What did they recruit you for?” she bluntly speaks, cutting past any introductions.

“I… uh…” Susan caught off guard stumbles to find her words.

“You must be new? No secret we are being used for our curses. So, now, what is yours?” the young woman, barely twenty, boldly prying for information.

“I have none.” Susan finally decides to speak. “I’m going to the Bahamas, being released there. Meeting my daughter.” She hears another vehicle from the distant, echoes across the runway, tunneling up the entrance of the plane. Susan turns toward the young woman who is sneering at her comment and then decides to stand, observing a white, unmarked bus on the other end of the runway. “ A bus?” she thinks out loud.

“The rest of the ‘team’ they call it.” She informs and oddly eyes Susan, “Do you really believe this plane is flying to the Bahamas?”

“Outside of it, maybe, but close.” Susan continues to watch the agents as they engage in discussion outside of the large transporting unit.

“I don’t know who you are, lady, or what your story is, but I will let you in on a small secret.” She stands up and leans in toward Susan, “We are flying outside of Hungary, destined for war. I guess you are merely some kind of collateral damage in all of this.”

“War?” Susan’s brows burrow in her forehead as she struggles to comprehend what the woman is saying. “There is no war.”

“There is. And it is spreading. The vampire planet is here on Earth. Creeping.” She awkwardly walks her two fingers up Susan’s arm toward her shoulder, “They are creeping through Romania to Hungary and who knows where else. Leaders are trying to keep it low key, as to not send our world into panic. And we, well assuming not you, but we, I  and the people in that bus, out there, are being sent in for battle. We will be the weapons since world has no other clue of how to defeat them. We are an easy liability. You are an easy liability. You really think these men in black let someone go?” she mocks, “See you later! Have a nice life lady! Yea right, like that happens.”

She gives a sly smirk toward Susan, the bus doors opening yards from them and people beginning to shuffle aboard. “You may think I am some kind of crazy woman, but after all I have witnessed and been through, I have no reason to lie to someone, so plain, as yourself.” She falls back onto the bench.

Susan’s heart falls further into her stomach, the inside twisting as she processes the outlandish information she has just received. Some of the people exiting off the bus in restraints, being treated as if they were once prisoners.  “They lied to me.” She finally process. “They just want to get rid of me.”

“Don’t feel so bad. You aren’t the first and you won’t be the last.” The woman slides back against the wall.

“I have to get off this plane.” She turns to the woman in a panic.

“There’s nowhere to go. No one to trust around these towns.” She flatly says. “Always someone in cahoots with these people.”

Susan’s breath becomes heavy, “I have someone. He’s still here. I think he’s still here.”

She goes to rush out the door but her elbow is yanked on pulling her back. The young woman desperately stares at Susan, her eyes an unusual mellow gray. “How do you know you can trust them?”

“It’s a leap of faith I’m willing to give him. I’m out of options right now.” Susan swallows.

The woman grips her arms tighter with desperation, “Take me with you.”

Susan shakes her head, “I can’t. I’m not even sure I can get myself out.”

“Try.” She tugs at her harder, “Don’t leave me behind. You wouldn’t even know where they were sending all of us if I weren’t so forward.”

Susan struggles against the thought, watching the group of people nearing the plane with agents to both sides of them. “I’m not like them.” The woman holds tightly.

Susan turns toward her, “I don’t have much time. I have to save my daughter. I can’t get out with both of us.”

“I was someone’s daughter once too.” She let’s go of Susan’s arm allowing her to freely choose. “I won’t interfere, but I beg of you to think of a way to take me with you.”

Susan looks outside, an agent now at the bottom of the stairway, “Take your seats.” He calls into them. “We have more coming aboard.”

Susan pushes against the woman whispering into her ear, “Follow my lead. Make sure to mix in the crowd as they enter. Make sure to walk in front of me.”

Her head bobs, her dark locks falling on Susan’s shoulder.  “I know there is only one chance.” The woman admits.

As the crowd comes closer, single file, Susan begins hurrying down the steps, “I forgot something of importance. Agent XXG gave it the officer since he had to run off. I need to quickly retrieve it.”

“There isn’t an officer around.” The agent dryly announces. “Head back in. We are set for departure.”

Susan feels her stomach tighter, grappling from panic. He told her he would wait until the plane was in the air…

“Mam, back on the plane we have others to board.” The agent reminds her, a restraint man now eyeing her as he waits to board.

Susan begins to back away, and as she hits the top step she notices a set of cruiser lights. Without a moment of thought she shouts out while pointing, “He’s there! Over there!”

The agent splits two people aside spying the man standing by the cruiser.

“He has it. Agent XXG told me it was crucial I bring it aboard. It will only take me a moment to grab it. I’ll run.” She quickly tries to give reason, her hand singling toward the young woman inside the plane whom now has crept closer to the entrance.

“Hurry up.” The agent agrees.

Susan hurries down the steps and the prisoners begin pulling up the stairs. She pauses for a moment strolling slowly, her heart thrusting against her chest, trying to give the woman a chance, now conflicted if they will ever make it out together. Susan begins to slightly pick up her speed and almost trips as someone swiftly slides before her.

“I almost gave up.”

“Run” the woman commands, suddenly at a galloping speed. Susan picks up pace rushing toward the cruiser, seeing Steve prepare, with passenger door open, and he fastens his seat.

The two women slide in the front seat shutting the door and his foot hits the pedal hard, speeding away. Susan peeks outs the window, noticing an agent on radio.

“You changed your mind and brought a friend.” Steve speeds pass closing gates to the main road.

“Will we make it?” alarmed Susan grabs the dashboard as they make a turn.

“Depends.” Steve tries to decide, “What changed your mind?”

“They are heading to Hungary. Nowhere near the Bahamas.” Susan informs.

Steve gives the woman a glance and then back at the road as he makes another turn, “Did she tell you this? The one who wanted to escape?”

Susan suddenly flings her head toward the woman with doubt. “It’s true.”  The pale woman exclaims, slightly offended. “Everything I told you is true.”

“I believe her.” Susan admits.

“Then they will not come looking for you, Susan. They will not currently care, if all you tell me is true. They will have bigger things to worry about right now. If you keep quiet, that is. However, I can assure you that they have already sent someone to your house to collect your daughter.” The officer discloses his theories.

“My daughter isn’t there. I will get to her and be able to keep her safe, then.” Susan finds some relief in her voice.

“You could have. We could have.” Steve gives the two women a glancing sigh, “But we do not know what this woman, you brought with you, means to them.  With this, we could have little time to escape the area.”

Susan glares toward the young lady who shifts her eyes away silently.

“Do you want to inform us?” Steve asks.

She shakes her head, “You can’t leave me. It’s a suicide mission.  They’ll find me. I’ll die.”

******

Steve slows the cruiser into a seedy motel parking lot. “I need at least five to six hours.”  He hands a wad of cash toward Susan, bypassing the nameless woman.

“I…” Susan’s word trip at his generosity.

“We haven’t gotten time for Thank You now. What name will you check in under?” He asks.

“uhhhh…” she thinks for a moment.

“A favorite band, writer…” he suggests.

“My daughter loves the book Jane Eyre,” she remembers.

“Okay, then, I will ask for Jane Eyre’s room when I return. Speak to no one else and open your door for no one. The front desk will call up for any visitors. I will be the only one to know your check in name.” he gives her a reassuring nod. “Tell them you want the room by the hour. They will not ask questions.”

Susan nods in agreement. “Okay.”

“If I don’t return…” he begins.

“What do you mean if you don’t return…” she interrupts.

“Look, I have no family here, but I do have a lot of friends. I will need to get fake ids, a plane fueled and a couple other loose ends I’ll need to tie if I don’t want us found. I will easily get these things, but if they have any clue that this woman is with us… they will be looking for me. This isn’t a big town, other police officers will know where to find me.” He pulls out a card from his wallet, “If I don’t make it back by the sixth hour, call this man. He is trustworthy. Tell him you know me and he will get you to Key West, at  least.”

The young woman finally chimes in, “Why do you give up everything to help her?”

Steve gives no hesitation at all, “Because it’s the right thing to do.”

“I don’t know how to thank you, we aren’t rich…” Susan begins with a bit of guilt in her voice.

“Susan,” Steve stops her, “If I wasn’t ready for a new life… I’d find another way. Daisy and I have been itching for the beach. We are going to love a life there. Now hurry and check-in.”

Susan grabs for the door and pauses, “Daisy?”

Steve  shoos her with a slight chuckle, “Hurry before we are caught. I need to get rid of this cruiser.”

Susan gives a slight hesitation and then steps out with the lady following behind her. Steve gives a slight wave before driving off.

******

Susan slides the key card opening the motel door. Its interior isn’t worn down as the outside of the place, but outdated with a late ninety’s décor.  Susan flips on the light.

“I’d love to shower.” The woman turns toward Susan as if asking for permission.

“Of course. I wouldn’t mind one myself.” Susan admits.

“You can go first.” The woman sits on the bed, staring at the blank television.

Susan hands her the remote and watches as the woman stares at it for a moment then  turns to Susan. “I’m not sure how to actually use the remote for the television.” She  blushes.

“I still don’t know your name.” Susan sits across from her in a desk chair, the only chair in the room.

The lady makes light, “That’s complicated.” Her cheeks tighten as her lips purse forward.

Susan encourages, “I never found a name to be complicated.”

“1096.” The woman rolls her eyes.

“1096?” Susan confusingly repeats.

“Yea. That’s my ‘name’. That’s what I am called. 1096. P1096. That is project 1096.” She stands up from the bed and heads toward the window, closing the blinds.

“Is that what you want me to call you?” Susan softly pities.

The woman shrugs her shoulders, “I guess.”

Susan stands and slides against the carpeted floor to join her by the window, “If you don’t remember another name you may have gone by, is there one you might have always wished to have?”

“I slightly recall the name Nora, though I’m unsure if it was mine or my mother’s.” she returns to the bed picking up the remote again. “TV button will turn it on?”

“Yes, I believe so. They make them all different.” Susan watches her, now noticing how childlike she still is. “Is it okay if I call you Nora, then?”

“Yea, that works.” She answers with her attention now more toward the television set. “So, are you going to shower first?”

Susan tries to figure out the woman for a moment, her sudden aloofness almost confusing. “Okay, I will do that and then you can get one.”

“Great.” Nora answers, attention on the set while she thumbs through the channels.

Susan gives one last lingering watchful eye before retreating to the bathing room behind her.

*****

It is an outskirt village from the bigger cities in Romania, cluster of houses close together, separated between valleys of luscious green grass.  Dominious and Figaro were sent to mandate the area, now filled with only some mothers and children. Given a small Divobitian army to assure their safety against mothers who become desperate and dare an escape, this prediction completely wrong. The mothers want nothing but to assure the safety of their children and Dominious and Figaro have shown too much protection and kindness among the mothers and their children.

Dominious resides in a cozy home with Figaro, small but the essentials of her needs. Two children stay with her, they are of age six and four, a sister and a brother, already orphans, before the vampire reign ever began. Sabina quickly took to Dominious, and Dominious adored her immediately.

“Read a story, puh-lease?” Sabina climbs upon Dominious’ lap and before Dominious has a chance to answer, Sabina’s tiny brother, Marius, quickly tumbles over them both.  “Marius,” Sabina whines, “Be gentle.”

“I’m afraid no little boy knows the word gentle,” Dominious snickers tickling the boy causing him to giggle.

“Okay, then,” he stands up behind Dominious, running his fingers through her hair, “I’ll work extra hard at gentle.”

Figaro scoots in next to the three, pushing his way against them, “Boys are meant to play rough,” he grabs the small lad by his torso tickling him. The youngling struggles to stand up against Figaro’s fingers and plunges into him toppling down on Dominious and Sabina.

“Ugh,” Sabina grunts in frustration, “If you’d like to wrestle like boys find yourselves outdoors. I’m trying to have a story.”

“Boys.” Dominious playfully scolds. “The dear’s words are proper. Sit now and listen to her story.”

They shuffle on the bed, currently propped with pillows to appear more as a couch. “You without age and Life without death,” Dominious introduces the title. “ ‘Once upon a time something happened whose like never occurred before—if it had not happened..’”

A loud banging on the door.

Dominious pausing looking toward the door as the banging grows louder. “One moment.” She says shoving the book into Sabina’s arms.

“I think my mustard will jump off.” She pouts, “A story is all I ask.”

Figaro leans off the bed and follows Dominious toward the door as she opens it. “Sorry, it is so late,” The tall lengthy vampire announces, “But this woman insisted she must speak to you.”

Dominious peers passed the man, seeing the frail woman nervously fiddling her hand, “Uh, my Lady…” she tries to find her words. “Well...one of our children have disappeared. We honestly have no clue of where she could be.”

Dominious sizes up the pale woman trying to think of her name, “Which child?”

“It is Iona. Do you know of her?” she almost stutters.

“Of course I do. Why didn’t her mother come?” Dominious questions.

“She is very fearful of all of you. She has a carrot of Iona’s safety, yet dreads that you might condemn her for the incident.” 

“The girl is of twelve?” Dominious wonders.

“Eleven.” The other mother reminds her.

“Your name again, Mrs.?” Politely Dominious ask.

“Anne.” She answers.

“Anne, you needn’t to fear me. I’m here to keep all of you safe.” Dominious reminds her.

“And I feel it my lady,” Anne agrees. “Why I insisted you must know, my lady. You will find her and assure her safety?”

“Of course I will. She is a child of mine as she is yours.” Dominious nods turning toward the children who anxiously await on the bed. “Please, read my precious Sabina her story. She has patiently been awaiting. I’ll return soon.” Dominious tries to force a grin.

“Yes, mam,” she agrees turning toward the children.

Sabina flings herself off the bed and scurries to Dominious, wrapping her thin arms around her waist, “Promise you will be back soon?”

“Of course, dear.” She kneels down to the child’s level and brushes her chestnut hair away from her hazel eyes. “I will always care for you.” Dominious embraces the child returning to her stance, leaving Sabina with a quick smooch on her forehead. “Go hear you story now. I’ll return soon.” She leads the child back towards the bed helping her up and handing her the book. She quickly kisses Marius on his chubby cheeks and gives the children one last pat on the leg of reassurance. Giving Anne a last nod and a subtle whisper of Thank you, she tugs on Figaro as they hurry past the vampire, closing the door behind them. “Come with me.”

“Which house was Iona in?” Dominious ask.

“Across the village, that way.” He points her in a direction. “Once you are over the hills, Stefan will lead you the rest of the way to the house.”

“We speak to the mother first, get an idea of where she might have run off to.” Dominious nods at the vampire and then Figaro. He returns the nod and they begin running, their feet pounding against the meadows as they hastily hit ten, then twenty, then thirty miles per hour, leaping under the moon lit pastures.

Figaro slows down stopping Dominious who races short behind him. “What is it?” she asks.

“The air, did you catch it?” he puts his face against the silent breeze, inhaling deeply. “The child, she’s out here. Not too far.”

“Do you think she ran?” Dominious wonders.

“The scent, it’s fading fast. Too fast for a child. Follow me,” he insists briskly heading west.

Dominious slightly struggles to follow, his legs longer and quicker than hers.  She loses him for a brief moment, as his speed surpasses her and then in a short distance, swallowed between groups of trees, a child’s terrified scream.  She pauses for a moment, searching for direction, inhaling deeply. Scents of sorts, stinging through her nose, she moves forward hastily into a clearing. There stands Figaro, snarling across from a sinister man, a vampire, one time a local of the country, staring, with the girl’s neck wrapped in his arms.

“Unhand the child at once or I will destroy you.” Dominious demands.

“I only answer to the Queen.” He growls.

“Impossible. I am the Queen’s lady and I’ve heard of no such direction. You are fresh vampire with blood thirst. You are allowing it to control you. Unhand her unharmed or you will die.” She orders.

“You are mistaken. My orders are to bring a child to the Queen’s warrior, Sir Lucius. The child is to be made an example of what will happen to the people’s children if anyone else tries to flee their towns and hide from the Queen.” He exclaims, grasping the girl tighter causing her to whimper.

Dominious turns toward Figaro, who shrugs and back at the creepy vampire. “I’m in charge of all the children and their mothers. She returns with me and I will speak to the queen directly.”

“I will not return without a child. If I do I will die.” He spits.

“You will die if you try to leave the girl. Give Iona to Figaro and I will personally escort you to the castle.” She request.

His eyes shift toward Figaro whom nods, “Do as she says. She will keep her word and assure your life.”

His eyes now shift back to Dominious. “Do it.” She commands through her teeth.

He unravels Iona and shoves her toward Dominious, Iona running into her arms and holding her tightly. “You saved my life.” She sobs against her.

Dominious pulls her in close stroking her hair, “Now, come everything is all right. I need you to return to your mother with Figaro. She worries of your safety. Hug her extremely tight tonight, remind her you are guarded.”

“Yes, I will do so.” Iona gives Dominious one last squeeze before strolling toward Figaro.

Dominious lifts Iona upon Figaro’s back. “You will travel faster this way.” She comforts the girl, removing the cloak off her shoulders and wrapping it around the child, “You will have a chill from the night and the speed in which he will take you. Try to stay warm.”

She comes face to face with Figaro and he gives a toothy grin, “Give the royals my love,” he mocks.

Dominious gives a slight chuckle, “Perhaps they are threatened by your abundance of kindness.”

“Perhaps.” He leans in and kisses her while the little girl holds tightly against his back.

“It is you kindness that allows me to love you so incredibly much.” She touches his curly locks through her fingers, kissing his neck, her eyes meeting Iona’s, “Protect my man, little one.” She snickers with a jolly tone.

“Of course, my lady.” The girls snuggles her face into Figaro’s shoulder.

Figaro steals one last kiss before leaping away into the silent night.

Dominious turns toward the man, “Your name, Sir?”

“Roland,” He mumbles.

“Okay, then, let’s go see the queen. Get this over, shall we?” She calls disappearing into the night.

*****

Sultana glides down the grand staircase, her heals softly cushioned by the endless red hallway carpet. Lucius is close to her side, informing her of the latest details he has inquired from the outside world. “Planeteers are confirmed to have landed.”

“Where?” she questions.

“There is some confusion on an exact location.” Lucius lowers his voice.

Sultana turns toward him, “You know better than anyone that confusion will quickly mark as an easy target.”

“I do, your majesty. I am, of course, swiftly demanding a black and white painting.” He continues. “The Planeteers are arriving sooner than anticipated. May I suggest, I take to the battle field.”

“No.” Sultana firmly demands halting her stride, “You are most useful by my side.”

“Once the Planeteers begin to arrive, my presence will keep the fresh ones from going into frenzy.” He suggests.

“If that is what we must do, you will still find me by your side.” Sultana directs her attention down the hall as a male vampire stops at the hallway entrance.

“Gergo.” He announces, “And I bring news to Sir Lucius.”

Lucius gives the queen a nod and meets the man half way down the hall. Sultana carefully watches as they exchange words, Lucius nods and then returns to Sultana.

“Roland hasn’t returned yet with a child. Do you think he is rogue?”

Sultana leers, “No.”

“How would you like me to proceed?” Lucius inquires.

“If Dominious caught up to Roland he is dead. In that case, he was unworthy and didn’t deserve the opportunity to live among us.” She begins walking again, “Roland’s demise can only be interpret that Dominious is on her for a visit.”

“Then we move onto the original plan once she arrives?” Lucius’ eyes wickedly burrow behind his skull.

Sultana gives mild thought before answering, “If she arrives with Figaro, let’s wait things out.”

“And if she comes alone…” Lucius begins.

Sultana completes his theory, “I will entertain her while you send men to destroy all she thinks she protects, especially Figaro.”

Lucius grimaces, “You know this will destroy her.”

Sultana thinks for a moment, “Yes, temporarily; But she will become stronger due to it.”

*****

Read Chapter 22: Arrival

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