"He hath come to judge the living and the dead, to make the witches endureth the torment; complacent of thy power, thou shalt live forever"
Immortals have lived longer than the olden days. Each time they face death, they are reminded of their worst nightmares. They are regarded as sinners of the realm. Witches, who have deemed themselves the greatest, were oppressed by the endless burden, that is immortality.
"SHHHH", father breathed heavily as he silenced his 15-year old son, Robin. "We're not gonna let them take you.", mother promises, looking at her guilty husband.
They whisper through their ears as they lock their son in a closet. "They have found us.", father mumbles. "How do you know it's them?", mother replies.
A loud thump can be heard by the door as heavy footsteps approach them. Astrid Frigard is introduced, holding a handgun with a suppressor.
"You have a really nice home. A nice life too.", Astrid says as she finds the room where they are hiding.
"It sucks it has to end soon...", Astrid enters the room and whispers "Like NOW.".
Robin, who's peeking at the closet, witnesses his parents' lives cease to end as the bullets went through their heads.
Astrid goes on her way out and unfortunately notices the collection of family photos with one picture of Robin. "Oh, hell no.", Astrid sprints towards each room, searching for Robin.
Astrid is left with no choice but to take advantage of her ability to read one's mind as she eventually finds Robin inside the closet.
"I don't wanna die. I don't wanna die. I don't wanna die.", Robin continuously mutters.
Astrid opens the closet door slowly and asks "Why? Why do you still want to live without your parents? You've barely gotten anything to survive. Why do you wanna live?".
"I..I don't...", Robin is staggered with Astrid's question.
"Kid, I don't have all the time in the world.", Astrid says.
"Because I want to do better, better than my parents.", Robin answers, still shaking.
Astrid grabs Robin's arms, pulling him outside the closet, and exclaims "Don't make me regret this.".
Astrid takes Robin along in her BMW i8 car and drives off to a fine dining restaurant.
Astrid purchases every meal the restaurant has to offer and lets Robin take pleasure, before asking him "Do you know what you are?".
"Uhm...I'm both human and immortal. I'm half-immortal.", Robin replies, whilst chewing the food in his mouth.
"See, my conception is that your mother SHOULD'VE been killed, during your birth.", Astrid explains.
"Yeah, uhm. My mother had to stay 15 days in the hospital.", Robin confusingly says. "How do you know that?", Robin asks as he thinks Astrid may already know him.
"Like I said, it's my conception.", Astrid replies.
But Robin interrupts her "No, no. I'm not the only one, aren't I? You already know someone who's just like me? A half-immortal. Or else why would you have spared my life?".
"I spared your life because you said you'd do better than your parents.", Astrid answers.
"Why'd you kill them, then?", Robin finally asks.
"You see that murderer?", Astrid points at a man outside. "Well, he's not yet one. But he's thinking about killing both his wife and children, because he thinks that they are a nuisance in his life. Regardless of his identity, whether he's human, animal, immortal, or a fucking unicorn, he deserves to die.", Astrid explains.
"But we all deserve to die...someday now. We all make mistakes.", Robin says.
"Not like his.", Astrid interrupts.
"No, of course not. The only thing that matters is what else can you do to better the world. That's why there's such a thing as redemption, a second chance for any of us...regardless of our identity, whether we're humans, animals, immortals, or a half-immortal.", Robin argues as Astrid is left to be in awe.
Astrid then gets a text from her assistant/henchman Kristiaan, saying she needs to get on a plane as soon as possible. "We gotta go. I need to be somewhere not here.", Astrid grabs Robin, who's not yet finished eating.
They arrive at the nearest airport as Robin shivers "Wait, wait, wait. Aren't you gonna let me go now?".
Astrid furrows her eyebrows in confusion and says "What? Do you think I'm an idiot? That I'm just gonna let you do whatever you want?".
"I'm not going to tell anyone if that's what you're concerned of.", Robin answers.
"That's not what I'm afraid of. Look kid, they're going to come for you: the organization that I'm working with and many people as well. It's safer with me. You're going to be fine...", Astrid explains as she turns her back and whispers "for now.".
The plane eventually takes off as they arrive in Washington DC.
ββββββββββββββββββ
"AHHHH!", Fleur, who is having an endless nightmare, exclaims. She hears someone entering the room and subsequently grabs a pair of scissors.
She hides behind the walls and hears someone singing "Happy Birthday, Dear Fleur. Happy Birthday to you...". Rhaylee, Fleur's best friend/co-worker, and Niko, Fleur's roommate, enters the room, who's holding a piece of blueberry cheesecake.
"Happy Birthday.", Rhaylee greets Fleur. "We couldn't afford the fancy cupcakes, across the street.", Niko explains.
"So, we decided to bake our own version of cheesecake.", Rhaylee adds.
Fleur is filled with appreciation and gratitude as she says "It's perfect. Thank you, you guys.".
Off to their work, Fleur and Rhaylee rides the bus, as Fleur notices Rhaylee's collection of rings, "Why do you always wear those rings?".
"It's a temporary thing until someone has actually gotten me a real gold ring.", Rhaylee replies as Fleur laughs at her.
"Well, you might wanna hold on for that, for like a very long time.", Fleur mocks Rhaylee's rings.
"Anyway, did you see the email Barb sent us?", Rhaylee asks and changes the topic.
"Yeah, uhm. I received it but I read it very briefly.", Fleur replies.
"We have a new associate. He said they're willing to give every little thing they know to someone and help us solve our cases.", Rhaylee says.
They got off to a very tall building filled with insulated glass as Rhaylee adds "Apparently, their whole family's multi-billionaire.".
Inside the establishment, they meet Barb, their boss/manager, who glares at them disappointed "You're late.".
"Do you know it's her birthday?", Rhaylee lets Barb know and immediately makes an excuse.
"Oh, great. Happy Birthday. Someone just got murdered...two actually.", Barb says to mock Fleur as he walks away towards a room.
"It's going to be fun.", Rhaylee tries to make Fleur feel better.
"Yup.", Fleur replies in a pessimistic tone.
They all enter inside a very spacious conference room with Lukai Parkerson, standing and waiting for them. "Hello, good morning. I'm Lukai Parkerson, the secretary of the Mikaelsord family.", Kai greets them professionally, whilst keeping an eye contact with Fleur.
Fleur primarily notices the Mikaelsords' absence in the room as Kai explains "I'm sorry, the Mikaelsords are unable to meet you because they are in another important meeting.".
Kai hands each of them a copy of the contract that comprises both the Mikaelsords' and the FBI's terms and conditions. "Let's not be vague here. What exactly is it that the Mikaelsords are willing to offer?", Fleur asks blatantly.
"Well, the Mikaelsords are known for their strong resources and intercontinental allies, which make them cognizant of everyone's deepest darkest secrets. All the Mikaelsords need to do is tell you a name and we'll help you do the digging.", Kai explains.
However, questions are still troubling Fleur's mind as she asks "Why kind of resources?".
Kai smirks in admiration of Fleur's curiosity and replies "That's not really my responsibility to know nor my place to tell you.".
"Can we have a moment to read this and analyze all of the contents?", Barb requests, as Kai leaves the room.
ββββββββββββββββββ
Astrid, along with Robin, arrives in her gloomy apartment with Kristiaan standing by the corridors.
"Where have you been?!", Kristiaan exclaims, as he notices Robin behind Astrid's back. "Who is that? Why is he here, Astrid?", Kristiaan, once more, asks.
"He's a demi-mortal. The son of those fugitives, which you have FAILED to mention.", Astrid answers.
"I didn't know, Astrid. I swear.", Kristiaan insists.
"Yeah, I figured. Find him a shelter, feed him, give him clothes and do whatever it is to help him survive without human or immortal contact.", Astrid instructs Kristiaan, who looks uncertain of Astrid's actions.
"Astrid, the Mikaelsords ought to talk to you.", Kristiaan lets her know.
Astrid realizes that the Mikaelsords may have already figured out about her recent murder and exclaims "Shit!". She glares upon Robin and tells him "Don't go anywhere outside.".
Astrid is on her way out, but then turns her back to remind Robin "Oh, and you know I can read your mind. So, if you ever decide to let me down, remind me to kill you, please.".
Kristiaan drives the speeding car with Astrid seating on the backseat, "Turn left in Elm Street.".
Kristiaan glares at Astrid through the mirror and questions her decisions, "It's going to take us longer if we take the left turn.".
"Yes, exactly.", Astrid mockingly answers.
Kristiaan complies to Astrid's commands and arrives 10 minutes late as Astrid demands.
Back in the conference room, Rhaylee goes outside to get to the bathroom as Kai catches sight of Astrid arriving.
"Don't let Fleur get out of the conference room yet. Just stall them for a minute.", Kai instructs the security guard standing by the conference room.
Kai frantically approaches Astrid, "Where the hell are you?!".
"Why does everybody keep asking me that?", Astrid jokingly says, as she goes towards the elevator.
Kai grabs Astrid's arm and warns her "Fix your collar.". Kai notices the drop of blood in Astrid's collar and so she goes to the bathroom to clean up.
On her way to the bathroom, Astrid comes across Rhaylee by the bathroom door. "Oh shit.", Rhaylee exclaims as she drops her ring.
The ring kept rolling until Astrid's shoes blocked it. Astrid picks up the ring and gives it back to Rhaylee.
"Thank you. It's my favorite ring.", Rhaylee says randomly.
"It's fake gold.", Astrid whispers under her breath.
"What?", Rhaylee distinctly hears and asks.
"The ring is fake. You should tell your fiancΓ©e that.", Astrid smirks.
"Oh, no. I'm not engaged. No one has given me a ring before.", Rhaylee explains as Astrid turns her back. "Not that I'm expecting someone to. Which I am not.", Rhaylee keeps bickering at Astrid, who's in haste.
"I'm so done with this conversation.", Astrid says in the politest way she can.
"Oh, right. I'm sorry. Nice to meet you!", Rhaylee says as Astrid gets inside the bathroom.
"Likewise!", Astrid exclaims, making Rhaylee genuinely smile.
Rhaylee leaves the building along with Fleur and Barb as Astrid enters the other conference room with the agitated Mikaelsords: Roux, Ezra, Keane, Rosaria, and Xavier inside the room.
As soon as she steps in the room, she receives a slap from Ezra Mikaelsord. "What the hell?!", Astrid exclaims.
"Did you do this?", Ezra asks as he points at the tv screen, showing the breaking news with regards about the murder.
Astrid had no intention of telling a lie, "Yes, I did.".
The Mikaelsords all reacted with disappointment as Keane says "You said you were done working for Magni Nominis Umbra.".
"I said 'I took a vacation from MNU'.", Astrid clarifies.
"How long do we have to clean up all your dirt, Astrid?", Keane sincerely asks.
"I wasn't asking you to clean up my mess. All I need you to do is shut your mouth about MNU!", Astrid exclaims. "I can deal with my own mess.", Astrid adds.
Ezra interrupts her and says "Oh yeah? Like how you dealt with your problem with Aster?".
The rage in Astrid's eyes is apparent as her blood went cold, once Astrid heard her sister's name: 'Aster'. "What you got against me is nothing compared to the burden I'll put you through if I hear you say that again.", Astrid threatens all of them as she scoffs.
"Besides, it's not like this is gonna be different from the other ones you chose to bury.", Astrid reminds them of their debt.
"Whose name is it going to be on the news? Another ex-con? Or maybe a housewife gone mad, so she kills her own husband.", Astrid makes a derision out of the Mikaelsords' prior actions.
"What do you care? All you're ever concerned about is when you get your salary check.", Xavier talks back at Astrid.
"Dead-on.", Astrid exclaims as she walks out of the room, giving them a middle finger.
Roux Mikaelsord, the eldest brother, has always been sympathetic to Astrid Frigard. And so, he runs after Astrid, who's already inside the elevator.
"Wait!", he extends his arms and gets in the elevator with Astrid. "We're having dinner tonight. We would like you to come and join us.", Roux invites Astrid.
"Roux, come on. Just stop.", Astrid immediately turns it down.
But Roux insists "I know it's your sister's birthday. And I know what today means to you. That's why β".
Astrid interrupts Roux's obsequious gesture "No, no, no, no. Don't do that. Isn't it also Maeve's birthday today? Or is that something Ezra still avoids?".
"You know she cannot be associated with us.", Roux replies.
"Yeah, right. Like I'm not supposed to be associated with the Mikaelsords? Roux, stop acting like I'm some part of your family. We all know you're the only one who wants me in your stupid dinners.", Astrid scornfully argues.
The elevator subsequently opens and Astrid mutters "Ah, perfect timing.", as she takes her exit off the building.
ββββββββββββββββββ
After departing the Mikaelsords' building, Fleur, Rhaylee, and Barb go off for a walk in another busy afternoon as they all discuss whether they should trust the Mikaelsords or not.
"We don't even know if their resources are truly reliable. We haven't met their faces yet, we don't have any records on them, and they're basically incognito.", Fleur states.
"Well, there have been witnesses and numerous cases which prove their reliability. And besides, they're merely giving us a name. It doesn't β", Barb says as Fleur interrupts him.
"I know. But I also know you don't trust them...neither of you do.", Fleur says, taking a glimpse of what is inside Barb and Rhaylee's minds.
Barb and Rhaylee looked at each other in confusion as Rhaylee informed them "It's not that I don't trust them, it's just β".
Fleur, once more, manages to answer them before even letting Rhaylee get the thought out of her head, "Yeah, I understand. You're ambivalent, you think they're hiding something and that troubles you.".
Both Rhaylee and Barb glare at Fleur dubiously "You know what I think? I feel like you might be a descendant of Professor X.", Rhaylee mocks Fleur's sixth sense as they laugh off the conversation.
"Oh, shut up. I do feel kind of weird today.", Fleur says earnestly.
"That's called aging, Fleur. It means you're growing old.", Barb jokingly teases as Fleur scoffs.
"But seriously, Lukai Parkerson? He's like the sketchiest guy of all the sketchiest guys.", Fleur adds.
Rhaylee and Barb concur "True.", and nods in unison.
Their derision and raptures soon fade away as Fleur bumps into a tall black man named Manuel Gerithon. "I'm sorry.", Fleur apologizes and walks away at once.
Manuel froze down as he turned back to take another glance at Aster. "You're alive.", Manuel utters in shock and trepidation.
ββββββββββββββββββ
The rage of storms comes passing by the enormous Mikaelsord Manor as Ezra's half-immortal daughter, Maeve, pays them a visit as well.
"Oh my God!", Rosaria exclaims as soon as she opens the door. "Your father's gonna kill you, when he sees you here.", Rosaria adds.
"Well, great. I'm going to die anyways.", sardonic Faith answers.
Rosaria takes off Maeve's damped coat and solemnly says "Happy 21st Birthday.".
Roux and Xavier go downstairs together only to see their newly returned niece, who's dripping wet. "My favorite demi-mortal!", Xavier exclaims as he sprints to hug Maeve.
"Shhh. Ezra doesn't know his daughter is here.", Rosaria whispers as she informs them to be discreet.
Maeve accompanies Roux to get her a fresh pair of clothes as they find each other in a rather serious conversation.
"Uncle Roux, what is one thing that you truly desire?", Maeve asks. "I get that you've lived for a thousand year, but there must be something that you still yearn for, or else you'd give up.", Maeve clarifies, as Roux is completely baffled by the question.
"I don't know. I want to be at peace. I'm not saying I want to die. But I think I've seen enough of this world. I think I've lived more than enough.", Roux says in a sincere manner as he extends his arms, giving Maeve a fresh cardigan to change.
Rosaria and Xavier enter the room and warn her "Try not to get caught while changing.", as they lead her to the bathroom.
As bad luck would have it, Ezra arrives while Maeve is still inside the bathroom. "I found someone. She's an ex-convict/drug dealer, who lived at the same town of the murder. All we need to do is match her location to Astrid's and give her name to Kai and the FBI.", Ezra mutters as Roux, Rosaria, and Xavier keep their mouths shut.
"Why are you so quiet?", Ezra notices the uncanny silence permeating through the room.
"No, no. It's just...", Xavier attempts to make an excuse.
"Are we sure we can trust Kai? I mean, it's not impossible that he'll betray us like he did Astrid years ago.", Rosaria comes up with a topic.
"Okay, we had this conversation. And we're not having it again.", Ezra neglects Rosaria's statement. "Where's Keane? I need to go to the bathroom.", Ezra says, going towards the bathroom.
Roux, Rosaria, and Xavier block Ezra as he glares at them with suspicion. "What the hell are you hiding?", Ezra exclaims.
"It's Keane. Keane's inside the bathroom!", Roux thought of an explanation.
However, to make matters worse, Keane arrives by the door, ultimately leaving them without excuses. Maeve comes out of the door and as soon as Ezra catches sight of her, Ezra GLARES at all of them, fuming with vexation as his mind goes blank.
ββββββββββββββββββ
Ezra takes the liberty to confront his daughter, while giving Maeve a tour of the Manor.
"Dad, I only have a year left until I completely desiccate.", Maeve reminds Ezra, but did not respond. "Have you found any half-immortals like me?", Maeve persistently asks.
"No.", Ezra replies with indifference.
"No, you didn't find anyone? Or no, you didn't look for anyone?", Maeve insists.
"Maeve, come on. I'm trying my best here.", Ezra declares.
"Me too, Dad! This is my life. I'm either going to die as a human or live forever.", Maeve cries out. "I'm only asking you to do this for me. I'm not even asking you to send a birthday card or whatever.", Maeve explains.
Ezra looks at Maeve with concern as he says "I'll send you a gift card, tomorrow".
"Oh, for God's sake!", Maeve exclaims as she storms out of the Manor.
Ezra sighs deeply, exasperated by the fact that he's not doing any better.
ββββββββββββββββββ
Whilst Ezra and Maeve are having their demurs, the rest of the Mikaelsords had an unlikely guest as well. Keane receives a phone call from the complacent rival Manuel Gerithon, "I know where you are. I know where your family is. And I know you're having steak.", Manuel says in a hostile voice.
Keane scoffs as Manuel asks for dinner "Can I join you guys? It's not too late to have old friends eating dinner together.".
But just as the line ended, Manuel had already invited himself inside the Manor. Keane, who's still hesitant of Manuel's 'harmless' visit, asks "Manuel, what are you doing here?".
"I told you. I had come for supper.", Manuel says in a grave matter as Keane scoffs.
"No. I mean, what are you doing in the same place we are at?", Keane puts forward.
"I came to visit an old friend. And besides, you cannot just own the beauty of this entire city all for yourselves.", Manuel argues.
The two scowled at each other with belligerent looks in their eyes. Rosaria walks between them and breaks the icing tension in the room, "Let's just eat.".
Keane looks at Rosaria and says "I'm gonna get a croissant.", as he leaves the Manor.
ββββββββββββββββββ
The street lights flicker in the desolate street, where Lukai Parkerson is walking discreetly. He hears someone behind him, mirroring his movements as he slowly pulls out the knife from his pockets.
Kai pushes her against the wall, realizing it is his younger sister, Adrianna, who has been following him. "Jesus, what are you doing?!", Adrianna cries out.
"What am I doing? What the hell are YOU doing?! I told you to stay indoors.", Kai exclaims as he lets go of his sister.
"Please tell me that that wasn't Aster you've just met.", Adrianna whispers.
"I don't know. She doesn't know who she is. I mean, she definitely doesn't know who I am. Or else she would've stabbed me to death.", Kai swears.
"Well, thank God you're aware of that fact.", Adrianna says, still counting the questions left in her mind. "How is Aster alive?", Adrianna asks.
"Why is she alive NOW?", Kai asks as Adrianna looks at him with doubt.
"What do you mean 'why'?", Adrianna questions.
"Adrianna, come on. The question 'how' can be answered by millions of possibilities of witchcraft. The right question to ask is who resurrected Aster and why. Why now?", Kai explains.
Perhaps, Adrianna has been given some light under her curiosity on the chances that nothing really stays dead forever.
ββββββββββββββββββ
Arriving in her apartment, Astrid is beyond appalled as she opens the door with Kristiaan, standing right in front of the door. "Stop LURKING around!", Astrid yells at Kristiaan, and punches him in a harmless way.
Kristiaan stays where he is and informs Astrid "We have a problem.".
"When did we ever lose one?", Astrid says sarcastically as Kristiaan turns his back to Astrid.
"No. I mean, a huge problem. Your sister...", Kristiaan mutters with inhibition.
Astrid FURROWS her eyebrows in agitation as Kristiaan eventually says "Aster Frigard is ALIVE.".
Astrid does everything in her own will not to shatter open as she begins to picture her hands filled with Aster's blood. "How are you certain?", Astrid asks in denial.
"I saw her leave the Mikaelsord building before you left, along with her co-workers, I assume.", Kristiaan explains.
All of Astrid's remorse, power, and resolution shut down as she realizes "Oh God. This will be the beginning of our finality.".
"Where is she?", Astrid puts into question as she intends to follow every course of action Aster takes...and thus, the plot BEGINS.
ββββββββββββββββββ
In a longing sleepless night, Fleur, who is still badgered by the Mikaelsords' pure intentions, spends the remaining hours of the night on a laptop, trying to catch drowsiness.
She decided to go outside, breathe some fresh air and perhaps, buy herself a croissant for the last hour of her birthday.
The cafe is open for 24 hours as Fleur enters the pastel-colored shop with no one inside but the cashier, the smell of freshly-baked pastries, and Keane Mikaelsord, sitting alone in a booth.
Keane glances at Fleur as soon as she steps inside. Keane tries to approach Fleur to seek reassurance from her. However, emotions cascade down as Keane could not bring himself to utter a word nor make a muscle move.
"Hey, are you buying?", Fleur asks Keane, who's standing near the counter.
Keane NODS.
"I'm sorry, that was rude of me. You were clearly the first to get here.", Keane says politely as he lets Fleur buy first.
"No, no, no. It's okay. Seriously.", Fleur insisted.
Keane buys and asks Fleur "What do you need?".
"Just a croissant.", Fleur replies as she smiles.
"Two croissants, please.", Keane says as he pays for Fleur as well. "And a dozen of those cupcakes.", Keane adds as Fleur looks at him.
"I noticed that it was the first thing you stared at when you stepped inside.", Keane explains, making Fleur smirk.
"Am I that obvious?", Fleur asks in deprecation.
"No, no. I'm just...I find comfort when I look at your smile.", Keane says.
"Well, thank you. I think you may have completed my birthday.", Fleur replies as she inadvertently smiles.
Fleur leaves the bakery with a genuine smile on her face as Keane whispers under his breath "Happy Birthday, Aster".
ββββββββββββββββββ
Fleur walks under the moonlight as she is incognizant of the SHADOW that is creeping behind her. Fleur gets inside her apartment at peace, as Astrid skulked beneath the darkness.