Amee looked over the strange package she had just received from the courier. She spun it over. It was shipped through Aurelius Corporation. She’d heard of it but had no dealings with them. She shrugged and used a pair of scissors to cut the packing tape. Inside was a hard plastic case and an envelope with a flash drive in it. She scratched the back of her head and opened the three metal clips holding the case together and inside was a sword. Her HUD flashed as she tried to scan it. The metal defied all identification and should not exist. She lifted it up and looked at it. It was a work of art. She put it back in the case and lifted the memory stick up and slid it into one of her many sacrificial laptops she repaired in her spare time for fun and to donate to needy kids. Her magenta eyes scanned the folder contents that popped up. Several instructional videos on sword use. Along with a comprehensive report on spirit-kin, vampires, ghosts, demons and other things. How to find them, how to kill them. She clicked on the video file that said, ‘Watch me First.’ Enid’s face appeared on the screen. She smiled.

“Hi Myra. So, you probably know by now I’m dead. The news probably didn’t stop talking that for fifteen minutes until something else interesting happened. You’re probably wondering why you got this package and this video considering we’ve met for all of an hour. Well, I need a replacement for Sarah. You know the threat BMC and their ilk are, along with the random mutations they have caused that give humans superpowers. This sword can cut anything, its also been blessed by the pope himself. I can’t protect the world anymore. Hence, I have left you my plane, and a comprehensive video library and text documents to do the job. The vampires should not be a problem after I cull them a bit.”

Enid sighed

“I know in the future though you’re going to need to deal with an overpopulation problem, as will my daughter, Eyre. I’ve given you her contact details, along with my sister, Maria. I see a terrible choice you are going to have to make. They can help you with the…challenges that ensue, and you can aid them in keep the supernatural critters at bay. The spirit-kin and wolf-born are good allies and are concerned with protecting the humans and the earth. Show them the video titled slays-demons and they will know you are an ally.”

“I know you want to just be left alone, but in the words of a wise man, with great power comes great responsibility. Something it took me nearly two thousand years and far too much death to truly understand. We cannot hide from the world. I hope it takes you less time. I’ve also included some…life strategies for immortality. It is easy to go crazy as the years mount and you start to lose mortals around you. Good luck Amee.”

Amee smiled and clicked on the first text file.

*****

Enid was dressed in her usual high school attire. A stylish top, kilt and leggings. Wearing her crucifix she wanted Maria to see it on the news.

“Hi everyone. I knew I was going to have to make the same sacrifice my nephew made so long ago on the cross. So I pre-recorded this message so you could hear the truth from my own lips instead of whatever the media, the churches, random strangers on the internet might say.

As I said on the night, I pulled the sword from St. Peters. My name is Enid Sextus Aurelius. I am in the ballpark of two thousand years old. For the majority of that time, I kept the forces of the supernatural at bay so the mortal world would be safe, and that my world would be safe. Conflicts in the past have ended badly. The inquisition comes to mind. The church killed so many mortals trying to find us and only got one or two of us. Now with the weapons humanity has at hand the damage could be much more severe if open war were to break out. Here’s the thing. It doesn’t have too. We have gifts you do not, we are immortal, that means we know your history. Some of us have seen it in the making. Some of us are younger. If all goes to plan, I have dealt with most of the worst of us before I sacrificed myself those that didn’t die know now that those of us who stand at the border between our worlds are fully capable of ending them anywhere and anytime, we please. So, the world should be safe now.

There are probably a lot of questions about what happened the night of the battle. I am hoping this video will explain it succinctly. First off, the blond man I embraced was my husband, he was also my adoptive brother. He was possessed by an evil entity we have come to call the Black Son. On four separate occasions God, the creator has attempted to trap him. They all failed. He was a being of pure energy. Which as current scientific theory claims: cannot be destroyed. We found a way to destroy it with the assistance of a research group funded by my family. My allies and I created a new universe. In human terms, if I understand the math which Is not my strong suit, we created a black hole in the form of a crystal matrix. If everything went as planned, I used my connection with the man who was once my husband to lure him into being trapped there with me. Once inside I was to destroy the crystal matrix and collapse the universe, obliterating us both. I knew this was to be because Jesus told me this nearly two thousand years ago. I would need to make the sacrifice of love and embrace my husband like a dutiful wife.

The very short explanation is, the one who wanted to destroy everything God has created is gone forever as am I.

My mortal identity is Enid Aurelius. I am or was by now, a student at St. Mary’s Secondary School in Edmonton Alberta. Before that I was Sarah O’Connor, a Medal of Honor recipient and naval aviator and police detective. Before that I was Melanie Stuart, a pediatric surgeon. Before that, Duchess Sarah of Savia, or Saint as you please. In between I was no one, just a nameless huntress of the night. If you knew me during my mortal lives, know that you touched me and are part of the reason I was able to make this sacrifice. My love for the mortal friends and family are part of the reason I had no hesitation.

Finally, a message directly from me to you as the first Daughter of God. God has granted you a third chance through my sacrifice. Please don’t screw it up. People who loved me have lost me so you could go on living. Make their sacrifice worth it.”

*****

“Hi your holiness. I’ve included the documents with the translations you asked for on this memory stick. I’ve also written down some, words of wisdom I guess you’d call them. I’ve also transferred my sisters journal entries along with my own from our time with Jesus and the apostles, to this drive. Stick with Mariana’s she drank the kool aid. I know Christianity is going to have many questions hopefully the documents and the journals will help. I’ve also added some new entries for my time with our angelic friends.

This video is shorter than I would have liked but I found I didn’t know what to say, I pondered asking for a final confession but then you couldn’t show it to anyone, so suffice it to say, I made a lot of mistakes in my life, and I’m not Catholic by a long shot anyone who knows the real me knows that. I’m sorry you are going to have to deal with the theological fallout of this mess.

Anyway, the Black Son is gone. The angels should leave you all be. My video to the news says everything I want the world to know between that and documents I’ve included you should have more then enough to build something for the church. My daughter Eyre is my replacement, you know how to reach her and Maria. I’ve also enclosed a donation to the church in the sum of two hundred million dollars, most of it is from Ezekiel and some priceless artifacts he thought he could use to buy food. Angels are a funny lot. Use it well.

Sorry I didn’t live up to the name of the Saint that you took as your patron. I’d say see you on the other side padre, but where I’m going, there is no escape even for the immortal soul.”

*****

“Violet, Violet, Violet. Where do I begin. First off, I’m glad we came into each other’s lives. There isn’t much to be said here that I didn’t say before I said my piece and made you forget until the night after I was gone. I just thought it would be nice if you had a video of mom three talking to you specifically.

I didn’t say some things that I should have. You’ve become a granddaughter to me. I know it’s odd, but Eyre seems more like your adoptive creator then myself, probably because I’ve been busy with my own shit. You have a lot of potential. You’re also immortal. So, hey, yay for you. What this means is you’re going to lose people you love. I’m just the first in a long line of loses. The years are going to start to weigh on you. Don’t let them. Be like Eyre, live life to the fullest, don’t hide from the human world, once she thinks you’re well old enough. She’s going to need your support with me gone.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

I have one huge favor to ask of you. Eyre has been a brat for her entire life. So, she needs one in her life too, so she feels like a mom. So be a brat. Keep her hopping.

I tracked down the vampire who made you while we were in Rome the last time. He was a bit rude to me, so you should be receiving his coffin anytime now. He’s staked. The covenants that I blew to shit if my plan goes as it should…say his life is forfeit, but hey, not my call anymore, You, Maria and Eyre can decide.

So…brush your fangs good, wash behind your ears, be a brat, live life to the fullest and love often. I have come to care for you a great deal kid. I know you’re going to make us proud.”

*****

“Hi Allison so you’ve gotten my letter. I figured a video would help too. My letter said everything I wanted to say. I just wanted to make this so you had it and could watch it if you missed me. I didn’t tell you what I was doing when you were at work and I was rushing out when we were dating.

So…I was going to school. My ID says I’m seventeen under my real name. I hadn’t ever done it with my real name, so I wanted to graduate High School, go to university. Guess that isn’t going to happen. I was going to go Ivy League until I met you. Was planning on going to U of A afterwards. How plans change. I guess I’ll never get there now.

Like I said in my letter, there are no remains to find. I’m gone, gone. It was the only way to stop the big bad like in that show you watched with me. So here we are. Apocalypse averted. Died my second death and now you’re lonely. I’m sad that I won’t be there to comfort you. My daughter delivered this for me. You have met her, hopefully, you’ll meet her again, along with my sister Maria and my surrogate granddaughter Violet. Probably my father too, though that depends on if he survives my daughter. Eyre is amazing, so is Maria in her own way. I know you aren’t out of the closet with your family or with your friends so its hard to tell them what we had. So talk to my daughter Eyre. Share all you have with her. Also Dr. Anderson, she’s knows the truth about me and will understand maybe? You lost your dad and me in the space of a month, you should talk to someone.

Anyway, let’s not dwell on that. You are amazing and I know you’re going to find someone else to love and be loved by, though I think it might be worth being truthful with the world at large that you like women. You would remove a lot of stress from your life.

Well, that’s it. I love you, Allison. I was looking forward staying with you for the rest of your life. You’re only the third person I can say that about, so you are special even if you don’t think you are, that’s three people in two thousand years. The other video files are…for your eyes only. Hope you enjoy them.”

*****

“Hiya girls. So, I lied to all of you, I’m sorry about that. I just wanted to apologize for that and I hope you’ll forgive me. I haven’t had many friends in my long life, but the three of you took me in and treated me like one of you and I will always be thankful for that.

If you’re watching this, you’ve already probably seen on the news that I’m dead. It sucks. I was looking forward to graduating with the lot of you and going on to U of A. I know there is going to be a lot of attention at the school soon. I mean, daughter of god? I just wanted you to know that the Enid you met, was the real Enid. I’m not a Saint, I mean I am in the technical term, but as a person, I’m no Saint. So if you’re asked about me, be honest, tell them, I swore, I skipped classes, didn’t pay attention. Also tell them though, that I never bullied anyone, and tried to treat everyone with respect. I did that on purpose because I wanted to make sure you could see, calling someone Zombie Girl, it wasn’t right or nice.

Anyway here are some truths. I am not seventeen as you may have guessed. In fact I was barely eighteen when I became immortal. Didn’t have a great childhood so didn’t develop properly also too much exercise… I went to high school before in Japan, which is why I understood Japanese so well, I lived there for almost ten years. I was going to high school again because Maria is my sister, my actual sister. She’s as old as I am, but only remembers being a seventeen. She lost he memories, amnesia sort of and I was trying to… well jog them. This scar on our hands? We did that when we were fifteen and swore we’d always be there for each other. Anyway she doesn’t remember any of it and for all intents and purposes is your age maturity wise. Take care of her when she’s at school. Please? She is a great person if a bit…religious now. She also helped save the world. Couldn’t have done it without her.

I know she’s pale, seems to talk to herself sometimes. Well she isn’t, its ghosts by the way. I’m sure with help from the three of you she can be a normal girl, eventually. She’ll always be pale, she was like that before…we changed she was attacked by the same thing we killed when she was a baby. Trust me, Maria can be a good friend, the best of friends, give her a chance and I bet you will not be disappointed, also, she’s richer than me.

So, I guess that’s it. I spent some time building cheat sheets for all the grade twelve classes we had coming up for myself, but since I won’t need them, they’re on the drive. Also, Maria has three fillable credit cards with a hundred thousand dollars each, go wild, or save it for university its up to you. I’ll miss you girls.”

*****

“Dad, this is a short video. I have come to realize that in your own way you have always, loved me. I had you built up as this villain in my mind. And let’s not beat around the bush, you were a loathsome human being. You have become a decent vampire.

And though you tried to kill me in a drunken rage when I was ten… Which you have apologized for on numerous occasions. I realize you are now living through what most parents dread, outliving their child. Thing is dad, it was my time to go. I have come to understand, we all have our destinies. Mine was to destroy the Black Son.

When I freed you, it was for my own selfish reasons, it should have been because being trapped for eternity in a living death where you can’t move is an inhumanly cruel punishment. Eyre is now your adoptive creator. One day she will set you free. Do me a favor, make amends for the damage you caused me.

I’d love to leave you some sappy daughter video about how much I love you, but the truth is, our relationship is or was, complicated. I cannot bring myself to overlook it as much as I try. I will always be thankful that you at least put a roof over my head and made sure I had food. I know mother tried to drown me, I can only assume it was you and Cela that saved me.

I’m probably asking the impossible here but, let the past die. Let me rest in peace and know that as disgusting and terrible your crimes were against my person… The strength you gave me made this victory possible.

You have my blessings to have a happy and fulfilling life. I have forgiven you. I cannot forgive what was done to me. But I forgive you. Goodbye dad.”

*****

“Emma. I wasn’t going to make this. I had assumed you’d see on the news that I was gone and good riddance, right? Two-thousand-year-old teenager with daddy issues. Hell, too many issues to deal with in a human lifetime.

Well, I made it anyway. This victory would not have been possible without our sessions. No way I could have swallowed my pride and my emotions to embrace him. Not in a million years would I have believed that possible even a year ago.

I know you can’t tell anyone about what we talked about so your part in all of this will be forgotten. So, I’ve also prepared a letter allowing the release of our sessions. You are going to be writing journal articles for decades. You’re a hero Emma the most important kind.

This last part is more about you then me. Emma. As a Saint, the daughter of God and as your…friend? I hope. Go get assistance in having the baby you want.

Thanks again for making me feel at peace with myself and my past. And Emma, you’re the unsung hero that saved the world.”

*****

“Mitena. I am sorry I had to leave you so soon. I didn’t want to leave you, but I had to destroy the Black Son. It was my hope to watch you grow up, have children and have a life like I couldn’t. I’m sorry I can’t be there for your first date, your high school graduation and so many other moments.

Eyre has agreed to adopt you. She is a good mother, a better mother then me. The mother you deserve.

I hope your future is bright. I hope it is full of love, joy and happiness. I hope for so many things for you and now they are all possible because I have destroyed the Black Son. The world is wide open to you. Be who you want to be, but never forget where you came from and the lessons I taught you.

I love you as if I gave birth to you myself. I have set aside some money for you, for your future. Eyre will be able to help you access the funds. You are an Aurelius now that comes with a certain amount of responsibility. We are royalty do not forget that.

Good-bye my little warrior.”

*****

Enid appeared on the screen when Maria opened the video. Enid had tears in her eyes.

“Maria, I saved yours until last. This is my third attempt, I kept sobbing and screwing up. I don’t know why I’m doing this during the day. Okay sis. Here it is before I start sobbing again. I forgive you for everything.”

Enid held up her palm and showed the scar that mirrored Maria’s

“We are sisters forever. Even if you don’t remember. I couldn’t have done this without you. You’re the real hero here. You always have been. I still don’t know why God picked me over you. You are so much better than I am. Smarter, stronger, not damaged by abuse, you have this blinding light of faith.

Eyre is alone now, she has no parent for the first time in her life. She’s a grown up, but she always had me to ask… now she has you. You’re her Aunt. Please… treat her like she is your own daughter. She’s amazing, but, sometimes her… Sometimes she needs an adult to tell her no. Be her adult please.

Sis. There are no words to describe what you mean to me. I would be half the person I am today if it wasn’t for your love. I know you don’t remember; I wish you did because then you would see yourself through my eyes. You are beautiful and always have been.

You and Lysander the last of us. Lucius is gone and his body is dead by the time you’re watching this. I am gone. You are the last children of Sextus and Aurelia. You should be Empress, but…without your memories, you lack the power of will. I made Eyre my successor. She will need your support in that role more than ever. As part of my letters to the council I have declared their verdict in the matter of your life, null and void. You are now alive and an accepted member of society. I removed… a councilor who has been problematic for a long time. I would love to end Isis but, alas unless I did it myself she is too powerful. You now have a seat at the table.

I love you sis. Always have, always will, wherever I end up, if it’s not just…obliteration.”