A seabed... There lay a cross, unmoving, as the water remained perfectly still. But now, it began to stir, rising upwards, and with a sudden boom, it disintegrated into dust. Tiny, blood-like particles drifted from the dust, slowly vanishing as well.
The conversation between Antonio and Genna was in high spirits. "So, is he like the others who used to tag along with you to the grave?" Antonio asked, his tone a mix of seriousness and sarcasm.
"Nah, I think I like him," Genna replied, a forced brightness in her voice that couldn't quite mask the offended heart in her words.
"So, why did you bring him here?" Antonio straightened, his voice firm.
"You know why," Genna responded calmly.
"Rubella can't do what she used to do." A worry crept into Antonio's words.
"So Antonio, you're persuading me to believe that a person can't use her Gate of Heaven, due to what?" Genna's voice took on a sharper edge as Antonio heard his name called out, recognizing the weight of her words and desires.
"She had an accident. Ever since then, she just couldn't do it. More like it was taken away. That's also the reason I chose to come here, all the way from our homeland," Antonio explained carefully to Genna.
"Anyway, what's the reason with the boy? If he's for a trade talk, I cannot accept such a price. You must think about that," Antonio said, his worry palpable, clearly referencing a change in his life.
"I told you, he is mine," Genna retorted.
"Nah, I don't think so. There must be a reason you brought him here. What's that?" Antonio's hunch wasn't accurate, but he sensed she intended for Emerald to achieve something, though he didn't know what it was, so he pressed.
"Well, if you say so, I want my way back home," Genna replied.
"Fuck no! Your father told me exactly what I do when the time comes. Never on my dead body am I giving you that!" Antonio was far from pleased with Genna's answer. He knew it would lead to something bad, but how bad could it truly be?
"Oh, come on, Antonio, you can't be that dedicated!" Genna flowed over Antonio's emotions, trying to get his approval, glazing over their shared childhood memories.
"It doesn't matter your status, girl." Despite knowing her royal standing, Antonio stood firm.
"Are you sure about that? I think Rubella doesn't know that much about you. Well, then it will be a pleasure of mine to introduce your past, isn't that right, Antonio?" As Genna uttered those words, Antonio froze. He simply couldn't accept the blackmail she put forward. He was lost, caught on a path of decision-making.
"You... you really got me there. Fine, I'll do it, but after this, you don't even know who I am, got it?" Antonio folded, choosing his calm and beautiful life with his wife, Rubella. He accepted Genna's request.
"Actually, I need two passes." Genna pressed again, knowing his limitations.
"You've got to be kidding me! Taking a child of man to the kingdom? Are you nuts?" This time, Antonio's worry was genuine; he couldn't fathom such an atrocious decision.
"Maybe I am, but still..." Genna wore the smile of a lethal fox.
Emerald returned after his conversation with Rubella. He apologized for abruptly leaving the conversation. As he took a seat, Genna got up. "You two should have a nice talk. I've got the Mrs. to greet. Will be back, Emy boy." Genna left in a hurry to see Rubella. Antonio had a worried look about the situation, but there was nothing he could do. Emerald was put in a tough position, his anxiety skyrocketing.
"If it's okay for me to know, can you tell me about the 'Gate of Heavens'?" Emerald asked, breaking the silence.
"Where did you hear that?" Antonio asked, surprised.
"I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I just heard it from your conversation with Genna."
"Didn't Genna tell you about it?"
"No, but she taught me the story about the Son of Tehrur." Antonio's face brightened at the mention of the ancient tale.
"You like stories a lot, I guess?" Antonio asked.
"Yeah, somewhat," Emerald replied.
"A long, long time ago, a comet fell on the Earth. The comet had the power to harness life itself. The comet created what you call witches. It was against the order of nature, so nature found a way to wipe out the witches, and it was halfway on the mission, but the Son of Tehrur appeared. Vampires were born. To counter that, nature created wolves. I take it you know how vampires are turned?" Antonio asked Emerald, who nodded in response.
Antonio continued, "A naturally born vampire has the specialty of an inbound skill, like controlling water, mass, elements, etc. Even some clans had the ability to turn into animals. We call this ability the 'Gate of Heavens.' Normally, turned vampires lacked this, but over time, it's recorded that a few vampires were able to awaken the 'Gate of Heavens,' even though I'm not really sure about that. As for me, I can mimic any voice."
"That's like a nepotistic ability, isn't it?" Emerald remarked.
"More like it, but it doesn't matter that much in our community. Depending on the nature of one's mentality, the normal turned vampires are far even greater in strength, though."
"That's reassuring. What about Rubella?" Emerald asked.
"Well, she can read one's heart, like copying one's mind completely into her own, even though she can't do that anymore." Antonio's calm demeanor told Emerald he was genuinely worried about the conversation his wife and Genna were having.
After a few minutes of their conversation, Genna came back. She seemed somewhat down. Rubella had an awakened aura around her, as if her innocence had been washed away. Tears welled in one of her eyes, which Antonio noticed even as they were busy seeing off their guests. Emerald and Genna both went on their way.
Without turning, Antonio asked, "What did she ask?"
"About Emerald," Rubella replied.
"Hmm, did you...?"
"A little, his family thing."
"You didn't want her to know, why?"
"Everyone has something they want to protect. Who are we to break it down?"
"I'm sorry."
"It's in the past, darling."
"Still, I'm feeling like I should have done something better," Antonio wept as he spoke. Rubella came closer, wrapped him in her arms, and embraced his tears, her gentle aura soothing his emotions and telling him to ease down.
(To be continued)