September 6, 2017

8 am, Cancun, Mexico

“Here you go.” Shahab says in Spanish as she hands a bag over, “You are safe now.”

“Gracias.” Maria says while grabbing the bag and admiring Shahab’s long dark hair which is partially hidden by a white floral lace headscarf that flows onto a blue salwar kameez dress.

“And one for you too, young man.” Shahab says as she hands over another bag with a smile.

“Thank you.” Alejandro says momentarily entranced by Shahab’s sparkling brown eyes, such natural gems that need no jewellery, as he takes the bag.

“Now go freshen up and eat.” Shahab says, snapping Alejandro’s attention back to reality and directing the family further down the line.

With reverent expressions and a grateful bow, Maria and Alejandro move along. This is all occurring inside a big white tent that is well-lit and air-conditioned. A logo repeats everywhere. A white seven petal lotus cast against the black starry background of space. This is the logo of the Nova Lotus Foundation, an international charity organization larger than the Red Cross.

Shahab Feroz is the Founder, President, and CEO of the Nova Lotus Foundation. Her preference for being active in the field combined with her angelic demeanor while working earned her the nickname of “Mother Staringale”. Some people even swear that they had spotted a halo or aura radiating from Shahab, only to disappear if focused on.

Right now, Shahab is scanning the long queue of refugees who barely escaped a human trafficking ring with their lives. The overarching mission before her is to help these people to the US-Mexico border for asylum-seeking. Her actual task is something quite different.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“Ms. I have an injury.” Isabela says somewhere at the back of the line, raising her left hand.

An aid worker goes to answer her but Shahab intercepts.

“Sharon, take over for me.” Shahab says as she walks towards Isabela, “This way little one.”

Shahab guides Isabela to a smaller tent that is interconnected with the larger one. This tent was one of seven such tents, offering private space for medical and other such consultation for the refugees. Shahab walks in behind Isabela, closing the curtain behind. Shahab lifts up her left arm, nonchalantly rolling back the blue long sleeve to reveal brown-beige skin. Intricate markings of infinite meanings dance into existence in a variety of colors. Shahab taps on a random tattoo that responds with a color change but Shahab’s attention is already diverted to rolling back her lace headscarf. She flips her hair around.

“Little one?” Isabela asks, spinning to face Shahab as the conversation happens telepathically.

“I’m not the 220-ann-old who decided to become a child.” Shahab answers as she hugs Isabela, “And you are sooo cute!”

“Behave yourself, Imperial Princess.” Isabela grumbles.

“Oh you love it!” Shahab says as she pecks Isabela’s head, “And I missed you.”

“I was gone less than a day-” Isabela says, pushing off Shahab, “Nevermind. Teacher was right.”

“Of course they are.” Shahab says pouting, “When are they never.”

“It was beautiful.” Isabela says as she paces the small tent in bubbling excitement, “The Cosmic Will wound around them as I have never seen before. I saw it becoming Guide Will.”

“So the Anchoring has begun.” Shahab notes as she watches Isabela prance about, “The Guardian Knight has not given any new directives.”

“And I haven’t heard from Teacher.” Isabela says finally standing still, “Even though events have accelerated, our playbook remains the same.”

“I am going to get even busier.” Shahab sighs with a puff.

“You get to witness something few ever do. The full Awakening of more than one Guide.” Isabela says, “And you volunteered to come along.”

“Only because you were going.” Shahab protests, “And I was voluntold.”

“It is also your duty, Imperial Princess.” Isabela responds with a smile while going to Shahab then lifting the lace headscarf to cover Shahab’s hair, “Look alive. And I am here.”

“The Crowned Prince is sooo lucky though.” Shahab says with an exhale then adjusting her demeanor to its prior dignified state, “The beacon has been lit.”

“Let there be light.” Isabela answers, gently tapping her forehead with Shahab.