Interstate 151, Texas
Wednesday March 12th 2059 - 8:48 AM
The next morning, they set off for Medford, in Hope's rental. Hope was quiet on the trip, taking in all the stories and advice Elsa was willing to give. It took two hours by car but it felt like 10 minutes with how much detail Elsa gave. Yet in all that time Hope still didn't feel like she knew what to expect. As they entered the sleepy Texas town, Hope wasn't very impressed. The town looked small, she guessed it had less than 10,000 people living here. No big city amenities on every corner. No high-rise towers, no obvious signs of wealth. The people who walked about seemed normal everyday people you would meet. Most were fit but there were lots of plain looking folks going about their day. There wasn't any obvious signs of decay or crime, which made it better than her own home. They passed by several restaurants that were all local types. There wasn't many chain places about which was both strange and refreshing. The downtown area was the first obvious thing she noticed that was out of place. It looked like it was thriving. Lots of small businesses and folks walking about town. Little stores selling this and that, barber shops, a seamstress, a cobbler, what the heck is a cobbler? The TV and Computer repair shop really caught her eye. Who bothered to fix any of that anymore? A part of Hope wondered if the car had somehow traveled back in time. Most downtowns in America were boarded up ghost towns. Hope started to ask about it when she noticed the look on Elsa's face.
Elsa was hyped up beyond anything Hope had ever seen before. Elsa let out a breath like she had just tasted her favorite dish. When she asked Elsa if she was ok she just nodded in such a way Hope thought she was on drugs. There was eager, and then there was this. That put Hope on guard and she started to become concerned. And then she saw Elsa shout out to one person and then wave at someone else. It wasn't danger she saw, but rather a VERY exited friend. Hope just smiled and laughed quietly at her friend's expense. Medford wasn't exactly her idea of heaven, but on some level it was for Elsa. It looked like a nice place to raise a family. If she was this happy to be home, she wondered why Elsa ever left in the first place? The few times they had talked about Medford, Elsa made it sound like a dreadful place where she had few choices. Yet again it was another sign that there was far more to Elsa than she knew.
One thing that stuck with Hope was something Elsa had said on the drive down. Hope had finally got up the courage to ask just what Gerold and Elsa were. If they weren't human than what could they possibly be? Elsa was not comfortable with the question at all. Like a few details she had asked about, she begged Hope to hold it for the others. But she did use a term to describe her kind as "The Aqua." The term on its own didn't reveal anything. Yet when Elsa spoke the word, it was said with love and respect. Hope was still trying to digest that when Elsa offered up another morsel. Without seeming to consider her words, she said that the humans who lived in Medford had another term for her kind. One she hated and refused to speak aloud. She obviously resented how "normal" folks saw her. Every time she said the word Humans it left a strange feeling in Hope's chest. Just how different was Gerold? Random thoughts from movies of aliens infesting people and the like entered her mind. It made her skin craw and not for the first time she found Elsa a bit uncomfortable to be around. A part of Hope wanted to drop Elsa off and turn around and go home. But she wasn't that much of a coward. She loved Gerold, and Elsa was dear to her. They had more than earned the right to have a bit of trust in such things. But Hope worried about how far that latitude really went. Did she really want to be associated with them? Did she want to allow someone who was THAT different to touch her? Thank God she wasn't in the link. Just having these thoughts would devastate poor Elsa. But Hope had them, and she couldn't ignore the fact both of them thought of themselves as "not human." If it was just the link they were talking about then she could more than live with that. But there was more, and it was that uncertainty that worried Hope.
"That's the hall, pull over there."
The building that Elsa pointed out was old, and looked like most of the other buildings on the block. It looked like it had once been a car dealership, at the turn of the century. Just not the 21st, more like the turn of the 19th to the 20th. Just why would they meet her parents here? Did they work here or something? She started to ask as she parked the car. But Elsa was already out of the car before she even got a chance to shut it off. A moment later Elsa opened the building's front door for her and ushered Hope inside. What Hope found was a very old structure that had been repurposed. A young woman around the same age as her with very long black hair dressed in what was clearly maternity clothing was manning the desk. The interior was mostly walled off from the rest of the building and only an ancient looking elevator was visible. The moment the woman behind the desk saw Elsa, her eyes got big and she stood. Both women got shrill with delight, Hope couldn't make out what Elsa called her, but it was clear they knew each other.
The woman who got up was indeed pregnant. How far along Hope had no clue, but far enough that it was visible. She didn't seem that encumbered by it so she couldn't be that far along. Children was something Hope never thought much about. She was far too young, and she had far too much to accomplish before she would even entertain such thoughts. At 26 Hope really didn't know anyone who was pregnant, most women waited longer now anyway. Seeing this young girl like this was a bit eye opening. It made Hope curious what it was like. Not curious in a wishing sort of way, but more like in a morbidly curious fashion. After what seemed like an eternity of the two hugging and speaking rapid fire, the pregnant woman seemed to finally remember there was another among them. She looked Hope up and down with curiosity and then spoke to Elsa in what Hope assumed was French.
"Alors soeur, quie est-ce?"
Elsa looked at Hope with a smile and explained just who Hope was. That Hope was Gerold's fiancé and that she had brought her here to be interviewed. At hearing this Hope found her hands taken by the woman who spoke rapid fire French. Her face flushed and she spoke to her in a playful manner. Her eyes locked with Hope's and she saw the dance and sparkle of a woman highly entertained.
"Alors mom petit Gerold a un amant. Dis-moi, Hope, est-ce que tu le gardes au chaud la nuit?"
Hope saw out of the corner of her eyes that Elsa began to blush, and giggled a bit.
"Hope, this is Agatha, she is married to my brother Alex. She says she is happy Gerold has found someone."
Hope knew Elsa enough to know that wasn't the full translation. But she still smiled and thanked her and asked how her baby was doing. She expected that Elsa would have to translate for her but instead Agatha spoke flawless, if heavily accented English.
"It's a boy, my first! He kicks like a mule and I am never far from having to pee. But I wouldn't trade it for the world. You can't imagine how long I have waited to have a child."
Hope thought that was odd to say, she was young, younger looking than her or Elsa. If anything, she was sort of getting ahead of herself. She probably wasn't going to be having much for a career with a child already in her life. None of this registered on her face however, she was careful to smile for her and agree that having a child was a blessing. Not that Hope thought that for a second.
"So, Hope you have come to join us then? If you are worried about meeting Ashley you shouldn't be. She is fair in her questions; she will respect you as long as you do the same. Oh… are you with child my dear? That must be why you are here without him. I do so hope you are, what a wonderful way to join us. You think you crave having a family now? Just wait young one, once your eyes are like ours it will be the only thing in life you desire."
The blood ran out of Elsa's face and she had to quickly tell Agatha that no, Hope wasn't pregnant. And most importantly that she knew nothing of what she was talking about. Agatha looked confused but Elsa continued explaining that she had only linked with her. Gerold had failed to tell her ALL about them. That sparked furious discussion between them. Agatha was visibly agitated and spoke even faster than she did before, and in her native tongue. She seemed both upset and concerned, and looked at Hope a few times as she spoke. It was upsetting to Hope, she was getting freaked out by all of this. To say this wasn't what she expected today was an understatement. Agatha finally turned and addressed Hope directly once she was done grilling Elsa.
"My dear this world you are entering its nothing like the world you know. The link is only a part of being what we are."
Elsa interrupted and explained that she had told Hope that they were known as the Aqua. That seemed to further irritate Agatha but only for a fraction of a second. She paused and looked like she abandoned what she was going to say.
"I do not know you my dear, normally we would dance first. Pretend to be friendly and discover who the other really is. There is no time for that nonsense. If you know about the link, then you know enough that it's time for you. So, who are you really child? Are you here to increase your loveliness? Perhaps you know the power that you will receive and you crave it, no?"
Hope stood there gob smacked and unable to respond. She just shook her head no. More in the reality she had no clue what this woman was asking, than a response per say. What power, what the hell was this woman on about? This indecision on Hope's part seemed to embolden Agatha. She slyly smiled and approached her.
"Perhaps you are only mistaken, you believed you were in love, but it's only a passing thing, yes? Do you really desire this boy, really my child? Why have a boy for a lover, when you can have a man? Or do you have one already, I wouldn't blame you if you did. I know I would be very bored if Gerold was my lover."
Hope's mouth fell open and stayed that way. Agatha pulled back a step and looked slightly amused and displeased, as she continued to assault Hope with offense after offense.
"Surely a woman like you could do better? You should go back home; you will find another. Gerold is so boring, an academic no…. what do you say… no passion. The link is lovely yes, but what would a life with Gerold be, but utter boredom. You appear to be a woman who knows the difference yes? I imagine your other lovers, they please you more, is it not so?"
Hope was earnestly confused, too stunned to be offended when Agatha started. She simply mumbled that she loved him. It sounded so odd being spoken that way, it was far too weak a response. Having this woman look at her with such intensity she felt locked in a wolfs glare. But when Agatha suggested she had another man in her life already, that really toasted her cookies. Then her courage, and her temper, got the better of her. She grew more indignant at what Agatha was insinuating, that she was just using Gerold as a plaything. Hope took a step forward and looked at her with far more confidence this time. She was no whore; they loved each other and what they had was real. Who the hell did this bitch think she was? Hope didn't know what possessed her but she attempted to slap her after Agatha said again that life with Gerold would be boring. Agatha caught her hand in the air and held it with such strength that Hope was astonished. Even when she tried to pull it back Agatha held it with ease.
"Tres bien, tu n'es pas qu'une pitoyable biche. It's good you have fire little one. But you will need to keep that in check when you speak to Ashley. She will do..."
The smile on her face and that comment "she will do", was that some sort of twisted test?
"I apologize little one for angering you. What you seek is a great prize, one only worthy of a real woman. Not the whores that are so common nowadays. Gerold is special to me, and I can see he is to you as well. That is good. I only want the best for him, he deserves a good woman to love him."
Hope was confused, what in hell was that all about? Without another word the pregnant woman released her hand and pushed her back with enough force that she backpedaled three full steps. She darn near lost her footing and fell flat on her back. Had she been in heels she would have. Hope was aghast at the strength of this woman and stood there astonished. Agatha left the room with a smirk, passing through a doorway behind her desk. Hope turned to Elsa and gave her a look that screamed what she was thinking.
"I know I haven't told you everything. But I can't Hope, it's against the code. Only after you have been found worthy can I…"
Hope held up her hand, she was hurt that Elsa had left things out again. It was petty of her yes, but seriously? Yes Hope already knew there was more, but Elsa should have just spilled it all. Hope was angry but she still wanted to know what she was going into. Who the hell was this Ashley that she had to meet, and get approval from? Instead of saying angry things at Elsa she simply asked who Ashley was.
"Ashley is like us, she is Aqua. She has the ear of the King, and if she disapproves of you, she can stop you from marrying Gerold. I know you find all of this to be offensive. But if you want to marry Gerold, then you must seek her approval. You passed your first test H, Agatha was impressed."
Hope had assumed she was going to see Gerold's parents not strangers! Hope thought yet again about washing her hands of all of this. It was just ABSURD, all of it! The very thought of a King was so stupid to Hope she laughed and turned around to pace. How on earth could someone in this family claim to be a King? A king of what a dozen people? This was simply madness, just madness.
"Elsa I don't know what Aqua's are, or what the hell that means, but it's all just silly to me. I don't have a clue why I am here, and I have half a mind to go home. I don't know why I just don't leave you here with these people."
Elsa rushed over to her and said something quietly to her. What she said helped, but only just.
"Because you and Gerold were made for each other H. I told you people don't like what we are. That's why we hide, why I was so scared you would hate us if you knew. Please Hope, just give this one more chance. For Gerold please, if he knew you walked way it would kill him. I broke the rules for you and for my brother. Trust me I am going to hear about it next. But it's worth it, if the two of you find love. Gerold is my brother, and other than you, there isn't a soul in this world I care about more. Please Hope don't give up on him."
Hope deflated a bit but her patience was nearly up with this place, and she had just arrived. After that exchange Hope cooled her heels in a chair waiting for Agatha to return. She almost wished she didn't, Hope was petulant as she waited. Huffing and tapping her feet in defiance, but still, she stayed. After 15 minutes of waiting Agatha came out and escorted Hope alone into the office. It was full of mementos and pictures. But it was devoid of this Ashley she had been told about.
"Please take a seat and Ashley will be with you shortly. I will be outside if you need me."
Hope didn't bother to look back she was still angry at Agatha and she sat until the door shut behind her. Then she defiantly stood, it was childish but somehow it made Hope feel better. It also gave her something to with her emotions. She wasn't nervous. She was too confused to be. As she waited she moved about the room looking at the nicknacks and common items strewn about the office. She noticed several pictures adorning the wall. She hoped it might reveal something about the person she was about to meet. There were several images of a young woman in uniform. The uniform was Army, that Hope knew well. Her father had served in the Army as a young man. Images of him in uniform were all over the house in Nebraska. He had fought in the war nearly two decades ago. It was that war that had ended her parents' marriage, Hope reflected sadly. Mom had struggled being an army wife during a time of war. Pushing that unpleasant memory away, Hope took in the image. The woman in the photo had short cropped blonde hair that looked unattractive. No makeup, of course, and nothing that would help her looks. Those uniforms were horrible, even on men they didn't make them look attractive. The woman looked young in the images. Clearly it was taken around the same time from when Hope's father served. Modern Army uniforms were drastically different so it was easy to date the picture. If the woman was Ashley, then it meant she was a veteran. She was probably in her late 40's by now. Possibly older looking at the images, the woman pictured looked athletic and tough. No smiles, just confidence and toughness, Hope supposed.
There were other images on the wall, clearly Ashley had children. Two boys from the looks of it, both were teens. Another picture was of a man, also in uniform standing next to the same blonde soldier. From the position of the photo, it must be important. Perhaps a husband, or a friend, or lover. There was also a shadow box that displayed the medals and ribbons for a Major Pierce. That matched the photo she saw on the wall. So, Ashley was this Major Pierce then.
Looking around the desk it was clear this Ashley was very ordered. Everything seemed to have a place, and even the little things like pens were ordered and aligned to the desk. Her laptop was closed but centered perfectly so the user could just open the lid and start work. Moving away from the desk she returned to the pictures at the far wall. Those seemed to show her in civilian attire. Still the military bearing and lack of smiles adorned her face. There was another image on the wall, one of a mass of people standing in a circle around a smaller group. The image had been taken at some distance, what its significance was Hope had no clue. It almost had a rock concert feel about it. Everyone's attention was focused on the people in the middle, without exception.
"History is a passion for me. When no one is looking I can stand there and look for hours."
Hope turned and her mouth fell open. It was indeed the woman from the photos. But she hadn't aged a day, hell she looked better than the photos Hope thought. Ashley started to introduce herself and saw Hope's open mouth and looked at where she was standing. The woman that walked up to Hope wasn't a woman of 50. This blonde beauty looked like she had barely left school. There wasn't a single wrinkle to be found on her young skin. It was almost like a High School senior had walked in to introduce herself. The thought made Hope laugh as Ashley came close.
"My name is Ashley Williams, it's nice to finally meet you Hope."
Hope shook her hand and marveled again at the girl not the woman who stood in front of her. At first she wondered if the lighting was just playing tricks on her. But it wasn't, this girl was the same woman from the photos. She would bet on it, she kept her hair the same way, the same lack of makeup. Not that she needed much, she wasn't gorgeous like Elsa, but she wasn't "meh" either. Ashley must have sensed her questions and smiled while pointing at her own photo.
"I see you noticed me, yes Hope that was me. I served during the war, I spent a little time in Guam. That was me and…. a good friend of mine the day we first arrived. We were both so proud and young then, all we could think about was serving our county and being part of the big war. We were both so naïve, but our hearts were in the right place."
Ashley had pointed at the photo with the man Hope had noticed earlier. It had a position of prominence, that told Hope all she needed about him. The pause of her voice when she pointed him out said they were more than friends.
"He died my last day in country. Missile strike on the place where we were living."
Hope said her apologies and Ashley kept her eye on the photo a moment longer before she acknowledged what Hope said. Then she led Hope back to the desk and instead of sitting behind it, sat in the chair next to Hope's.
"I apologize for the rough way Agatha handled you out there. It's an unpleasant part of our work here in this office. I assure you that her intentions were good. She is fond of your Gerold, she went to school with him and his brothers. But she isn't alone, I think you will find all of us Aqua are fond of him. All of our clan miss him and his sister terribly. I can't tell you how happy you have made the clan today. Bringing Elsa home to us, even if it's just for a short visit, it means the world to us. And of course, we also get to finally meet you. Nancy, Kate and I have been thinking up all kinds of schemes to bring you here. I am glad you took care of that yourself."
Hope had to smile a bit, Ashley was charming. Mostly because she struck Hope as a very honest person. No sane person would admit to scheming to meet you. She had so many questions to ask, but she had planned to go off on this woman. Especially on the fact that she had to "interview" in the first place. What business was it of hers that she be in a relationship with Gerold? Link or no link if they wanted to be together it wasn't their call. But instead of doing that, she decided to give Ashley a chance first.
"Ashley can you give me some straight answers to some questions? I feel like… well I feel like the two most important people in my life have been lying to me for years. I want to know the truth, what are you people?"
Ashley didn't hesitate, nor did she show any emotion in the telling. The answer she gave was nowhere near the top of Hope's list of possibilities. Hell, it wasn't on the list at all.
"Elsa told you that we call ourselves the Aqua. And that is true, our clan is called Aqua. But humans call us something else, or at least they have for the last hundred years or so. They call us vampires, Hope."
Hope laughed and uncontrollably so. She saw some spittle barely miss Ashley as it hurled towards the wall. Once she saw that Ashley wasn't laughing she paused in confusion. Did she really think they were vampires?
"I know the term is offensive, and truth be told we are barely anything like the ones you see in movies or TV. But the inspiration for that myth is very real. Our clan, and the others, have existed for many centuries, long before the vampire myth was written. For centuries the Aqua have lived as quietly as we can. We do not have fangs, nor do we walk the night in search of victims. But we do feed from humans like you Hope. It's nothing sinister like you see with fangs and blood, but rather we feed from your emotions. It helps to sustain us and our powers, like the link for instance."
Hope wanted to laugh again and even Ashley began to smile. Ashley sat there with her legs crossed. It was odd in a way, when she stood earlier and spoke she did so rigidly. Her mannerisms were that of a soldier or a man. But sitting here she was dressed in a pretty cream-colored skirt with a mauve top. Here she was soft and feminine, as if inside of Ashley existed two separate women. Hope wanted to be mad at her for saying something so ridiculous as to claim they were vampires. But what about the photos? Twenty years ago when the war was going on, Ashley would have only been a baby. Yet she was the exact same woman in the photo, a daughter maybe? Was this some sort of joke they were playing. She didn't have to ask the question.
"I am not teasing you or trying to be silly Hope. I turn 50 next month, I was 25 when I was changed by my love into what I am now. I became a vampire then, and have been ever since. From time to time my body is renewed. I especially like how I looked when I was 19 so that is generally the age I choose to revert to."
Hope looked closely at her and again had to agree her eyes did not deceive her. This girl looked every bit 19, certainly not as old as 50! Still, that didn't prove anything. But for now, Hope gave her the benefit of the doubt, she merely asked how she reverted.
"In the days before the King, we would have to kill. An aqua vampire would, in their old age generally, take a life."
At hearing that Hope felt cold, so they killed. Hope didn't have time to consider the words as Ashley went on.
"If the vampire were in anyway moral, they would seek out the less desirable. Thieves, murderers, rapists, or if there was war, then they would have other opportunities. But no matter the target, they would have to take life to sustain life. Thankfully today that is not the case. I am happy to say what we do today is harmless."
Hope didn't know what to say, she just sat there looking at this woman speechless.
"I know, I had the same reaction when I was told. I laughed at my love and teased him; I never dreamed such things really existed. But we do Hope, and my life, and the lives of my clan are a testament to that. We can live for centuries, likely as not many centuries. Some vampires here in Medford are over a thousand years old. You can walk the streets of Medford and meet men who sailed with the Persian navy against the Spartans, or fought in Napoleons army. Our former mayor was a roman legionnaire once. There are legends of time here Hope. One woman I am friends with, was the basis for the Greek goddess Peitho. Her first husband was Achillies, the actual Achillies, can you believe that! Another of our own Aqua clan was a pharaoh and ruled over the Nile in antiquity. I know you minored in history, trust me Hope, you will learn more your first year here, than you ever did at Creighton."
A detached part of Hope wanted very badly for what Ashley was claiming to be true. Yet how on earth was it possible? She expected at any moment for Elsa to come storming in laughing and teasing her for being an idiot to believe any of this. An asinine prank dreamed up by some lunatic. Yet that link…..it was real. Then it hit her, Ashley seemed to be under the impression that they would move here. Vampires or no vampires, she knew Gerold didn't want to return. So, she asked about it.
"Of course, you will move here. Once you are a vampire, you will see how your priorities shift. The call of our clan will be enough to bring you here Hope. Trust me, the first time I felt the call I wanted nothing but to stay here for eternity. Living with my own kind and building a nest to create and nurture my young. I have two boys at the moment, but both of them are men now, really. One of them will be wed soon, and the other is looking to follow in my family's profession and join the Army. Its why I decided to revert now Hope, it's time for me to nest again and start another family. Honestly I can't believe I have waited this long as it is. When you are changed into a vampire Hope, you too will feel this call. I know you linked with Elsa, you must have felt it in her as well."
Hope remembered the feelings, and hearing Ashley describe it gave her more clarity on what she had seen and felt in the link with Elsa. Her friend did indeed feel this "call" she spoke of. Elsa had to fight hard not to come to this place and see her people. She was drawn to them like a moth to a flame. It wasn't just love and homesickness. There was something definite and strong, pulling at her to return. Hearing Ashley added a new flavor to it, coming home meant more than just seeing family. It was about creating family as well. That must be why both brother and sister fought it, they desired their careers and to have them meant denying the call.
For the first time since she had heard the word vampire, Hope began to think this might actually be real. She hated herself for thinking it, but she generally knew bullshit when she saw it. Ashley wasn't a fool, that was clear from how she talked and if believed, the history on the wall as well. Ashley was an old woman and she talked like one. Only her body was young, it fit what she had been told. Still, it was absurd. Holding out for time and reason to save her from a horrible prank, she asked about the interview and why it was necessary. She suspected she could guess, but she wanted to hear it from Ashley.
"Relationships for humans are fraught with danger. It's no different for vampires, what is different is the stakes. With a human when a marriage fails it leads to a divorce. But generally, society is not harmed. The same is not true for vampires, by making a human into one of us we grant that person all the power and ability we have. It may seem heartless but we simply cannot give this to just anyone. The human who mates with one of us must be capable of living as one of us. The power we offer you is no small thing Hope. We must know beyond a shadow of a doubt you are suited to it. So, it's not just about how earnest you love Gerold. It's also what kind of moral person you are, and how likely this power will corrupt you. We live with very powerful beings here, other clans with other powers. If we grant this to someone who will abuse it, then it could cause more than just pain for us. It can pit us against the other clans, it has happened in the past. Medford is at peace and everyone here wishes very much to keep it that way. Far too many of our children and our loves lie sleeping in Woodlawn forever to remind us of that."
Hope quickly picked up on the last part. Woodlawn sounded like a cemetery, and the sadness in Ashley's voice made it clear she had loved ones of her own in that place. A part of her wanted to ask but her heart was focused on her own trouble. So, Elsa and Gerold were vampires. Just thinking it made her want to laugh.
"I assure you Hope it's not a fantasy, we are very real. If you like I can show you one of my memories to prove it."
Hope's mind went click. Ashely wasn't just guessing what she was thinking, she was listening to what she was thinking. She was in the link. The nodding of Ashley's head confirmed her suspicion. But how on earth did she do it? When Elsa put her in the link the walls melted?
"Elsa is a child, she has only been using her power for a few years. I have been a vampire for a quarter of a century Hope. Please relax and try to keep your mind as quiet as you can. I am conducting my interview and I need to evaluate you properly."
Hope was terrified for a moment but she tried not to think anything. It was quiet and awkward but Ashley didn't seem to feel that way. But neither did she speak after that. Hope waited for the questions but they never came. So, she quietly asked why. Ashley smiled sweetly and laughed before replying.
"Because silly, I don't have to ask questions to learn about you. I am in your mind now. Reading your memories, feeling your emotions. Learning all about whom you are, and what makes you special. The link allows me to speak to you with part of what is me, while the rest searches you. I can feel the love you have for Gerold, its hidden behind all this uncertainty you have. You still have not accepted the truth yet, that what you are seeing and hearing is real. But I can feel the love you have for him. It's a young love, untested and new. You haven't really decided yet what it is you really want."
Hope didn't like that, of course she had decided. She had told him yes when he asked, both times in fact! What more confirmation did this woman need?
"Saying yes to a proposal isn't the same as commitment. Inside your heart you are still the same person. You could walk away tomorrow should Gerold say or do something. Your loyalty is still with yourself not with your husband."
Hope pointed out that he wasn't her husband yet. That she was here to help make that happen, in fact.
"Yet in your heart, he isn't. Before you can be one in the real world as you call it, you must be one inside you. Yet I don't see where Gerold is living inside this heart of yours. You care for him, you give him your body, your time. But what about here, deep inside yourself, where you dream of the future. I do not see Gerold here, where are your future children? Where is the home that you will share? You have never once thought of what children would be like with Gerold."
Hope was confused, the reality of her eyes flashed and the office was gone now, as were the chairs. Ashley was no longer a person but a mist with a face. The images around here were of things she fantasized about. Hope saw herself being promoted at work, being envied by women in her office, lusted after, by other men. The room shifted and she was making passionate love to Doug her boss, and then to many other men she knew. Hope was mortified, she had never done or experienced any of these things. All of them were her fantasies, the ones she kept deep inside where no one would dream they existed. She didn't have to be told by Ashley that these were things from her mind, and not from Ashley. Many of these fantasies were things she had pondered many times, some quite recently.
"Where is Gerold in all of this? I see what you dream about, power, respect, desire from others. But where is Gerold in these desires?"
Hope muttered the starts of words that died quickly before becoming a sentence. The mist led her to many of her fantasies, they grew progressively worse as she went along. Finally, she couldn't take any more of it and she screamed at Ashley to stop! She covered her eyes and heard herself shouting in the sudden quiet. When she uncovered them she was back in the office sitting beside Ashley. In that moment any further doubts she had about vampires ceased. Whatever Ashley and her kind were, they weren't human.
"No, as much as many of us like to pretend, we are no longer human. Like it or not vampires are apex predators. We prey on your kind, we feed on your kind."
Before her astonished eyes she was taken to another memory. This time Hope was the vampire and she was leaning in to the man from the picture. He was smiling at Hope in anticipation. When Hope touched his hand she felt aflame. His smile grew wide but Hope barely noticed. She was taking from this man, she felt this hunger inside herself and touching him satisfied it. Much like how Hope felt after skipping a couple of meals, and then feasting. It was arousing in ways Hope found immensely uncomfortable. Thankfully this memory or experience ended and she was back in the chair again. She rose the moment she had control and tried to open the door to leave. What she found on the other side of the door was a wall where the hallway had been before.
"We are still in the Link dear. You can't leave until I am finished with my interview. Since you seem to want to ask questions, how about you answer one for me. How did you feel when you fed on my thrall?"
Hope didn't turn she just put her hands up to the smooth wall beyond the doorframe and stared at it intently. She wanted that feeling of pleasure and satisfaction to leave her. But that feeling refused to leave her body. She took a breath and was honest. It wasn't like lying would help here anyway, Ashley already knew she liked it. She told her so, much to her shame.
"Yes I know. But that wasn't your feeling dear, it was mine. You experienced what I felt that day. That wasn't the first time I fed. By then I was used to feeding and didn't bother to hide my enjoyment. I relished it, and enjoyed what he provided. But the first time you feed from a human its unnerving. He was just a boy when I met him. He was 18 and I was 25, it was my first day as a vampire and I had to enthrall him as part of my initiation. I felt very much like you did just now. Your distaste for it passes in time. But if it makes you feel better, you didn't enjoy it, I did. But if you become a vampire you will feed weekly, just as I did in that memory. And you will grow to enjoy it, crave it even. Some become attached to their thralls. Feeding is intimate for both, and sometimes that leads to a relationship."
Elsa had said nothing about "thralls" as Ashley called it. If they all fed like this, then both Elsa and Gerold had someone like this they fed from. Or perhaps that was what she was for? She started to lose it and cry. Then she felt Ashley's warm hand on her back. She was so unnerved by it all, and what she had been told that she couldn't move from the spot. She was too freighted to turn to see the beast behind her. Was this what her friends where? Was her Gerold one of these….
"Vampires, yes dear both of them are and will be. If you wish to be with Gerold than you too will know this feeling of feeding. Elsa likes to pretend she is just a normal girl with a gift. She isn't, she has a thrall she feeds from. For as long as she lives she will continue to have one. So does Gerold, just as we both require food to live, so does a vampire require a thrall. When you are a vampire your body will force you to obtain one. Even if you do not wish it, you will child. With the feedings they provide, you will be able to use your powers. You will command the link yourself. And there is more, not all the changes in you will be beastly."
She felt powerful arms gently but firmly turn her around so she was facing Ashley. But instead of the 18-year-old blonde another woman stood in her place. It was Hope, but not Hope. Ashley had taken Hope's form but it was extremely altered. This version of Hope had long black hair that went nearly to her waist. It was styled in a way that Hope could only dream about. Hope was stunned to see her hair look that way. It was full and bright, and it just lay on her body perfectly. She was dressed in that same designer dress that Elsa had worn, and Hope had always coveted. Her waist was still small but nothing else was. She nearly giggled at thinking what cup size that was. Her mouth went open as Ashley smiled and turned around showing her a different version of herself. It was easily the sexiest thing that Hope had ever seen in her life, and it was her.
"Do you like it? This is what reversion does for a female vampire. It enhances us in, oh so many ways. Your confidence, your hair, and so much more. This is what you will look like when you become one of us. Do you still think us beasts?"
It wasn't a secret that Hope didn't like herself. What woman did she thought. Well women like Elsa must, they were perfect. Seeing Ashley appear as an idealized Hope it showed her something she had never thought possible. That she too could be perfect. That her form, her figure could be altered to be that sexy. To be that stunning, just the fact that it was possible simply blew her mind. Hope felt desire burn in her to have this. Powerful and desiring she felt it flame in herself. It was far more than she had ever fantasied about, to look like this! Suddenly she realized why Elsa looked the way she did. Why Ashley and that pregnant girl looked so good. Gerold apparently didn't get those upgrades, he didn't look that amazing as a man. Or at least he looked very plain for a human guy. Ashley giggled at her thoughts and explained.
"Gerold refused it, but if you convince him to come home he could look like this?"
The image of an enhanced Hope disappeared and a new more handsome version of Gerold appeared. He was muscular and a touch taller. He was rocking a beard which blew Hope's mind. Not the facial hair but the muscles under that shirt. She started to reach out to touch him, but resisted remembering just who that really was. The giggle from Gerold's image reminded her that Ashley was driving this bus.
"We both know you desire this. All of your revulsion left you the moment you saw a better you. Are you ready to become one of us dear?"
Hope felt like she was being tempted by the devil. It was then her conscience caught up with her desires. This was PRECISELY what was going on. She was being tempted to do something evil. Ashley might not be the devil, but this offer wasn't right.
"Please let me go, I….wont tell anyone about you or the others. I just want to go home ok? Tell Gerold I am sorry..tell him….."
A moment later the image of Gerold was gone and Ashley had returned. She looked sad and yet satisfied. She put a hand out to her to steady Hope who needed it. She was shaking now in fear and terror. Terrified that Ashley would feed on her and kill her.
"It's ok sweety, I mean you no harm. This test is difficult I know. My love gave me my test a long time ago. And if it makes you feel any better I responded not that differently than you did. It's going to be ok now ok? I am not going to feed on you, nor will any other vampire. You are under our protection I swear it to you. No one will lay a hand on you while you are here. Believe me Hope, you are among friends who care about you. We may seem evil but we aren't, we want what's best for you and Gerold, truly."
It took time for Hope to calm down. She was worried for her safety, she was embarrassed for her desires, and most of all she was disappointed in who she really was. She could feel the disappointment in Ashley, she had failed this test. That much was obvious.
"Yes child you did. But don't be too hard on yourself. Few humans are really ready at your age for such things. You are young and lets be perfectly honest with each other. You are still learning who Hope is, until today you never really acknowledged that you have a dark side. One that you have to control and tame. We all do sweety, vampire or no. All of us have weaknesses, for you its vanity. You desire a better you, when I showed that to you. Well, you became aroused, it reveals where your heart really is, and what it yearns for. What you are seeking isn't Gerold, it's to feel more powerful, to be more powerful. In this, you failed our test. You are not ready to carry the burden we offer."
Hope looked at Ashley like she had once very long ago looked at her mother. The moment when she had announced she was leaving. Hope had been six years old and didn't understand and like then, she felt so powerless now. Was she going to lose her love over this? She was sure that she would.
"Gerold is a lovely boy, but like you he is struggling with learning whom he is. He wants to be respected and loved for who he is. Not for his powers, or for the things he is given by his clan. He wants to earn his way child. Be the man his father will respect. Because of this he needs a woman who knows what she wants. And who has Gerold firmly and honestly centered in her heart. Otherwise, the pull of being a vampire will rip her away from him. In short he needs a woman who is ready to be one. It's no shame child, I wasn't ready to be a wife at your age either. It took me a long time to be ready for my love. I had to grow up a lot after I became a vampire. I was lucky I made it, I nearly didn't more than once."
Hope was crying now, hearing the judgement. But it wasn't what Ashley said, as much as the mirror she held up to her. Hope looked up at Ashley and saw and felt the sorrow in Ashley's heart. This wasn't fun for Ashley. The link allowed Hope to feel so much of what was going on inside of her too. Ashley was actually a gentle soul, but a very wounded one. That war had nearly killed her very spirit. Flashes of memories showed Hope that. Ashley, strong as she was, still was having trouble preventing Hope from doing what Ashley had been doing. Peeking inside the soul as it were. Hope was astonished that she could see that, even if it was fleeting. It elicited a response and an admission from Ashley.
"I am the reason why this program exists child. When I came home from the war I was dead inside. I wasn't ready to handle the powers I had, nor was I able to deal with that boy's loss. He was my thrall, under my care and I watched him die. I was supposed to take care of him, to watch over him. Not just feed and take from him. The only thing that poor soul wanted to do was serve his country and be someone worthy. He was a child Hope, and I took from him nearly everything. When he died I nearly did too. My love was the one who saved me. We both learned that we have to be careful who we bring into this life. Not everyone is cut out for this."
Ashley took Hope's hands and looked deeply into her eyes. Hope's emotions were all over the place and she couldn't do anything other than sit there and feel like she was a broken thing.
"I know, I don't like telling you no either. Everyone is excited for you to join us and I am sure Gerold was too. But it's no shame to admit when you aren't ready for something. It's how you learn, and grow my dear. Come on, let's get you home."
Hope was pulled from the link and she was guided out of the office a moment later. There were three more women waiting on her besides the French girl and Elsa. One was blonde like Ashley but was model pretty. One was shorter and plainer and dressed like she didn't care for fashion. The last girl a dark haired one looked regal and commanded authority. All three looked like they were around her age. At seeing her tears, the dark-haired one instantly embraced her and spoke.
"It's ok honey, we are going to take you home now. My name is Nancy by the way. I am Gerold's mother, we can do introductions later, for now let's get you someplace quiet ok."