Manuel: "Well, here we are; My humble hideout."

Jennifer: "Huh. It looks oddly...."

Manuel: "...normal? Well, not all Vampires live in old mansions and castles. Most of us have a somewhat normal life, as you might imagine."

Jennifer: "Well, either way, it does look comfortable."

Manuel: "So, now that we're here, let's get to know each other a bit more. What's your story? I'm curious."

Jennifer: "What?"

Manuel: "Your story. Why you're one of us. It's a standard question for two vampires getting to know each other, but sometimes it's a bit traumatic, so if you don't want to..."

Can I trust this guy? I mean, he did help me with the Hawthornes, no questions asked... but I barely know him... so far, all Vampires I've met had some ulterior motives with me... probably wouldn't hurt to be a bit more careful...

Jennifer: "Would you mind if you told me yours first?"

Manuel: *laughs* "Fine. I guess you wouldn't be too keen on sharing your lifestory with a one-night stand, would you? Alright then. But first off, you know Vampires are immune to normal weapons, right?"

Jennifer: "I... guess? I don't really know how much of this stuff is real, and how much of it is just Hollywood cliché."

Manuel: "Well, garlic is basically like poison to us... and longer exposure to sunlight can kill us. Doesn't really matter for the story, other than the fact that we are, compared to humans, basically immortal."

Jennifer: "What does that have to do with your story, then?"

Manuel: "Before I turned into a Vampire, I became sick. The doctors said I was about do die, and an experimental treatment would cost about 70 Million dollars."

Jennifer: "Oh my god...."

Manuel: "What I didn't know at the time was that one of my friends was a Vampire. She couldn't bear the thought of me dying... which is why one night, she sneaked into my room and bit me. You should've seen the doctors' faces when I suddenly developed entirely different symptoms replacing the other ones the next day."

Jennifer: "So she saved your life."

Manuel: "Exactly. But now I had to readjust it completely, find synthetic blood sources, get a new job I can do at home, you know how it goes. To this day, I'm not entirely sure if I would have taken that decision if she had left it up to me."

Jennifer: "Well.... I for one think I'm pretty glad she did it... wait, is she your...?"

Manuel: "Girlfriend? No, not anymore. It was always a bit strained by the guilt I felt towards her, it didn't work out."

Manuel: "Alright, I've opened up to you. Now it's your turn, as you promised."

Jennifer: "Well... I'm afraid my story isn't as heartwarming as yours... I'm only here because of my own stupidity and naivety."

Manuel: "Because you trusted a handsome guy inviting you to his place?"

Jennifer: "Funny that you say it like that! In fact, I just entered college when I fell in love with this one guy... we... eventually got together, and when he invited me to his house, he put me in a prison."

Manuel: "Geez.... and I thought my dates were bad..."

Jennifer: "Oh trust me, you could try your hardest to be a jerk, but you'll never be 'I'll-use-you-to-kidnap-your-mom'-bad. Eventually, he bit me, which is how I've managed to escape."

Manuel: "And the guy? Did he get what he deserved?"

What now? Do I tell him 'Yeah, he ran into a portal that turned him into a skeleton made of ash'? According to Arnborg, that's crazy, even for Vampires...

Jennifer: "I... guess you could say that, yeah. It's unbelievable how stupid I was. Just because he was the popular guy and I was the shy, new girl at college..."

Manuel: "Really? It's hard to imagine you being shy after seeing you in action."

Jennifer: "Well, I guess I've come a long way... it's not even been a month and yet I feel like an entirely different person..."

Manuel: "Well, in a way, you are, aren't you? But that doesn't explain your business with the Hawthornes."

Jennifer: "I.... I had a job to do there. I was looking for something about the guy responsible for my imprisonment."

Manuel: "A job, eh? For a moment I actually did think about introducing you to the Hawthornes, but I guess you're already fine, then."

Jennifer: "Do you...?"

Manuel: "...work for the Hawthornes? I wouldn't say so, we only made a one-time deal. I can get along by myself pretty well."

Jennifer: "Is that so? I thought Vampires *have to* align with a family?"

Manuel: "Not if you keep a low profile. I have my methods of avoiding their racketeers. So, again, that was my turn. Who are *you* working with?"

Jennifer: "Oh, it's no one special. Just the guy from the cell next to me."

Manuel: "I see."

Jennifer: "So... what do you say? It's still bright outside..."

Manuel: "I'm... not too sure if that's a good idea, as much as I'd like to..."

Jennifer: "I mean, it's your call, but looking outside I won't have much of a choice but stay here for a little longer if I don't want to get burned..."

Manuel: "Ah, fuck it, I'll just live with it..."

Jennifer: "Let's take it to another level, shall we?"

Manuel: "Oh daaaamn... it's been a while since it was *that* fun..."

Jennifer: "Man... the opportunities...."

Manuel: "Yeah... I think that was worth it...Succubus magic be damned..."

Jennifer: *laugh* "Glad to hear that... I could get used to making you addicted..."

Manuel: "Could you, now? Heh. Funny that you say it... I was just gonna ask you something..."

Jennifer: "What?"

Manuel: "It's probably a weird question to ask after sex, but... why did you do that?"

Jennifer: "Well, I remembered my powers and thought it might be a bit-..."

Manuel: "No, I'm not talking about the flying... why did you fuck me?"

Jennifer: "Well... I... I... just thought it was appropriate for the situation. You... did want this, did you?"

Manuel: "I meant what I said. It's a risky decision, but I calculated the risk, and it was worth it. I just wanted to know if it... meant something. Or if I'm just prey to you."

Jennifer: "I.... uhh..."

Manuel: "Which would be fine by me either way. I just want to know just what is going on here."

Jennifer: "Well, it really is a weird question I think. I mean, why does anyone do that? I certainly wouldn't fuck a guy I hate."

Manuel: "It's totally okay if you don't want to answer the question."

Jennifer: "No, no, it's okay. I... I like you. Yes, I did it because I like you. I think I could get used to... liking you. Ever since I've been turned into a Succubus, I felt like I couldn't really trust anyone... until you helped me with the Hawthornes."

Manuel: *laughs* "Well, that's good to hear. I could get used to this too. If you ever need a place to stay, just hit me up."

After a few hours of sleep, on the evening, Jennifer's phone suddenly rings.

Jennifer: "Yes?"

Gina: "Jenny, there you are!"

Jennifer: "Mom?"

Gina: "You know, you're an adult now, and while that does mean I can't forbid you from staying away so long, that doesn't mean I won't worry about where you are. You haven't been home in days, where have you been?"

Jennifer: "I uhh... I've been staying at a friend's place."

Gina: "Thank god. I'm relieved. Everything is alright, isn't it?"

Jennifer: "Yes, yes, there are no problems at all, mom."

Gina: "...you've been acting kinda weird lately, Jenny. You know you can always talk about what's on your mind with me, right?"

Jennifer: "I... I know, mom. Don't worry, I will come home today."

Gina: "I'm so glad to hear that. Take care, okay?"

Jennifer: "I will, mom. See you later."

Manuel: "Trouble at home?"

Jennifer: "Oh? You're... already awake? Yeah, my mom is worrying a bit, I have to go now."

Manuel: "Oh. Well, you better get ready then."

Jennifer: "Ready for what?"

Manuel: "Going... outside...? You're still missing your dress..."

Jennifer: "Oh, of course, right. I should also probably shower."

A few minutes later...

Manuel: "Alright, you're good to go. Just one more thing?"

Jennifer: "Hm?"

Manuel: "I'll miss you."

Jennifer: "I'll miss you too."

A few minutes later at the Kyron-Basu house...

Gina: "...and how does my daughter do in your courses?"

Arnborg: "Oh, she has much potential, but she lacks the... Oh, look who it is!"

Gina: "Jenny! You never told me that your professor is Arnborg Rehnskiöld! I would have invited him earlier if I knew!"

What the fuck....?

Jennifer: "Yes, he's... he's only been our professor for a short time. What a... pleasant surprise to see you here, Arnborg."

Arnborg: *laughs* "Yeah, I mean, even though you are an adult, I thought it was a good idea to tell your parents about your... problems."

Gina: "Problems? What kind of problems?"

Arnborg: "Gina, I'm afraid your daughter has missed some... assignments. Critical ones. As I said, her passion is a bit... lacking."

Jennifer: *laughs* "Well, maybe my 'passion' would be a bit better if the students could have a bit more of a say in how the course is running!"

Arnborg: "Miss Kyron-Basu, I think you know very well that these demands are not very realistic."

Jennifer: "Mom? Can you excuse us for a moment? I think I need to talk to Mr. Rehnskiöld in private."

Gina: "Oh, you sure seem to have some problems you two. Take your time."

A few seconds later, Jennifer and Arnborg retreat to her room.

Jennifer: "I take *one day* off and you immediately drag my family into this?!? Are you insane?!?"

Arnborg: "I do *not* intend to harm them. I just figured they'd be my best bet to find out where you have been."

Jennifer: "You better not be. And that's none of your business. My life is still mine to control, and if I want to take a pause for one day, I can do that."

Arnborg: "You seem to severely underestimate the threat we find ourselves in. If the Hawthornes oppose us, then the entire American Council probably opposes us. Mess with one dynasty and you mess with all of them."

Jennifer: "And yet, the Hawthornes didn't kill me when their matriarch looked straight into my face, standing right before me. Interesting, isn't it?"

Arnborg: "What are you getting at?"

Jennifer: "I've figured it out, Arnborg. I realized something when I was in there, knowing that they would attack you, but not me. This is not about the revenge of the Hawthornes. It never has been. Not for me. The only problem the other Vampires have is you, not me. You need me, but I don't need you."

Arnborg: "Amusing. You know very well that only I can revert your Vampirism, do you?"

Jennifer: "Well, as it turns out, you aren't."

Arnborg: "Manuel... don't tell me...?"

Jennifer: "Again, none of your business. Just know that if I want to leave, I will leave, and you can't do anything about that."

Arnborg: "You trust that guy? That guy who had an audience with Julia Hawthorne, the most cunning Vampire on this side of the Atlantic?"

Jennifer: "Well, I sure trust him a lot more than I trust you."

Arnborg: "This is madness. You might very well be sleeping with the enemy here."

Jennifer: "I control this game now, Arnborg. Tell me what you really want with the Hawthornes, or I will never return to your base and revert my Vampirism. Then none of this will have ever happened and you'll have to look for a different lackey."

Arnborg: "You're right. Unless, of course, I *do* decide to harm your family."

Jennifer: "Please. I wanna see you try. Come on. Just give me a reason. You know I am more powerful than you."

Arnborg: "...You are learning quickly, Kyron-Basu. Alright. You've called my last bluff. I will tell you why I have a grudge against the Hawthornes. Besides my imprisonment, that is."

Arnborg: "When I just arrived in Frederickston, my first job was to stop Maximilian Erhler."

Jennifer: "Valerian's Father.... and Mom's Ex..."

Arnborg: "Correct. He had just killed his own father, and the European Council of Vampires didn't get any reports from the Erhler family in years. I was sent to investigate why, and found out about Erhler running a kind of... Harem in his Father's apartment, before disappearing. He was living with several women, and apparently used all of them for sex."

Jennifer: *sigh* "Let me guess... including my mom?"

Arnborg: "Yes, but that's besides the point. I investigated the crime by talking to one of the women... Celine Trelienne. I... had to make her a Vampire so she would survive and be able to talk to me."

Jennifer: "So.... you saved her life?"

Arnborg: "Yes, and she helped me solve the case... with some... detours, but still. We uhh...."

Arnborg: "We... eventually became a couple, and I was assigned the new Governor of the European Council in Frederickston."

Jennifer: "Sounds like a happy ending. So what?"

Arnborg: "How brutally ironic that you would say that.... I have been thinking about it like that myself for years now..."

Jennifer: "Uh-oh."

Arnborg: "I was a bad Governor, it's something I can't deny. I barely did any paperwork, and only governed to make life as comfortable as possible for Celine and me. We led a happy, open relationship."

Arnborg: "Then, one fateful day, I went to an art exhibition... and I met Julia Hawthorne. At the time, I didn't know she was a Vampire yet; To me she just seemed like a big name in the art scene. So I talked to her, and eventually we slept with each other. It... did not end well?"

Jennifer: "What happened?"

Arnborg: "She knocked me out, and dragged me to Maximilian Erhler's house, where I found out that her brother, Nicholas Hawthorne, had kidnapped Celine at the same time as Julia kidnapped me. With one quick sweep, they took out the only branch of the European Council in Frederickston. I got imprisoned.... but I never found out just what happened to Celine."

Jennifer: "So.... you hope you can find her by using me?"

Arnborg: "No. I hope I can find her... and push the Hawthornes out of Frederickston again."

Jennifer: "What? Why?"

Arnborg: "You know, the Hawthornes aren't exactly benevolent rulers. They threaten to expose, remortalize or even burn their subjects if they don't do what they want from them. The only way to avoid them is to make sure they don't even notice you... which is very unintuitive for new Vampires."

Jennifer: "Oh god. So that means..."

Arnborg: "Hundreds, if not even thousands of Frederickston Vampires are suffering... because I was such a fuckup that I couldn't protect them.... or Celine."

Jennifer: "....I had no idea. This must mean a lot to you, then. I feel sorry now."

Arnborg: "No, I am. More than twenty years in the joint and I use the first person that doesn't try to imprison me again for my revenge. You can leave if you want. It doesn't matter, I'll just get someone else."

Jennifer: "Wait!"

Arnborg: "What?"

Jennifer: "I.... I'll help you. For real this time. But please, stop bossing me around. I have a life too."

Arnborg: "I understand. Revenge being the first thing on my mind when I got out, I got a bit dragged away there. Tell you what; How about I take my time with making the new base operational and we see each other again in a week?"

Jennifer: "That sounds acceptable. I'll see you around, then."

Damn, my head... Ugh, why did I do this? Going out to fuck some faceless strangers, what a horrible idea! Well, at least I turned back into a human when I was sleeping.... I just hope I didn't get any STDs... wait... who is that?

Muscular Vampire: "You little rat, you're gonna tell me what happened here, and you're gonna tell me now!"

Arnborg: "What's the big idea, knucklehead? Your golden boy played with powers he didn't understand and got the bill for it!"

Muscular Vampire: "Alright. You didn't want it any other way."

Jennifer: "Stop it!"

Muscular Vampire: "You think you can escape the Hawthornes, Rehnskiöld?!"

Muscular Vampire: "Talk! Or I will pick apart your bones, one by one, and send them to your little slut!"

Arnborg: "Don't... mention her.... you...."

Jennifer: "Hey, asshole!"

Muscular Vampire: "What? You already got a new bitch, Rehnskiöld? Heh. Can't miss her that much then. But you have taste, I must admit."

Jennifer: "I'm his apprentice, dickhead. And if you don't leave him alone, I'll..."

Muscular Vampire: "Do what? Tickle me? I just beat your master unconscious, how could you even think of rivaling me? After all, you're just a wo-..."

Jennifer: "Say what now? I don't think I heard you quite right. I'm just a what, exactly?"

Muscular Vampire: "You fucking brat!"

Muscular Vampire: "What the...?!"

Muscular Vampire: "A Succubus, Rehnsköld? That's.... not.... fair....."

As the mysterious assailant falls unconscious, Jennifer drags him into the what used to be Arnborg's cell...

About an hour later...

Arnborg: "How the mighty have fallen, eh, William? What's the matter, are the Kensingtons nothing more than the Hawthorne Dynasty's lackeys now?"

William: "Mock me all you want, Arnborg. At least the Kensingtons have made the most out of the last twenty years... while you have been rotting away."

Jennifer: "So... who exactly is this guy?"

Arnborg: "William Kensington. The last time I saw him, he was the heir to an influential British family of Vampires, dating back to the 17th century. That, however, was twenty-two years ago, when he was an Agent to the European Council of Vampires, just like me. The Kensingtons always were pretty power-hungry, but I would have never guessed in a hundred years that they would subordinate themselves to another family, let alone one that is from a rivaling Council."

Jennifer: "This William ain't exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, huh?"

Arnborg: "You've guessed it. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that he ran the family into the ground after whatever happened to his father."

Jennifer: "And who are these Hawthornes? Another family?"

Arnborg: "Yes. They're Americans, however, so they sit on the American Council, not the European one. They are the Dynasty that's behind all this mess here, my imprisonment, Valerian's ambitions... I assume good old Willie here was sent to us after Valerian stopped giving reports to his masters."

Jennifer: "All this talk of families makes me think the world of vampires isn't too much unlike that of the mafia."

Arnborg: "It kind of is like the mafia, except that our criminals aren't usually out for money, but for blood. And sometimes Succubi run their own prostitution rings. It's more of a network of medieval feudal lords rather than an actual mafia."

Jennifer: "Seriously? Vampire society is stuck in the medieval times?"

Arnborg: "Well, yeah. It's kinda hard to overthrow the government if no one from outside is allowed to know about either you or the government."

Jennifer: "Fair point, I guess."

Arnborg: "Anyway. Time to interrogate our guest a bit."

Arnborg: "So, Willie. What's the matter here? I assume the Hawthornes wanted to check in on their little investment called Valerian?"

William: "Fuck you. You're not gonna get anything out of me, loser."

Arnborg: "You know, Willie, I may have been twenty years in this prison, but I think I can still remember the phone numbers of the offices at the European Council. Should I give them a call? Maybe tell them you said hi? Oh, and while I'm at it, I could mention that you betrayed them for the Hawthornes. How does that sound?"

William: "Smug little bastard. I'll...."

Arnborg: "Oh, and don't you try and teleport yourself out of this cell. I know better than anyone else that regular vampires cannot do that in there. Trust me."

William: "Fucking... alright. Yes, when the Hawthornes didn't get any notice from this... Valerian, they had a suspicion that he tried something funny and fucked it up."

Arnborg: "And what exactly was that suspicion?"

William: "Hell if I know. It sounded like he had different, personal goals, other than working for the Hawthornes. All they told me was to get here and beat him up if he does something funny, and find out what happened."

Arnborg: "And what are those goals? What do the Hawthornes wanted with him?"

William: "Man, Rehnskiöld, did the boy torture you down here or are you just this dense? The Hawthornes want what every vampire family wants; Expand their turf and increase their power. They just thought Valerian would be a good vassal for that."

Arnborg: *sigh* "I'm not buying it, but I don't think they told him more."

Jennifer: "Really? You mean you trust him?"

Arnborg: "Not really, but look at him. He's a henchman. He doesn't know anything about plans. Why would he? All that he's good for is solving problems you can punch away. He didn't even try to escape when I told him it was impossible."

Jennifer: "Okay, but... what now? We can't just sit here and wait for them to send more guys, can we?"

Arnborg: "No, of course not. Listen, I said I was going to train you, but you have to go out there once more."

Jennifer: "What? Where?"

Arnborg: "The Hawthornes have made their move, now it's time for us to make one. You shall go to their headquarters and find out more about their plans. In the meantime, I will get us a new hideout. This one will not remain secure any longer."

Jennifer: "And why don't you do it?"

Arnborg: "Silly question. They know me, they know my face. If I show up there, they will immediately imprison me again. So far, they don't even know what happened here. You, however, are youngblood. As long as you don't kick their other henchmen in the balls, you will not arouse any suspicions."

Jennifer: *sigh* "I'll see if I can get a good dress..."

A few hours later, upstairs...

Jennifer: "This one was probably meant for one of Valerian's mistresses. That should suffice, right?"

Arnborg: "Woah... If only you were a bit older..."

Jennifer: "Your balls are the next if you don't shut it now. After all you've told me, I'm heading right into a lion's den here, you're lucky I'm doing this in the first place."

Arnborg: "Alright, alright, message received. Anyway, our guest kindly told me the location of the Hawthorne's headquarters; It's in Northern Roin, just outside the forest."

Jennifer: "What, I just walk in there and ask the guards if there are any super secret evil plans they could show me?"

Arnborg: *laughs* "As funny as that would be to hear over the bugging device, no. See, every Vampire needs a support network, to keep them hidden and supply them with synthetic blood, and the American Council offers exactly such a network. The Hawthornes, being a member of the council, represent it to Vampire citizens."

Jennifer: "So basically, I'm going there with the intention to.... get my personal ID from them?"

Arnborg: "Something like that. If anyone asks you, a guy from downtown recommended you go there for synthetic blood. The Hawthornes will then ask you to swear an oath of loyalty in exchange for the services they're providing."

Jennifer: "...you're hoping I will permanently infiltrate the Hawthornes?"

Arnborg: "Easy, easy. For now, we're just looking for information on this hideout. You'd be no match for the Hawthornes if you stayed there for too long. You go in, find a Computer that looks important enough, get the information on Valerian and leave, ideally before anyone can offer you an oath of loyalty."

Jennifer: "Got it."

About three hours later, in Northern Roin...

Jennifer: "Are you sure this is the right approach? I could ask some IT guy at university, maybe he can hack the computer we're looking for..."

Arnborg (over radio): "Don't you go all chicken on me now. It may not be the safest option, but its the most certain one. I highly doubt the Hawthornes would be so stupid as to keep critical information on a vulnerable computer."

Jennifer: "I can see no guards outside. Suspicious."

Arnborg (over radio): "Not at all. A big presence would arise suspicions from humans, actually. Now, be quiet before someone hears you."

Jennifer (whispering): "I'm inside the mansion now. Still no guards in sight."

Arnborg (over radio): "Good. What do you see?"

Jennifer (whispering): "There's this big hall in the middle... almost seems like a ballroom to me. And two hallways, left and right."

Arnborg (over radio): "The ballroom is probably not your target. Go into one of the hallways."

Jennifer (whispering): "The next door here is guarded. I'll handle hi-..."

Arnborg (over radio): "No! Stop! Are you mad?! He's gonna call all the other guards if you beat him up! Have you never seen an espionage movie, for god's sake?"

Hawthorne Guard: "Can I help you, Miss?"

Jennifer: "Umm... yeah. I was wondering what would be behind that door."

Hawthorne Guard: "Sorry, Miss, but the towers are locked for guests. Say, are you here for nightly matters?"

Jennifer: "Umm..."

Arnborg (over radio): "Say yes. That is a code question for 'Are you a Vampire?'"

Jennifer: "Yes, I... was hoping to get an audience with the... Hawthornes... for the nightly matters."

Hawthorne Guard: "I see. I will inform the Lady shortly. In the meantime, I must ask you to wait in the lobby."

Jennifer: "Of course. Can I... go to the toilet?"

Hawthorne Guard: "Of course, Miss. To your right."

Jennifer: "Thank you very much."

Arnborg (over radio): "You're a terrible spy, you know that? Trying to assault the first guard you see? What were you thinking?"

Jennifer (whispering): "What's the matter? I beat up this William guy with ease, and this guy seems much weaker."

Arnborg (over radio): "You were still powered up from your first experience as a Succubus. The peak of your power is right after you've blown off enough steam. Now, you're in decline. But you can bet that if Julia or Nicholas Hawthorne themselves would take you up, that wouldn't even matter anyway; They would eat you alive."

Jennifer (whispering): "Alright, okay, no violence, I get it. But now what?"

Arnborg (over radio): "There is one trick you can pull here. Remember how you teleported out of your cell?"

Jennifer (whispering): "You mean I can do that with walls too? Not just windows?"

Arnborg (over radio): "If you have an idea of what the place you want to end up in looks like, yes. Can you imagine the room behind the guard?"

Jennifer (whispering): "Yes, it had a glass door. I should be right next to it."

Arnborg (over radio): "Okay. Then go, think of something that gets you going, and then imagine you in the room, with all your willpower."

Jennifer: "I... I did it!"

Arnborg (over radio): "Congratulations, I've told you I would teach you. Now be quiet and hurry up, before the guard realizes you're not coming out of the bathroom!"

Jennifer (whispering): "There's some kind of winter garden on the roof... with two buildings in it."

Arnborg (over radio): "Sounds like it's worth a try."

Jennifer (whispering): "The other building is guarded, but there's a glass top dividing the area. I don't think he sees me."

Arnborg (over radio): "He will, if you stay there too long. What else is there?"

Jennifer (whispering): "Just... some garden. With a statue in it."

Arnborg (over radio): "Nothing else? Just plants and a statue? Disappointing. You should keep looking inside, before the guard finds you."

Jennifer (whispering): "Wait... I... can get over there, can I?"

Arnborg (over radio): "Where?"

Jennifer (whispering): "The other building. This here has windows as walls, the other one, on the other side of the rooftop, doesn't. I can teleport there, can I?"

Arnborg (over radio): "Wait, wait, wait...!"

Jennifer (whispering): "Too late. I'm doing it."

Arnborg (over radio): "If it has no windows, you can't imagine it!"

Jennifer: "Oops."

Hawthorne Guard: "What the...- What are you doing here?!"

Jennifer: "I.... I...."

Hawthorne Guard: "Didn't anyone tell you that this area is off-limits? I'm gonna have to ask you to leave, right now!"

Arnborg (over radio): "Alright, grab him."

Jennifer: "What?!"

Hawthorne Guard: "I've told you to leave, Miss. Now!"

Arnborg (over radio): "Grab him and throw him off the roof. Maybe the other ones won't notice."

Manuel: "Relax, she's with me. I just told her to wait here while I had my audience."

Hawthorne Guard: "Uh....huh."

Jennifer: "Wait, Manuel?!"

Manuel (whispering): "Play alo~ong."

Jennifer: "I... didn't expect you to be back so soon! Ha, Ha!"

Manuel: "She jumped around the rooftop again, did she? Ha, that's just like her, I have to apologize for my girlfriend!"

Hawthorne Guard: "Your girlfriend seemingly tried to enter an off-limits area. You ought to take better care of her."

Manuel: "That's true? Well, I don't see her trying to enter anything, but I saw some guy causing trouble downstairs. Seen some guards rushing towards it."

Hawthorne Guard: "I'm not falling for that. I recommend you leave immediately and we forget this ever happened."

Manuel: "I mean, I could be lying, but can you risk it? What if the Lord and the Lady punish you for your inaction, turning you into a skal? Man, wouldn't wanna be in your shoes if that happens."

Hawthorne Guard: "Ugh... You better be right."

Jennifer: "Thanks, I owe you one..."

Manuel: "I hope so."

Jennifer: "What the hell? I ain't got time for this, I'm on a mission here!"

Manuel: "I can't help it, Jenny. Ever since we met yesterday, it's been increasingly hard to think of anyone but you!"

Jennifer: "Well, snap out of it then, I'm not exactly in the mood when the guards suspect I might be onto something!"

Manuel: "I.... I'm sorry. I see. God, to think that I would fall for a Succubus curse."

Jennifer: "Wait... what curse?"

Manuel: "Did nobody tell you? Succubi have this... well, this special thing about them that makes everyone who sleeps with them go crazy. Heartrate spiking, sleeping gets harder and harder... until they see them again."

Jennifer: "So that means..."

Manuel: "Yep. I already thought I've successfully coped with it, and so did Christopher, but then you came along again and threw me off balance."

Jennifer: "Oh no... this means trouble. I'll..."

Arnborg (over radio): "Hello?! What is going on? Did they get you?!"

Jennifer: "No, I just..."

Manuel: "So, mind telling me why I risked my goodwill with the Hawthornes back there?"

Jennifer: "I'm... *sigh* I'm looking for a computer. I have to look something up. On what the Hawthornes are doing."

Arnborg (over radio): "Say, do you even trust that guy you're sharing our plans with? What if he fixes his goodwill with the Hawthornes by telling them you're here??"

Jennifer (whispering): "Shut up, I'm doing the dirtywork, so I get to make the calls here! If you wanted it to be done differently, you should've come here!"

Manuel: "What does that mean? And who are you talking to?"

Jennifer: "I.... listen, I can explain it all in due time. But for now, I need you to watch out for guards while I use the computer over there. Deal?"

Manuel: "... Fuck, you're lucky you've cursed me. But I'm doing it, alright. Now you owe me two already."

Jennifer: "Thanks! Thank you so much!"

A few minutes later...

Manuel: "No sign of the guards yet. What exactly are you looking for anyway?"

Jennifer: "I'm wondering about that myself..."

Arnborg (over radio): "Anything mentioning the Erhler mansion. Or a girl named Celine."

Jennifer (whispering): "Who the fuck is Celine?"

Arnborg (over radio): "None of your business, that's who. Now keep looking."

Jennifer: "I got something! It's a collection of reports to and from the mansion."

Arnborg (over radio): "What does it say?"

Jennifer: "Ugh... this thing reads like a Sex diary... a chronic of all the girls that Valerian flirted with, to sleep with them and turn them into vampires... but..."

Arnborg (over radio): "What? What else is there?"

Jennifer: "Something went... wrong. There is a note next to most entries... it says 'unmanifested' and then 'subject disposed'... he... he killed them. All of these girls. Except for..."

Arnborg (over radio): "Except for you.... he saw something in you, didn't he? What does your entry say?"

Jennifer: "On the surface, it just says 'unmanifested'... but I do have powers... how is that possible?"

Arnborg (over radio): "When I cleaned up the cellar, I found one of these laughable devices, 'Vampirism Detector', what a ridiculous name. Basically, they scanned you for a vampirism gene, but not for a Succubus gene. That's how it must've happened. God, any vampire using these things ought to be ashamed of themselves. Anyway, can you check in on any details?"

Jennifer (whispering): "Yes... the description says 'Daughter of Gina Kyron, who is a former lover to Lord Maximilan Erhler. Personal comment: Due to the special circumstances surrounding my person, I believe keeping Jennifer Kyron-Basu within our custody will make it possible to bring back Lord Erhler himself.' So it's all the usual nonsense."

Arnborg (over radio): "Hard to believe. Seems like Willie was right so far, they really did use him only for recruitment."

Jennifer (whispering): "Wait! There's one more entry that wasn't disposed of... Huh. That's weird. She's just listed as 'Jane Doe' in here. That can't be right."

Arnborg (over radio): "Maybe she never introduced herself. But you say she was unmanifested, but not disposed of?"

Jennifer (whispering): "That's right. Her description is weird too. 'Unexpected fight ensued shortly after testing. Results were negative, but subject managed to escape. Personal comment: I highly recommend hunting her down. She could be a grave danger to all of our operations."

Arnborg (over radio): *laughs* "There we go, that's more like it. Is there anything else about this Jane Doe?"

Jennifer (whispering): "Nothing. Are we finished here?"

Arnborg (over radio): "Nothing.... nothing about Celine?"

Jennifer (whispering): "Nothing I can access, let's say it like that."

Arnborg (over radio): "Then yes, you're done. Now get out of there."

Jennifer: "Alright, I got it."

Manuel: "Then let's move, before the guards come back!"

Manuel (whispering): "Not good..."

Jennifer (whispering): "Is that...?"

Julia: "And you must be Mr. Thalstein's girlfriend... and what an eye candy you are! Manuel, sweetheart, why didn't you bring her with you to our audience? We could've had so much fun..."

Arnborg (over radio): "Uh-oh..."

Jennifer (whispering): "Don't you 'uh-oh' me, what's going on?."

Arnborg (over radio): "That's Julia Hawthorne... she's very dangerous, and I'm not only talking about her powers. She could always have at least one plan in the back of her hand to make someone do what she wants. Be very careful, the last time I've encountered her, I ended up in Valerian's prison cell."

Jennifer: "Thanks, Miss Hawthorne! It's great to finally meet the Lady of the house herself, in all her glory and.... gloryness."

Julia: *laughs* "I see, she has much to learn from you yet, Manuel."

Jennifer: "Yes, I'm... still new to this whole world of Vampirism. I'm basically a rookie."

Julia: "Is that so? Well, all the more pressing that she and I get the opportunity to talk about a few things. The Hawthornes can help you, Miss...?"

Arnborg (over radio): "Do NOT tell her your real name. The reports. She knows who you are if you do."

Jennifer: "...Miller! Jane Miller, nice to meet you."

Manuel: "Perhaps next time, Julia. I'm afraid I've already wasted enough of the Hawthorne Dynasty's time. We gotta go now, before the sun rises. You know how it goes."

Julia: "Too bad, too bad. I'm sure Nicholas could've appreciated her company. I can make an appointment for that if you want to."

Manuel: "That won't be necessary, really. I'm sure we can figure something out when the time is right."

Julia: "Alright then, your call. As always, let me know if you need anything. Take care of this one, I have a feeling she's a keeper."

Manuel: "That was close."

Jennifer: "A bit too close for my liking. What just happened there?"

Manuel: "I can explain the Hawthornes a bit better to you if they're not in eavesdropping range. Would you.... mind coming along to my place? We can... discuss a few things there."

Jennifer: "'Discuss', huh? And you're sure you don't mean 'fuck' with that?"

Manuel: "Well.... the sun *is* rising soon... it would probably be best if you stayed at my place for the day while you're already there..."

Arnborg (over radio): "Now, come to Caxton City, I'm almost done setting everything up here, we have some regrouping to do."

Caxton City?? In the States?? What is this guy thinking?! I might have agreed to this journey, but I still have a life in Frederickston... a life that Manuel might be helpful with. Arnborg was the first vampire to not outright abuse me, but if I could find a different, more friendly Vampire to teach me, then I'm not reliant on Arnborg anymore...

Jennifer: "Seems like an offer I cannot refuse, then."

Arnborg (over radio): "What?! You can't just leave now! We finally have a trail!"

Manuel: "Great. Then let's go. My place is in Downtown."

Nicholas: "And you're certain it was her?"

Julia: "Absolutely. There is no doubt about it."

Nicholas: "Then why didn't you stop her?! You know she must've looked for clues on Valerian."

Julia: "Relax, my dear brother, relax. Whatever they're looking for, it was too much for Valerian to handle, it will be too much to handle for them as well. And if it isn't, then so be it, they get rid of our problems without us risking anything."

Nicholas: "So you think she's working with Rehnskiöld?"

Julia: "Oh, certainly. This tragic-romantic revenge story is just like Rehnskiöld. He just can't help it. So many girls out there... and he still only wants this one. No, that's not what I'm worrying about."

Nicholas: "What is it then?"

Julia: "Valerian was wrong. She's not a Vampire, yes, but she's not powerless. I felt it when I met her, she is radiating pure, untamed power."

Nicholas: "You think...?"

Julia: "That's the only logical conclusion. She must be a Succubus. These testing devices are still relatively new, they aren't working with Succubus data for now."

Nicholas: "Then we have to keep an eye on her. Make sure she doesn't contradict our plans."

Julia: "We might lose Rehnskiöld's girl, but that's something I can easily account for."

Nicholas: "As long as it doesn't need the service of my henchmen. Losing one of our lieutenants and a base is already bad enough as it is!"

Julia: "Don't lose your handsome head over it. Subtlety, my brother, that's the name of the game. No need to start a major war over just one or two girls. The ancient Greeks and Trojans had to learn that lesson the hard way so we don't have to."

This must be it... 'The sinful virgin'... what a charming name...

How would I even blend in at such a place? I've never even been to a Bar before and Arnborg expects me to rock a fucking... whatever this is!

Jennifer: "One beer please."

Black Guy: "Now would you look at that... Fresh Meat..."

White Guy: "She looks cute... Almost as if she didn't belong here... Mind giving way to me?"

Black Guy:  *laughs* "As long as I can join in later, sure. Go get her, Tiger."

White Guy: "Hey, are you new around here? I think I've never seen you before."

Jennifer: "Yeah. It's... actually, it's my first time in a Club at all. How did you notice?"

Manuel: "Well, you don't seem like you know the usual habit here yet. Most people only order a beer as a refreshment, after coming back from upstairs. Name's Manuel."

Jennifer: "Jennifer. Nice to meet you, Manuel."

Manuel: "I figured you could use some... help introducing you to this place. Especially the rooms upstairs are "

I'm not even fifteen minutes in here and already got a dude asking me to go upstairs? This place really is something on its own... Well, he's not unattractive... and after all, that is what I am here for...

Jennifer: "Sure. Lead the way."

Manuel: "So, Jennifer... what do you like most? How can I please you?"

Jennifer: "I'm.... not that experienced. Let's... maybe start it softly?"

Something about this guy feels... off. His breath feels oddly cold... could he be....? No way, the chances are insane!

Manuel: "So you're a softie, huh? I can certainly offer that, but I'd like to get you up and running first... how about you get undressed?"

Well, he didn't try to bite me... still can't shake off this feeling... maybe he just doesn't want prey? A male Succubus? Ahh, fuck, the Heat... its coming back... quickly... I cannot hide it! Fuck, just lean into it! Maybe he's too horny to notice!

Manuel: "So you *are* a Vampire..."

Jennifer: "Actually, I'm a Succubus... I hope this won't be a problem?"

Manuel: "Absolutely not. Actually..."

Manuel: "This makes it even better... you're in good company, and I got my friend Christopher here who would like to join us..."

Jennifer: "Very good... the more the merrier... and I think I'm slowly heating up..."

Christopher: "Heh. Talk about a white chick..."

A few minutes later, Jennifer went to the bathroom to clean herself of the cum.

That was fun. This Manuel guy seemed trustworthy even, I might... wait...

Jennifer: "Did you take a wrong turn, boy? This is the women's bathroom, after all..."

Stranger: "Oh, I... I mean, I... I didn't know. I'm sorry, I'll leave..."

Jennifer: "Oh, sorry, did I scare you? Let me make up for that... get on the toilet, now!"

Lucian: "You're... really a special kind of girl... I'm Lucian... mind giving me your number?"

Jennifer: "Sure. After all, I might need you a few times more..."

After fucking another stranger, Jennifer's body was totally soaked. So she went upstairs to the whirlpool.

So far it has been fun, but I didn't notice any difference so far. Maybe I need to try again.

Anyway, I would prefer to do so clean.

At this moment, a bunch of dudes entered the balcony with the whirlpool, visibly ready to get inside... and surprised by the company they encountered.

Black-haired dude: "...and then I said to her: Sure, if you'd be twenty years younger!"

Blonde dude with Jacket: *laughs* "Good one, ma-... Oh, look what we have here!"

Jennifer: "Oh! Hey boys, care to join me?"

Black-haired dude: "With pleasure!"

What the fuck am I thinking? Where did I drop my dignity?!

Black-haired dude: "Damn, girl! Gentlemen, I think our evening was just made worth it!"

When did that happen? My hair turned pink... is that what Arnborg meant? And for now, I'm not turning back into my human form..

Either way, it's been a long night. Time to go home.

Gina: "Jennifer! Thank god you're alright! Just where have you been? We were so worried, the Police didn't tell us anything!"

Great. Now what do I tell her? 'Hi Mom, I was imprisoned by a Vampire, who is also my Half-Brother and your unknown son, by the way'?

Jennifer: "I.... got lost on a field trip from University. We were out on the continent, and before the Bus returned I got lost and my phone died."

Gina: "I'm just so glad you're alright! We thought you might have gotten into trouble, or even kidnapped!"

Jennifer: "Yeah... so did I.... so did I..."

Later, at the evening dinner...

This tastes like shit... but... it shouldn't. Mom's Chili is the best in the world, it always has been. But for some reason it just... doesn't taste like anything at all.

Later that night, her troubles wouldn't end...

How could I sleep after what I have seen? One day I am madly in love with a guy, a few days later I see his skeleton dissolve right in front of me after entering a portal... ugh, the heart rate spikes again...

Ugh, what a pervert! Fucking...

As she angrily stomps outside, her skin suddenly turns white again, as her heart rate stops spiking...

Jennifer: "You peeped at the wrong window, motherfucker!"

Peeping Tom: "Uh-oh... time to g-..."

Jennifer: "This is what you wanted, right?!?"

Peeping Tom: "Aaaah... oh god... damn, you're kinky..."

Peeping Tom: "Damn, this is like a dream come true!"

Jennifer: "It better be, you worthless dick! If you don't cum, I'll have no use for you!"

Peeping Tom: "Hold on, what?"

Peeping Tom: "Don't you want to... go inside? Maybe to a bench in the park?"

Jennifer: "No time for that! I need to make you cum, right here, right now!"

Jennifer: "Damn, I needed that right now... Now fuck off before I drain your entire ballsack..."

And just like that, Jennifer was suddenly perfectly able to sleep, waking up a few hours later...

What? Is that... cum? Did I... oh no... I barely remember... but I think I fucked the Peeping Tom last night... Just what the hell is going on?! I need to talk to Arnborg again...

And so, after University ends that day, she takes a turn to that fateful mansion in Roin again...

Feels weird being here again, after everything that happened... wait, is that even Arnborg?

Arnborg: "Ah. So you have returned. I take it you made your decision then?"

Jennifer: "You have... changed."

Arnborg: "Heh. Well, you'd be surprised what a haircut and a shaving that have been due for about twenty years can do. That... and some good food."

Jennifer: "And by food, do you mean actual food... or human blood?"

Arnborg: "...Let's go inside..."

Jennifer: "You were right. I really did notice a few... unusual things interfering with my everyday life. Things that I... cannot control on my own."

Arnborg: "Mh-hm, does sound familiar. What exactly do you mean?"

Jennifer: "Food tastes like nothing... I have trouble sleeping because my heart rate is spiking... and..."

Arnborg: "...and?"

Jennifer: "And I... randomly fucked a stranger. Right outside my window, in public. Luckily it was at night."

Arnborg: "Oh... that's.... something different. The good news first: You are not a Vampire."

Jennifer: "What? But...what's wrong with me then?"

Arnborg: "You are a Succubus, a subcategory of a typical Vampire. Rather than sucking blood, your survival relies on... well, a different bodily liquid, extracted from..."

Jennifer: "....a dick?"

Arnborg: "Well, yes."

Jennifer: "But... how did that happen? Surely, Valerian wasn't a Succubus?"

Arnborg: "Ah, it's not quite that simple. A Vampire doesn't merely pass on their powers to someone they bite. Otherwise, you wouldn't have any, as Valerian wasn't a real Vampire."

Jennifer: "Then how does it work?"

Arnborg: "There's not many Vampire Biologists, but the existing ones theorize that the bite of a Vampire triggers an already existing gene. This gene can then either turn you into a Vampire or a Succubus."

Jennifer: "So is it... reversible?"

Arnborg: "So it is that what you want? Are you really sure? There is no way to regain your powers after that..."

Only for a short second did Jennifer think about it.

Jennifer: "Yes. I cannot continue to live like this. Not being able to sleep until I fuck a random stranger in front of my window isn't exactly how I imagined my life..."

Arnborg: "I understand and respect your decision. However, before I do reverse your Vampirism, I need you to see something. Come with me."

Both go into the garden, and then downstairs into Valerian's hideout.

Jennifer: "The Portal?"

Arnborg: "Look at it... and tell me you can sleep at night, knowing you will never unravel its mystery... never know what exactly has happened here."

Jennifer: "Why? Can't I just help you find out as a human?"

Arnborg: "Listen, I know the people Valerian worked with. They have kidnapped and imprisoned me and my girlfriend. They are Vampires of the most cruel and ruthless kind. If you face them as a mere mortal, you are nothing more than prey for them. Not to mention that whatever Valerian encountered behind that portal was likely stronger than any Vampire."

Jennifer: "But I... I'm sorry, I can't do this. I just started studying, I can't give up on human life just as it was about to begin!"

Arnborg: "There are ways to mask yourself in front of Humans. Seeing as you look very human right now, you're already doing it instinctively. And good training can make you endure longer without having to consume prey. So, are you in?"

Jennifer took her time to think about this decision.

Jennifer: "Alright. But I will only carry these... powers with me until its over. After that, I will become a human again..."

Arnborg: "Optimistic, but... committed. Alright... then let's get going, you should probably start your training right away. But first, you have to do something different..."

Jennifer: "What would that be?"

Arnborg: "You barely have any energy in you to actually do something with your powers... You need to go out and harvest a bit."

Jennifer: "Do you... do you mean to tell me I have to whore around?!?"

Arnborg: "You suddenly have another bodily need to fullfill, and you don't have it... there's a Club on the outskirts of Roin, I'd advise you to go there. Don't return until you are powered."

Jennifer: "How will I know if its enough?"

Arnborg: "Don't worry. You will notice. Now excuse me, I have to find out something about our enemies..."

Jennifer: "...you're insufferable, you know that?"

Arnborg: "Yes, I do. Now go."

Feels like I'm on cocaine or something... Just what the hell is going on with me? First the sickness and now this...

Perhaps the stranger next door can help? He still has to explain the next step of his ominous plan...

Jennifer: "Hey, man. Are you awake?"

Unknown voice: "I was wondering when you would return. Last I saw of you was the guy carrying you off to behind that big door on my side of the floor. So, did you do it? Or rather, did he?"

Jennifer: "Yes, but ever since I feel weird... First I felt dizzy, and now my heartrate has spiked. Just what has happened there?"

Unknown voice: "Don't worry. I will explain it in due time. All you need to know is that it will help you escape. So. I figure you're standing right in front of the glass wall now?"

Jennifer: "Yes, but..."

Unknown voice: "Good. Now, you need to focus. Think of something you like, someone attractive... someone you would enjoy sleeping next to."

Jennifer: "Hey, what's that supposed to accomplish? Are you some kind of creep or something?!"

Unknown voice: "I promise, it will get you out of there. Now, focus. Close your eyes, maybe."
 

As she closes her eyes and thinks of someone attractive, her heartrate slows down again, while her body temperature rises.
 

Jennifer: "I'm feeling.. hot... literally speaking... is that supposed to happen?"

Unknown voice: "Yes, yes, very good. Now, open your eyes, and look right at the spot in front of your cell... imagine you were there, with all of your willpower!"

Jennifer: "What?!? That's insane!"

Unknown voice: "It's your only option! Don't lose your focus now!"

As she does as how it was told to her, a black fog embraces her body, as her feet and hands become increasingly hot. Yet after a few seconds, the prisoner disappears...

...and someone free appears.

Jennifer: "Woah! Wha... did I... did my hands just burn?! What just happened?"

Unknown voice: "You've just used your newly attained powers for the first time. Most physical human limitations do not apply to you anymore, including simple walls. Anyway, would you kindly...?"

Jennifer: "Oh, of course.. wait..."

Jennifer barely realized that, standing now outside of her cell, she could also see the mysterious prisoner on the other cell.

Jennifer: "You look... older than you sound..."

Unknown Prisoner: "Yeah, I get that often. Its the hair. Now, again, would you...?"

Jennifer: "Of course, of course..."

Unknown Prisoner: "Of course, he has the keys, but the computer over there can also open the cells."

Jennifer: "There's lots of stuff in here, most of it sounds like esoteric gibberish... Bloodlines, Secret Societies... Even Vampirism..."

Unknown Prisoner: "Yes, but that's not what you're looking for..."

Jennifer: "Got it.... and... it should open now!"

Unknown Prisoner: "Ah, that feels good... You cannot believe how it feels to watch at this room for years on end, never being able to actually enter it... Thank you very much. Now, quickly, you guard the door while I look for information that could help us on the computer..."

Jennifer: "What, you think he has henchmen for this place? So far it seemed like a one man show to me."

Unknown Prisoner: "Trust me, it isn't. We need his weaknesses, anything that can help us fight him. Because as of now, despite your new powers, the odds are still scaled against us."

Jennifer: "Wait..."

Jennifer: "You want to fight this guy?"

Unknown Prisoner: "Not only him. His allies too. The Puppetmasters, everyone involved in this shall pay for what they've done!"

Jennifer: "No way! You can do that on your own, I have to escape this island and save my family!"

Unknown Prisoner: "The only way to do that is by ending this madness!"

Jennifer: "I am never going back in there!"

In a hurry, Jennifer ran out of the Prison, going upstairs and coming out of a bush, right at the garden of Valerian's mansion, before running off into the wild. But the old-looking stranger had no such intentions. He wanted answers.

Foolish girl... She's only going to get herself killed... or worse... Seems like I have to do this on my own... Find out where they brought her and then draft a plan on how to ransom them into turning her over...

Fuck... Footsteps... No doubt he's coming to check in on us... I am not ready yet. There is no other option but to return to the cell and pretend like nothing happened. For now.

Valerian: "Now, where's my Princess... wait... Where is she?"

How did she escape?! This cannot be! She couldn't have the means to do it!

The anger inside Valerian transforms him into something else... his skin becomes lighter, his veins more visible... his teeth sharper...

Valerian: "You! You must have seen her escape, I know you did! Tell me, where did she go?!"

Unknown Prisoner: "I.... I have no idea what you're talking about."

Valerian: "Ratfaced liar! When I am done with her, I will take my time to think about new methods to torture your miserable soul, you pathetic loser!"

Valerian: "Fine. I'll find her myself then. After all, she can't have come far..."

If only he knew how right he was. Because at the same time, Jennifer arrives at the island's coast, unable to proceed further.

Fuck... No boat in sight... this island is a dead end, at least until the sun comes up...

Valerian: "Jennifer!"

Valerian: "So far, I have been a patient host... yet you continue to spoil my wrath, despite the courtesy I have shown to you... but I have planned this for more than twenty long years... and I will not be stopped by a moody concubine?"

Jennifer: "Twenty years? That makes no sense. What are you talking about? And what's with your face?!"

Valerian: "You really have no idea at all, do you?"

Valerian: "Twenty-six years ago, my father fell in love with a woman... there was no being on earth that he liked at all, even tolerated. But this woman... he met her and immediately felt like they should belong together for eternity."

Valerian: "After a while, they even decided to have a baby. To continue my father's dynasty, a ritual would need to be conducted... so that the child would inherit the father's immortal powers... and become a Vampire just like his father..."

Valerian: "But his family got jealous of his ambitions, and his own sister betrayed and killed him..."

Valerian: "While an outsider robbed the bride of her greatness, cancelling the ritual..."

Valerian: "That woman, Jennifer, was your mother... and that child... was me. Despite the ritual's failure, I was still born. But I was scarred... incomplete. Not fully human, but not a Vampire either. An outsider to both worlds.

Jennifer: "This... this cannot be. We're... half-siblings? That's... disgusting!"

Valerian: "One of the conspirators gave me away to an orphanage. I grew up thinking I was merely a sick human child. I was almost a young man already when I found out about my true heritage... when friendly Vampires found me... offered me a chance to develop my true identity... and right the wrongs of history. They told me that there was still a chance to bring back my father... if he were to reunite with his bride. And if you stay here long enough, she will come right into my trap... a family reunion, if you will. And you won't stand in its way."

Moments of silence. Jennifer has no words to say. What could someone even say after being told such an unbelievable story?

Jennifer: "You know what..."

Suddenly, Jennifer's skin turns white... her eyes and hair lose all color... and she feels an immense strength rushing through her body, accompanying a feeling of rage.

Jennifer: "I am SO FUCKING TIRED of your wannabe aristocratic bullshit!"

Valerian: "Wha...? How...?"

Before Valerian can answer, Jennifer throws him onto the ground, before she instinctively starts to levitate... she barely notices it happening...

Valerian: "You're... no.... No, this can't be! I checked you... the machine said you were fully human..."

Suddenly, it is Valerian who runs away from Jennifer. The predator becomes the prey, as it seems.

Jennifer: "What's the matter, Valerian? Don't you wanna be with your 'Princess'? Don't you wanna reunite with your sister, huh?!?"

Still under panic, Valerian has trouble concentrating on the mechanism for opening the mysterious door next to the cells.

Valerian: "There is only one way out... Only one Plan B... untested, but it's better than staying here..."

Jennifer: "Come back here, you coward! You can't run away from me!"

Inside the room stands what looks like a portal. But Valerian, standing in front of it, seems to hesitate using it.

Jennifer: "What's this? Another dirty little trick of yours?"

Valerian doesn't even seem to listen to Jennifer anymore. His thoughts are entirely occupied with the portal in front of him.

Valerian: "It's the only way... they refused to help me enact my revenge..."

and just like that, Valerian walks through the portal... disappearing behind the fog-like, green barrier.

Just as Jennifer, still guided by vengeful rage at the man who deceived and kidnapped her, wanted to follow him through the mysterious portal, someone came out of it: An ash-black skeleton, speaking with the echoed voice of Valerian, as the portal closed behind it.

Valerian: "AAAAAH! I... I...."

Valerian: "I... I HAVE SEEN GODS... MERCILESS... GUARDING THE OTHER WORLD... HUBRIS.... ARROGANCE... I..."

The corpse barely had enough energy in it to scream out delirious words, before even this shell of a man disassembled into a completely lifeless block of ash, right before Jennifer's eyes.

Jennifer: "...what the hell...."

The utter confusion at what had just happened quickly replaced Jennifer's rage, turning her body into her original form again.

Unknown Prisoner: "I've seen you run inside from my cell... Just what happened? Is he dead?"

Jennifer: "I... think so? I... don't know. He... catched up to me at the shore.. I remember becoming insanely angry at him... he got scared... ran into that... gate there... a few moments later a skeleton came out and screamed nonsense at me, before turning into this... stone."

Unknown Prisoner: "I have never heard of such an event before. Even I don't know the answers to that mystery. But I think it is safe to say that he is at least gone now. I think we should go upstairs... get some rest..."

About an hour later, on the balcony of the mansion.

Unknown Prisoner: "Man, I haven't smoked in years. This feels better than Sex."

Jennifer: "I just... don't understand what happened over the last couple of days. It all feels so... unreal. Like a fever dream I can't seem to wake up from."

Unknown Prisoner: "Well, I told you there would be answers to your questions. I figure now is the time to do just that. Give it a try."

Jennifer: "Who was this man? When we were out there, he told me some convoluted story about how he is my half-brother and tries to resurrect his father."

Unknown Prisoner: "To my understanding, Valerian was his real name. That much was true. Valerian Erhler. Son of Maximilian Erhler.... and Gina Kyron. A half-blood, the offspring of a Vampire and a Human."

Jennifer: "So he was right? My mother slept with his father? Giving birth to him? But... I think my Mother would remember? Why didn't she tell me about it?"

Unknown Prisoner: "So you are her daughter. Your voice seemed familiar, but I thought it might have been a coincidence. Procreation between Vampires and Humans is a bit different, you know. For one, it leaves almost no marks on the mother's body. And it needs a ritual to be completed. A ritual which was aborted in Valerian's case. Usually, both the child and the mother would become Vampires in the process."

Jennifer: "So... this all sounds very fantastical... Vampires, Half-Bloods, a Portal that opened and closed in front of my eyes, talking Skeletons..."

Unknown Prisoner: "Vampires are real, yes. But ever since the industrial revolution, we have largely been hiding from human society at large. Predators like Valerian... and his father, are the exception."

Jennifer: "These powers you taught me... does this mean that I..."

Unknown Prisoner: "You are a Vampire now, yes. Your powers are still somewhat basic. But don't worry. You won't be my first apprentice."

Jennifer: "Apprentice? Wait, no. I don't want this. This is over now. I have a family to go back to, I have almost missed up half the semester because of this kidnapping."

Unknown Prisoner: "If that is your wish, then go on and leave. Unlike Valerian, I will not stop you. But I really recommend that we stay in contact with each other."

Jennifer: "Why?"

Unknown Prisoner: "Because I would be greatly surprised if this is the last we hear from Valerian and his allies. And besides, you would need someone to help you get rid of your Vampirism, even if you decide against my training. Now, you should return to your family, they'll be missing you. Take your time to make your decision, but make it."

Jennifer: "Well then. Thanks, I... suppose. For your help in escaping and such. I... just noticed I never got to learn your name."

Unknown Prisoner: "My Name? Huh. It's been a while since I've needed one. You can call me Arnborg. Arnborg Rehnskiöld."

Jennifer: "Thanks, Arnborg. I... will tell you about my decision once I have taken it."

Arnborg: "Until next time, then."

Ugh... my head is all fuzzy... where... the fuck am I?

The last thing I remember is sleeping with Valerian, but... this isn't his bedroom... This can't be... am I dreaming?

What is this place? This looks like a prison... But why would I be in one?

Jennifer: "Hello?! Is anyone there? Val?"

Unknown voice: "Oh, you're finally awake. Welcome to this hell, I guess."

Jennifer: "What? Who is there?"

Unknown voice: "The other prisoner. In the cell next to you. I've been here for quite some time now."

Jennifer: "What is this place? How did I get here?"

Unknown voice: "I don't know the details, but I assume that he has drugged you and brought you down here. You're a woman, so you might be out of luck. Women often don't stay long down here."

Jennifer: "What? The hell are you talking about? What even is this place?"

Unknown voice: "I could say that its a Prison, but you probably already figured that part out. Besides, there seems to be much more to it. I think the door in front of your cell leads to some kind of Torture chamber. There is another door in front of mine. Whenever it opened, I only saw another door behind it. This place would probably be best described as a Secret Base."

Jennifer: "A secret base?! I don't understand! Who's in charge here? What would they want from me?"

Unknown voice: "A secretive organization. Blondie up there is merely their Agent. Well, one of their Agents. I assume you're just one of his concubines."

Jennifer: "Blondie? You mean Valerian? No, this can't be. He's.... he loves me. He must be."

Unknown voice: "Oh, poor girl. He's manipulating you. He's the one who got you here."

Jennifer: "You're lying! Bullshit! Why would I even believe you?! You're a total stranger!"

Unknown voice: *laughs* "Whatever. You will find out yourself very soon. Considering he put you in a cell, I don't think he wants to put up his facade any longer. And whatever he wants from you, he will likely tell you soon."

Is that true? Could Valerian have just put up a show? All this adoration on his side? So many smiles and compliments, all fake? Just to get a... Concubine?

Hours passed, while Jennifer began to lose her feeling of time. She wasn't very talkative after the mysterious stranger on the other side of the cell wall claimed that her newly-found Lover suddenly locked her in this cell, even though there was not much else to do. Then, finally, footsteps.

Jennifer: "Val, I am so glad you're here! I am so scared of this place, let us go!"

Valerian: "And I am so glad to find you here too, Jenny..."

Valerian: "But I'm afraid you will not leave this place. Not yet."

Jennifer: "Val? What are you talking about...?"

Valerian: "Of course you would be confused at that. You don't understand my vision yet, my... mission."

Jennifer: "What mission? This is getting creepy, Val! Come on, let me go. I am a danger to no one, especially not you. No need to hold me in a cell."

Valerian: "As much as I would like to, Jenny, you need to stay here. Exactly here, so you will be isolated."

Jennifer: "Exactly, Isolated. My parents and the Police will soon start looking for me. This can't possibly be what you want?"

Valerian: "No, this is exactly what I want. Although I would prefer the Police to not show up, I have means to keep them in check. To be precise, you will not leave this place before your Mother has come looking for you."

Jennifer: "Wait... so you're meaning to tell me you've put up a facade of loving me... just to lock me up... which in turn you just did to lure my Mother into some kind of trap?!?!"

Valerian: "I... can reassure you, you are attractive to me. But your usefulness for my goals surpasses my attraction to you."

Jennifer: "'surpasses your attraction to me'?! What the fuck is wrong with you?! I am supposed to be your Lover, not your fucking tool! I seriously can't believe you've... I even struggle to say it, you've tricked me into coming to your house and then you've locked me up like a criminal!"

Valerian: "I feared you would misunderstand my vision. But don't worry. In time, you will. Or it won't matter. It's entirely up to you. But until then, you will stay here. My plan will soon unfold."

How could I have been so foolish? Falling in love at first sight with a Psychopath... This could have happened only to me... Dumb Girl... and now my family has to deal with it.... I have no means of warning Mom, and she will run right into the Trap...

Jennifer: "Hey... Stranger... are you still there?"

Unknown Voice: "Ha ha. Very funny. Of course I am."

Jennifer: "Sorry, force of habit. Did... you hear what he said?"

Unknown Voice: "Yes. I wish I wasn't right about him."

Jennifer: "I... should have listened to you. Maybe I could have escaped when he was in here..."

Unknown Voice: "No, it wouldn't have changed anything. Escaping directly through the door wouldn't do much. He has a Gun; I can see it right there on his desk in front of my cell."

Jennifer: "So... you've been here longer than me... Surely you must have one or two Escape plans...?"

Unknown Voice: "I have long accepted my lot in life down here. Must have been years since I last tried to escape. The windows are reinforced multiple times, just like the doors. Its no use. For me. But for you..."

Jennifer: "What? What 'for me'?"

Unknown Voice: "Forget about it. It's stupid to think about."

Jennifer: "No, it's not. Not as long as it helps me get out of here and warn my Mom about this maniac!"

Silence. Seconds that feel like hours.

Unknown Voice: "There is *one* way of getting out of here. There only might be. But only for you. However, it is very risky. I cannot tell you without warning you of its long-term consequences, and even if I do, my conscious would remain clouded. I must ask, are you really sure you would want to sacrifice *anything* to get out of here? No - For only a *chance* to get out of here?"

Jennifer hesitated, but not as long as the man did when Jennifer insisted on his advice.

Jennifer: "I am willing to do anything in my power to save my family."

Unknown Voice: "Alright. Then the reins of Fate shall lie in your hands, not mine. The step to getting there is relatively easy."

Jennifer: "Tell me all about it, please!"

Unknown Voice: "So from what I have heard in that conversation, he is still attracted to you, at least sexually. You have to use this to your advantage."

Jennifer: "Really? I have to fuck him again to get out of here? How would that be of any help? You suspected I might become his concubine, so its clear to me that he doesn't treat them any better."

Unknown Voice: "That's not it. You have to make him bite you. Deep, with his teeth."

Jennifer: "What? That's all there is to it? What's that supposed to accomplish?"

Unknown Voice: "No. You're not getting more from me until I know you've got bitten by him. All you need to know is that it will be the first step to your escape."

Jennifer: "That doesn't sound very reliable. How can I even trust you?"

Unknown Voice: *laughs* "I suppose you have no reason to. But then again, do you have a better plan? Because I sure don't."

Jennifer: "Fine. It can't hurt to try... except my dignity by faking attraction to that slimebag again..."

Unknown Voice: "Try to imagine it as a revanche. He fakes attraction to you, you fake attraction to him."

Jennifer: "And now? I mean, its not like I can call him and tell him I'm in the mood..."

Unknown Voice: "Now, we wait. His desires will soon overcome him. They always do."

And so, Jennifer went to sleep, with a plan unfolding in her head, and resolve forming in her heart...

Hmm, no Data at all... They will be disappointed, but well.. At least I don't have to take security precautions...

Voice on the phone: "How is the situation?"

Valerian: "Good. Just as you expected; She has no powers; She will be no danger to our oper-..."

Voice on the phone: "Then she is of no use to us. You have to dispose of her now, as long as it stays that way."

Valerian: "With all due respect, I believe that is not true. Keeping her as a hostage, we can..."

Voice on the phone: "This again, Valerian? We have told you time and time again to cease your petty pursuit of revenge. Focus on your mission. We need more recruits for our operations."

Valerian: "But wasn't it you who taught me to keep mortal concubines to feed on? Well, I want her as mine."

Voice on the phone: "You keep testing our limits, Valerian. Do what you think lies in your abilities, but if you fail, you will be considered a traitor to the Council."

Valerian: "Please. Have a little faith in my abilities. Next time I report to you, her Mother will be dealt with and you will get your recruits, and we will both get what we want."

And now for the fun part of my job...

When Jennifer wakes up again, she finds herself in the middle of a fancy room...

Jennifer: "Ugh... What is this place? Did you drug me again? And... what's with the... outfit?"

Valerian: "I admit it is a bit of an unusual sight for our time... but when my plan is finished, it will be highly sought-after... After all, who wouldn't want to look just like the Prince?"

Jennifer: "The Prince? What kind of Prince?"

Valerian: "You will understand, in time. Besides, if I would be cheeky..."

Valerian: "...I could ask you the same question."

Jennifer: "Wha...? You put me in these clothes while I was unconscious?"

Valerian: "I think they entertain me better, rather than just a nude, undecorated body..."

Jennifer: "And you are sure chains wouldn't fit better? I could try to attempt an escape, you know..."

Valerian: "Oh, you wouldn't get very far. You could leave this room, but the doors behind that one are only opened by a scan of my eye... I mean, you could of course try to overwhelm me, but.. I reckon that will be equally fruitless."

Fine. No easy way out then. Sigh... Here we go I guess.

Jennifer: "Well then, I guess I might as well... Besides..."

Jennifer: "This whole Prince thing makes me... really reconsider what I have said to you yesterday..."

Valerian: "Oh, does it? Well, I am happy to hear that..."

Valerian: "Oh yes, that's what I like to see... Please, continue. Good girl..."

Alright, I think he took the bait... Time to reel him in...

Jennifer: "Would my Prince like it if his Princess... came a bit closer?"

Valerian: "Yes, he would love that very much... Come, spoil your Master..."

Valerian: "You know, it's almost as if I am falling in love again... This whole pretentious College Lovers thing bored me a bit, but this... This is more to my liking..."

If I even had keys with me, I would put them at his throat and push him to the doors... Never thought Acting Class would pay out...

Yes, that's the spot... I suppose. Now with Teeth, please.

Jennifer: "You know, I am a grown-up... I can take it a little bit more rough... In fact, I would love it..."

Valerian: "Oh, is that so?"

Jennifer: "Yes... in fact, I have a small fetish, if I may confess... can you... bite me? Like... on the neck?"

Valerian: "Oh my... That's a bit dangerous, don't you think? You might bleed from it..."

Jennifer: "That only makes it better... please... my Prince..."

Valerian: "How could I refuse such a request?"

Jennifer: "Oh yes, that's just what I wanted..."

Ow! That hurt a good bit more than I expected! Just what is happening here?

Well, I guess I'll have to finish it now...

Valerian: "Now that's true Love... two beings showing their truest forms to each other... wouldn't you agree?"

Jennifer: "Yes... that's... just what I always wanted..."

Valerian: "Don't worry... I will tell you about my plans, once they have been secured to succeed... But until then, I hope you understand you will need to stay down here..."

Jennifer: "Wha- ... I... I... understand, my Prince. Please... lay me to rest again."

After getting stunned again, she ends up in her cell. The only courtesy gained was the stripper outfit she had to wear.

Ugh, I could puke at the idea that I fucked him... I think I actually might... God, these belly aches, I hope he didn't impregnate me!

No use worrying about it. It's not like I have any medicine...

Its probably just best to just sleep it out... I wonder what step two in that other prisoner's plan is...

On this Thursday afternoon, they met in a local cafe, not far from Campus.

Valerian: "I'm excited for next week, honestly, when we're going to talk about Bram Stoker. Certainly you've heard about him?"

Jennifer: "The Dracula guy? Who doesn't, really? A timeless classic, but I've only ever seen the movies and such. Always wanted to read it, but Mom really has a problem with that. Never got to know why, but Vampires creep her out."

Valerian: "That's kinda weird. But yeah, it's definetely good, one of my favorite books. Maybe we could read it together some time at my place. You know, as preparation work for next week?"

Jennifer: "That sounds great! This saturday?"

Valerian: "Saturday sounds nice. I'll give you the address and meet you halfway. Roin can be a bit... chaotic sometimes."

The next saturday, Jennifer certainly would find herself surprised at the fact that Valerian was not only living in Roin - he was living on an island off the coast of Roin, only connected by a boat passing every thirty minutes between Roin and the Island. But that's not when the surprises stopped...

Is that *his* house? Damn, what do his parents do for a living? Debate with Mom in Parliament?

Valerian: "So glad you could come! I hope the way here wasn't too taxing?"

Jennifer: "I was just surprised you live on an island... and in a mansion?!"

Valerian: "I guess I could have told you... my Parents get around a lot, they're advisors to several Big Corporations... Which means, we got the mansion all for us alone!"

Jennifer: "...for reading Dracula and doing Homework..."

Yeah, sure. As if I could fall for this guy. I mean who is he trying to impress with these big muscles... and the wide shoulders... and the thick, blonde hair..? Eva Braun?

Valerian: "The living room is right here. Its my favorite place to read and relax."

Jennifer: "And to invite your girls, I assume?"

Valerian: "What?"

Jennifer: "These girls you sat on a bench with, the day we met. Looked like they were with you."

Valerian: "Oh. No, they haven't seen this place before. I barely know them."

Jennifer: "Uh huh... sure."

Jerk. Does he think he's 'collecting' girls here?

A few hours later...

Jennifer: "So at the end of the day, Dracula was just a rich dude with too much time on his hands doing kinky shit?"

Valerian: "Far from it! I think what he does is just in his nature. You wouldn't blame a Lion for being a predator either, would you?"

Jennifer: "Well, I can certainly see that somewhere, but most of it is still his decision. No one forced him to be a creepy old Tyrant."

Valerian: "Anyway. Its still early, and the way back to Havenburg is long... How about you stay a little longer? We could read some other books... maybe with some drinks? I like discussing with you about them."

Is he being serious? This whole thing is a date to him?! Its all fine, calm down. Lets just see where this goes. After all, his company is not too bad...

Jennifer: "Could imagine a worse saturday evening. I'm in."

Jennifer: "You know, I have to admit... this is in fact my first time I drank alcohol..."

Valerian: "Really? You must have had lots of opportunities for that in school..."

Jennifer: "Yeah, not... really. I... have to admit I am... kind of a loner. Always have been. Especially in school... in fact... you are pretty much the first really good friend."

Valerian: "I cannot wholeheartedly believe that. Because I think you are a loveable person, Jennifer, and everyone with you should enjoy your company."

Jennifer: "Oh... err... th-thank you."

Valerian: "In fact, I would say I enjoy your company beyond that of a ... friendship."

Is he putting his hand on my... ah, who am I fooling?

He's trying to take off my shirt... this is quick... but... I think I am ready...

Valerian: "I love you."

Jennifer: "I think I love you too."

His muscles really are impressive... God, how did I deserve the luck to lose my virginity to a guy like him?

Jennifer: "Damn! That was awesome!"

Valerian: *laughs* "There's more from where that came from... Tell you what; We're having lots of fun already. Why don't you just stay the night? My parents won't be back for quite some time..."

Jennifer: "You mean... actually sleep with you...?

Valerian: "Sure. We can live here for a few days, you know... like an actual couple."

Jennifer: "I... I think I like the idea, yes."

And more there came, seeing as the two lovebirds went to Bed together, the tension was nowhere near dying down anytime soon...

Jennifer: "This is all happening so fast, Valerian... This morning I was both a single and a virgin, and now you want me to *live* here for a few days?"

Valerian: "Its going to be fun, Jenny. I can teach you to live independently... after all, don't you wanna move out from your parents' home some day?"

Jennifer: "I... guess. I'm... sorry if I'm being dismissive here, Val. This is just all very new to me..."

Valerian: "It's going to be alright, just trust me... Just lean back... and let it happen..."

About 45 minutes later, Jennifer is sleeping. But Valerian doesn't intend to do that. Not yet.

She *is* very attractive... Probably very fertile, too... despite everything, I might actually take her as my concubine... but first...

...I should stick with the initial plan before I allow myself some more fun... After all...

...the Council needs results... and I need answers.

It’s a beautiful Monday morning in the Free City of Frederickston. The Birds are singing, the Sun is shining. People are going to work, to school, or they don’t. For all intents and purposes, this is just an average, ordinary day for Frederickston. And as one of these people, Jennifer Kyron-Basu is just waking up right now...

Since I was a kid, I have been able to sleep through anything. If you believe my mother, that is. Storms, Sirens, you name it. Last night I didn't sleep.

The reason? Well, today is not just an average, ordinary day.

Because today is my first day at University! And all kinds of thoughts have kept me from sleeping: Hopes, Worries, Overthought Horror Scenarios that are only likely if I would be the protagonist of a bad Drama or a Horror Movie...

Because you see, I'm not the most popular girl in class. Never have been. Always sticked to myself. And this time? I wanna change that! By leaving a good impression... or rather, any impression for that matter. But first...

Gina: "Jennifer! Come upstairs, Breakfast is ready!"

Jennifer: "Of course, Mom! Only a minute!"

...but first, I just have to deal with the ordinary type of chaos.

...which is the thing that Scholars since the dawn of time have called "Family".

Kabir: "And how could I ever forget the look on Newland's face when he saw us in your office fu-..."

Gina: "Oh, look who woke up! Excited for your first day at University?"

Jennifer: "Honestly? I had trouble sleeping at all."

Kabir: "I'll leave you two now. I'm already expected at the Town Hall. Have fun on your first day, Jenny."

Don't get me wrong. My parents are alright. There's definetely worse picks for an early 20s Loner like me as parents. But at the same time, they always seem to overestimate me. And I have a hard time not feeling pressured by their expectations in that.

Gina: "Don't forget, you're going to study where I used to get my History and Philosophy degree when I was only a little older than you are now."

Jennifer: "Older? What did you do after school, then?"

Gina: "Err... Activism. Yes, I was working with the Popular Front already. Got me a lot of friends in University via student party connections. Are you excited to meet some friends?"

Jennifer: "Honestly? I have no expectations at all. I never got any long-term friends in school, why would that be any different now?"

Gina: "Because now, you are an adult. And so is everyone else. It's not like school anymore, where only a small group of popular people is respected. Now its Intelligence and Knowledge that matters! And... perhaps how much you can drink."

Jennifer: "What?!"

Gina: "Forget that last part. I am sure you'll be fine. Now eat your pancakes, it's getting late."

A little less than an hour later, at the Campus...

This campus is certainly large... Damn, I'm already two minutes late, how can I possibly find my lecture room this quick?

Would you look at that... Attractive guy surrounded by exclusively attractive women. 'Not like school anymore' my ass...

A few hours and lectures later...

This sure was an interesting introduction. Too bad I didn't get to know anyone. Now where was that Bus Stop again?

Oh no, it's this guy again...

Unknown Guy: "Hey, I've seen you earlier. You're new here, right?

Jennifer: "Yeah. And? Here to give me the Newbie treatment and stick my head into a toilet?"

Unknown Guy: "What?! No! Why would I ever do that?"

Jennifer: "I don't know. Never did, but apparently that's a thing with popular, attractive guys."

Wait, what did you just say?! Did you just flirt with him? Oh no, you idiot...

Unknown Guy: "Uhh, okay. If you say so."

There you go. Weirdo. Again. Loner. Again. If he really didnt want to stick your head into a toilet before, he wants to do it now, since you put a lot of effort into embarassing yourself now.

Unknown Guy: "I was actually just asking if you knew the way to the Bus Stop. Since, you know, we're both Newbies."

Jennifer: "Oh. Yeah, I guess we could do that. I think it was this way...?"

A few minutes later...

Unknown Guy: "So, where do you have to go? I'm waiting for the Bus to Roin."

Jennifer: "Roin, huh? Isn't that where only old people live? I have to get to Havenburg."

Unknown Guy: "Oh, I've never been to Havenburg. Is it nice there?"

Jennifer: "Kinda. Very suburban, but someone from Roin shouldn't have a problem with that."

What are you doing? Since when can you do smalltalk?

Unknown Guy: "Anyway. My Bus should be coming soon then. I haven't been able to ask for your name, I just noticed."

Jennifer: "Jennifer. Jennifer Kyron-Basu. And you?"

Unknown Guy: "Valerian de Raumort. Nice to meet you, Jennifer. I hope we get to talk again. Here's my number... Just in case."

Jennifer: "...Thanks. See you soon.... I guess."

Again, little less than an hour later...

Jennifer: "Get a room, you two."

Gina: "Oh? You're already back? I thought..."

Gina: "Anyway, how was it? Did you meet new friends?"

Jennifer: "I mean... Yeah, kinda."

Gina: "Kinda?"

Jennifer: "...Yes. There was this one guy. Valerian. We searched for the Bus Stop together."

Gina: "Sounds romantic. Good for you!"

Jennifer: "I-It's not like that!"

Gina: "Why? That's not a bad thing! Will you meet again?"

Jennifer: "No! I mean... Maybe. I don't know. I'm going to bed, this is confusing!"

About fifteen minutes later...

Kabir: "What's wrong? You seem worried. Not in the mood?"

Gina: "That's not it... I was pretty enthusiastic about Jenny's new friend, but what if..."

Kabir: "What if she does the same mistakes you did in University?"

Gina: "Yes. You know I have struggled to gain pride in my... preferences. Which has become harder again ever since she has been born. I want her to become better than me. She should learn from my mistakes, but at the same time, how could I ever tell her that her mom was the very same University's slut?"

Kabir: "You are overthinking it. I am sure she will be fine. She never crossed me as someone who could... well, do what you did."

Gina: "I suppose you're right."