Thought Six. Jones’ Perspective.
Incredible.
I have finally found her.
After all of these years, and endless searching, I have found Embrie.
Ariel is going to be ecstatic, not to mention how Neven is going to react. So much time has gone by, but there is one thing that has never changed. And that is how much her parents love her, and want to find her. I promised Ariel that I would find her daughter, no matter what. And that is just what I have done. I have been coming back and forth between worlds for years, just searching. I’ve released Sibbul, for the sole purpose of helping me find this one girl. The one girl that will change my world forever.
The prophecy.
Now I just have to get her into my world soon. As soon as I can manage. Shortly she will be another year older, but in this case, it’s not just age we have to worry about. Or another year of sorrow for her parents. No. This time if she stays here, in this world, she will become completely human. There will be no more prophecy to hear of. There will only be the tale, that one tells another, about the failed attempt to get the prophecy to our world.
I will not let it happen.
She will come with me tonight.
When we meet for coffee.
Knowing that I have a few hours to spare before meeting up with Embrie, I make my way to the closest portal, which is just a few streets down. I plan on making a quick visit to Ariel and Neven’s place, telling them the good news, and then coming back.
Opening the door to an old, abandoned school, I walk through the entrance and am met with darkness. Closing the door behind me, I shut my eyes tightly as I wait for my feet to hit grassy grounds.
After what feels like seconds, I’m standing in front of their door. Without knocking, I let myself in.
“Honey! I’m home!” I shout, waiting for someone to come running.
And there they are.
Ariel comes into view first from the kitchen, and then Neven follows behind her. The hope that is etched on across their faces makes my victory even better.
“Aren’t you going to tell me that dinner is ready?” I ask Ariel, as they both just stand in front of me staring anxiously.
“Common, Jones. Just tell us what you came here to say.” Neven says.
Testy little bugger, isn’t he?
“Well, I’ve come to tell you, that the quest is over.” I let myself smile as I see the priceless expressions on their faces. Utterly priceless.
“W-what do you m-mean?” Ariel whispers, tears escaping from her beautiful eyes.
“I mean, I found her.”
Before I can say anymore, both of them are on top of me. I’m squeezed tightly into an enormous embrace.
Never would have imagined myself in a Ariel – Neven sandwich.
“Alright you two. Off of me! I’m not your teddy bear.” I push them away from me, and watch as smiles appear on their faces. “I’m going to bring her here tonight. I’m not sure if it’s the best move to bring her straight to your house though. It will be a lot for her to process…”
“Oh, Jones. She has to come here. I need to see her face. I need to touch her.” Ariel desperately rambles. Neven wraps his arm around her waist, rubbing circles on her skin with his thumb.
“I know, I really do understand. But put yourself in her shoes. She already has parents, she doesn’t know about all of us, or who we are to her. She thinks she is human, she knows nothing of our world. How do you think she is going to react when I tell her that the people she calls mom and dad, are actually magical creatures, scheming against our very existence?”
“That’s true, dear. I think we are going to have to give her a little time to adjust once she’s here. We don’t want to scare her away.” Neven says reassuringly to his beloved.
“I can put myself in her shoes. I mean, I was once in the same position, under a few different circumstances. But it’s still not fair. I’ve gone eighteen years without seeing my daughter. I need to know it’s her.”
“I get it, but I’m going back now. I need to meet her for ‘coffee’, and get her back here. I haven’t really figured out how I’m going to do that yet, though.” I admit. I haven’t really thought about the process of getting Embrie to come with me. Do I just kidnap her? Or tell her the truth and see how she reacts?
Either way, I don’t think any of those options will have a good outcome.
“You will think of something, Jones. You always do.” Neven says, seeming to have way more confidence in me then I do.
It’s weird being friendly with him.
Not as fun, that’s for sure.
“Alright, go Jones. Just don’t hurt my baby. Or I swear…” Ariel threatens. I just laugh at her.
“I won’t hurt her, obviously. But I might just take her out for that coffee.” I say, giving an enthusiastic wink to them.
Huh, why not have fun while I’m at it?
“Jones… don’t even think about it!” Neven shouts at me.
“Well you won’t share Ariel, but Embrie on the other hand…” Turning on my heel, I get one last glance of Ariel holding back Neven from springing at me. I laugh to myself as I leave their house.
So easy to get him worked up.
Maybe being friends can be fun.
Now onto my mission.
I have to somehow get Embrie to come with me, willingly. Wait. Does it have to be willingly? I mean, if worse comes to worse, can’t I just grab her and take her to my world through the portal with me? I’m strong enough to put up with her if she fights me. But I obviously don’t want her hating me either. Hmm… So get Embrie to come willingly to a magical world that she’s never heard of, and will definitely not believe in, to meet her biological parents. Where she will find out that she is actually a soul – sucking vampire, and is the key to fulfilling the prophecy. No she is the prophecy.
This should be easy.
Mission accepted.