Why oh why had she even thought about accepting this invitation? Esperia couldn't help but ponder that very question as she looked around the ballroom in a mixture of confusion and bewilderment. The extravagant and stylish manner of the festivities was enough to make her head almost dizzy, if not for the fact she knew that the members of Blue Pegasus had a certain... affinity for the extravagant. The more stylish, beautiful and fancy, the more likely it was an event held by the guild.

As such Esperia couldn't help but smile weakly as she found herself gazing around for any familiar sights to enjoy. Unfortunately her unique gift was not exactly one she could turn on and off at a whim, but the years spend with it had made her quite used to the overdose of information that got thrown her way with only a simple glimpse.

When talking about her attire, she had chosen for a stylish dress, one that went well with the trademark cape she was wearing. If anyone was to ask what her disguise had possibly been, which had already happened a few times in the past hour or so, Esperia would cheekily comment that she was disguised as a vampire.

It was finally after she had decided to navigate past the crowds and arrived at the bar, the initial thought to just sit there and catch a breather was quickly replaced by a smirk of mischief as she watched the sculptress appreciate a glass of port, leading to the lass to remark playfully. "Careful now oh dear hostess~ It would be an interesting sight to behold should thee succumb to the influence of alcohol~"

Yet as she shifted beside her, the crimson eyes of the lass lit up with a spark of amusement. "Yet you weren't a light weight like your apprentice was back in the day~"

Esperia chuckled playfully as she continued. "Not that I know how much I improved~ Unfortunately nowadays drinks, whether alcoholic or not taste flavorless to me. Nor did I think about turning waifu juice into an alcoholic beverage~ I prefer the regular flavor, makes me feel absolutely FANTAstic, like as if I got an overdose of sugar from drinking a bottle of soda in one go~"

A playful snicker escaped her lips, clearly amused at the little jest. "but I'm glad to see you're doing well~ Those two years made you age like a good wine~"

"A hundred years? I can be patient enough for that if needed~" Esperia chimed in amusement as Alisa jested about her earlier remark, leading the vampire to puff out her cheeks in a playful pout. "I'm sure she will be the last person to mind~ Unless it's in front of the kids~ I do try to be a proper parent for them, despite my inexperience in that regard~"

Esperia's playful remarks soon led the duo to a nearby balcony where they could enjoy some peace and quietness. While it was true that vampires held little fondness for light, to the point most even felt weakened and lethargic to it, Esperia's nature as a precursor vampire made her ignorant of those debilitating effects, to her day and night, light and darkness still were the same as before.

But she did have a fondness for secluded spots and the quietness that allowed one to enjoy the moment of peaceful conversation, to which Esperia was more than willing to reveal what she had been up to the last few years.

"I actually left Fiore for a while, decided to pursue a lead surrounding a research subject I been focusing on, the end results were quite interesting~ Even if the facts I learned throughout the time were somewhat disheartening."

She sighed softly, leaning against the balcony as she pondered. "It's no surprise that vampirism is looked at in such a regard. While at its core a condition one might be bold enough to call a ailment, it is because so many embrace their existence in such a savage and monstrous way that vampires are commonly seen as savage blood-draining fiends that should be avoided, if one can't put a stake through their chest first."

The white-haired lass shook her head lightly as she continued. "Despite the peculiar incident that turned me, I am still who I was before, and do not consider myself superior to others, nor do I desire to fend off vampire hunters whenever I go on a family trip~ It's for that reason I took research into the origins of vampirism and the nature of its society."

A brief grin lingered on the girl's lips as she continued. "Although I was by all means fascinated by the history, I have to admit the current state of the vampire society is a tragic state of affairs, and it doesn't help that I stirred the beehive in a way most befitting for myself~"

Esperia snickered softly as she continued. "But I also met some interesting people, and spend some peaceful time with Valerie~ so overall I can't complain about the last two years. Even if I do worry about the safety of my family. With the way things are stirring, it is only a matter of time before someone will cause some shenanigans~ and that usually means I inevitably poke my nose in business it shouldn't be poking in~"

She brought a hand to her cheek and pondered out loud: "They do say curiosity stirs the bat~ or was that a cat?"

Esperia nodded her head lightly. "Exactly, and that is where part of the issue originates from. Not all vampires view themselves as superior to others. Unfortunately, it is the majority that remains ignorant to the true history of vampire civilization, and with the houses turning a blind eye to the misdeeds of those in their care, it creates the problematic scenario we are in today. Everyone afflicted by Vampirism is automatically painted as a blood-sucking monster... Certainly, I might nibble some blood from my wife, but I certainly consider myself civilized enough to not be labeled a monster~"


Esperia smiled briefly, shaking her head after which she continued speaking. "Nonetheless, I'm glad that Hargeon is a bit more accommodating in that regard. It is pleasant to be able to wander around without the need to concern myself about concealing the unusual nature of my body."


When Alisa inquired about her having found anything worthy of note, the vampire pondered for a bit. "It might just be me being too cautious, but there is one particular individual I keep being concerned about."

She went quiet, her gaze drifting toward the distant horizon as she continued. "Odin Morningstar, a being that has done much, unfortunately plenty of it being cause for concern to me personally. During the time I was in possession of Morrigan's staff I met a man, one who had an affiliation to Odin, but it was not through that bothersome guild of his."

She shook her head lightly, a hand balling up into a fist of anger. "Certainly, Eternal Nightmare's occupation of Baska has done a great job at stirring my ire toward them, considering the history I have with that place but... No, this affiliation between that man and Odin ran deeper, darker even."

She turned toward Alisa, the earlier playfulness in her expression fading away. "In the past there was a cult, a zealous collection of individuals who worshipped an entity, for the most part that sounds like nothing too unusual, but this cult has done things that make it by law even forbidden to utter the being they worship its name. If you were discovered to be one of them, you could expect a straight trip to the gallows and a executioner waiting to chop chop your head off. No trial even, just a swift ending. That by itself wouldn't be enough to make me so wary but..."

She sighed, her gaze lingering onto Alisa's own. "This being they worship is not just an Other-world entity the likes of Odin and Thor that I met during my misadventures in other dimensions. No, this entity is even a league beyond the beings we describe as 'Gods', and according to the cult's believes she desires nothing more than to see the entire world burn. And woe and behold, guess three times who is championing her cause?"

She smiled weakly. "Yes, Odin Morningstar himself. It is for that reason I used to be so cautious and desired to see the guilds unite to deal with him and his kin. Because if he succeeds in that cult's desire to unseal their mistress, I doubt there will be anywhere left to consider peaceful or safe in Earthland."

Esperia nodded her head sorrowfully at Alisa's question. "Indeed, it is Fia's hometown, the orphanage she and her father ran is there... It is also where I started my adventure within Fiore."

Yet as the topic shifted toward the Midnight Cult and Odin the vampire's gaze turned from sorrowful toward annoyed. "That is the thing I'm confused about Ali." She paused for a moment, leaning against the railing of the balcony as she continued. "You see, despite all my studies there is little that I could find about the being the cult worshipped. At first I assumed it was Morrigan, but during my possession of Morrigan's staff I came to understand there is a certain error in that reasoning."

The lass paused for a moment after which she continued. "Most people know about the legend of the Nine Heroes, yet few records tell of the aftermath of their conflict. You see, Morrigan was a woman who was obsessed with reaching higher heights. Although one would consider her dedication to growing stronger by constantly learning new spells and breaking past the limits people assume mankind to have, her potential for growth seemed borderline otherworldly. Constantly reaching heights previously presumed impossible it seemed her power reached a point where a mixture of her lack of interest in the conflict between the Seraphim and Demons, her power reached such a point that the other heroes, at the end of the war grew wary of the threat Morrigan could become and tried to seal her away."

She went quiet and clearly seemed to think about something. "Of course, one does not simply seal away a being like Morrigan, according to my knowledge it seems it took the sacrifice of the other heroes to become capable of sealing away Morrigan into her staff, and yet even then her power was at such a league they were incapable of succeeding entirely in this endeavor. I presume that they thought they fragmented a part of Morrigan's mana to weaken her enough to seal her away but in the end this 'fragment' grew into an entity of its own. During my time with Morrigan I can confirm that this fragment is not the same being as Morrigan. The real Morrigan would take no interest in something like destroying Earthland, which makes me think the being the Midnight Cult worships is an entity that grew from Morrigan's mana, perhaps spiteful toward the other heroes and Earthland for their perceived betrayal?"

A hand reached for her chin as she pondered softly. "Which brings me to the real question: Why is Odin so infatuated with this being that he would be willing to sacrifice everything for her sake?"

Esperia sighed audibly as she turned her attention back toward Alisa. "I am uncertain how they plan to unleash her, my theory is that she is currently ethereal in a way, an entity without a physical form, but clearly capable of manipulating and influencing others, or at the very least commune with them. Which brings me to the reason I spend the last years traveling Earthland."

A brief smile emerged on her lips as she continued. "Surely a realm as diverse as Earthland's must have had civilizations that dealt with such beings, the other-worldly entities we call: Gods."

Yet the sigh that followed and the shake of her head made it clear she didn't find what she desired. "It seems during the fall of Nebuchad no records were left of what happened to their God-King after he unleashed his wrath for the vampire houses their betrayal of the nine. I hoped by investigating into the history of Cain I could learn more about him and perhaps figure out a means for us to gain more insight in such otherworldly beings but..."

A soft chuckle followed as she continued. "In the wake of the Dragon Conflict I lost my affinity toward my Dimensional Traveling and with Morrigan's staff gone I have no means of gaining further insight from Morrigan herself. Although..."

She raised a hand to her chin, pondering for a moment. "If I were to keep my side of the bargain with Fenrir, it might be possible for me to get into contact with the other-worldly beings again. At the very least I presume that Loki would have a blast trying to see us deal with this problem. Unfortunately, Loki is quite a trickster, and even I struggle to read his intentions. But for now, my plan is to travel around the realm searching the ruins of old civilizations for more clues, and discover the sealing stones that kept Fenrir chained. Even if it might be a dangerous bargain to destroy them, I'm a girl of my word, and I did promise Fenrir I would destroy the chains that bound her, worst case I'll run back to you if the wolf, this time literally comes to bite me in the ass~"

Esperia nodded her head briefly in return to Alisa's skeptical view on the matter of the story, to which she replied in agreement. "Exactly, despite all the abilities at my disposal, the only way we could truly discover what happened that day is by prying into the memories of those who were there, and if we were to try to find an unbiased source, then asking the one who got sealed away might not be the best of ideas~"

A brief chuckle followed after which she raised a hand to her chin and pondered briefly. "Perhaps, but it doesn't disregard the fact that something, or someone is directing those cultists." Lowering her hand back to her side the vampire's gaze drifted back into the distance. "Mhmm, nonetheless, it feels too dangerous to let him continue unchecked, but then it raises the issue of how to deal with him."

Alisa's words did pique a hint of curiosity from Esperia, but the lack of a explanation made her decide not to probe into the matter. Still, the words that followed made the vampire's gaze softened for a moment. "The Ace system hmm? If I recall right they were once regarded as powerful members of the guilds that usually could be found traversing Earthland, yet answered the call to arms to protect their guild should the need arise. I never really understood the details behind it, or why the system disappeared."

The girl's gaze remained softened as she shifted lightly, gazing into Alisa's eyes. "There is appeal to that offer, it would give me a safe environment for my family to be raised at, yet..."

She paused for a few, pondering on how to continue. "My concern is primarily found in the fact that my methods are not always according to the books~ Sure, there is place for honor and forgiveness, but not when it means risking so much more. I don't wish for my actions to affect you and the guild~ Don't get me wrong, I'm past the days of blindly charging into conflict but... What if my actions will lead to consequences that spread onto the guild? Take for example my little escapades into other realms or me stirring up the beehive and annoying the vampire houses because I don't desire to follow their ways and wanted to remind them that this 'society' build upon their houses is a mockery of Nebuchad's legacy? Would you truly be able to still welcome me home, knowing that housing me means possibly bringing trouble toward your doorstep?"

Esperia's smile lingered for a bit longer as she turned toward the balcony. "In days past I would have bounced into your offer with open arms, waiting for a 'Welcome Home~' but during my time as Asmodeus' vessel I did learn that blindly chasing that which you long for, without looking at the consequences might bring harm to those you care for. And it should come to no surprise that I care for you~ After all you're a dear friend, senior and mentor to me~"

"Looking pretty was something you never had any difficulties with~" Esperia chimed teasingly in response as she listened to Alisa's response and invitation. For a moment she remained motionless, closing her eyes and thinking carefully after which she took a step forward, and another and gently wrapped her arms around Alisa in an innocent albeit affectionate hug.

"I can't return... At least not yet, but know that my heart will long for the days I can spend alongside you and enjoy our little adventures~"

She lifted her gaze from Alisa's shoulder and looked at her, a sorrowful smile on her lips. "Before I can truly return there is something I need to finish, something I been searching for ever since I obtained this curious blessing that bestowed upon me such otherworldly knowledge."

She felt comfortable enough, no rather it was the fact she didn't hesitate to reveal the next part that showed just how much she trusted Alisa. "There is something I seek Ali, related to our mutual endeavor to stop Odin. You see, despite the wealth of knowledge at my disposal it only reveals to me the past and present but the future remains shrouded in mystery. Yet what if I told you there are tales about something which holds the secrets of the future?"

She nodded her head firmly. "According to those tales there is a certain place of knowledge that contains all that there is to know, but more curiously is the concept of a tome that supposedly reveals the destiny of all things."

She smiled gently as she decided to reveal the secret to her plans she had kept closest to her heart. "Of course, destiny is not necessarily set in stone, always changing... but should I find those records I might be able to uncover the destiny of a certain 'someone'."

It should had started to become clearer for sure as she revealed those secrets. "Indeed, should I find the records of 'Morrigan' her destiny then surely I should uncover 'how' Odin plans to unleash her. And whether it is real or merely fiction, I hope to find it... For isn't every great adventure born from that: A rumor that made someone curious to discover the truth behind it?"

Her smile grew brighter as she continued. "As much as I would love to do this as your Ace, I can only be in one place at a time, and would feel more comfortable knowing you'd have someone more reliable to fill that spot~ Of course, that doesn't mean I won't hesitate to answer the call for help should you or the others be threatened and I'm able to help but."

She nodded her head gently. "Until then I think the mantle of Traveler suits me oddly well~"

Gently letting go of Alisa she turned her gaze back toward the horizon and hummed softly. "In a way consider me a honorary ace, one in all but official standing~ for should you ever be in danger and need my help, all you shall have to do is make the call and I will answer."

A hand raised to the longer locks at the side of her face, tucking them back behind her ear as she declared with a smile. "And I won't spoil any juicy stories I find about you and your wife's future shenanigans if I do find those records~"

A gentle nod followed from Esperia as she felt the tension in her body slowly fading at the gentle caress of her hair. "Indeed, there is plenty I could do as a member of Blue Pegasus, but I'd hesitate to have you devote so many resources to help me on this goose chase~ Especially when those resources could be better spend elsewhere. I'm certain that under your guidance the members of Blue Pegasus will be ready for anything Odin and his kin would dare to throw at you~"

And that was exactly why this was a burden that she should shoulder herself, not Alisa, not Valerie, this was a task she had to complete herself.

"Exactly~ The future is shrouded in mystery because every single action can shape a different timeline, in that regard I hope that by finding the records I will at least be able to uncover how Odin and the cult plan to bring forth their insane ambition, so that we can change that destiny~"

Yet there was wisdom in Alisa's words, destiny or fate were things never written in stone, always changing by the actions of others. Yet she did believe that the collection of tomes would pave the path to the wisdom she sought. Yet at the same time the last remark, the menacing undertone to the honeyed voice of her mentor brought a chill down Espy's spine.

"Of course! A classy lady doesn't reveal secrets like these!"

Yet as she hesitatingly took a step backwards Esperia smiled sheepishly at her mentor. "But I'll be certain to let you know as soon as I make any discoveries~"

Darting over the balcony the lass transformed into a small bat and nimbly made her way into the streets down below. Yet it seemed for Alisa that the night of reunions was not entirely over just yet.

"Despite the years, my little darling remains the same playful girl that drew in the adoration of the Demon Lord of Lust, isn't that so Ali?"

A soft feminine voice called Alisa from among the shadows, and should Alisa lift her gaze toward the source of them she would see the sight of something, or rather someone who was all too familiar to her.

With a light hop the hooded figure landed soundlessly on the balcony, her hands raised to the edges of the hood covering her head and sliding it down it revealed the identity of the person: the long obsidian locks, the horns curving along the side of her head. That presence that radiated confidence and desire...

"It's been too long my dear~"

[End]