This is the shortest of all the chapters

Vanessa's Request

Chloe,

I pray this letter finds you well. If you're reading this, then one of two things have happened. Either way, I am no longer around. That feels a little strange to write, I must admit, however true it will be by now. It's probably just as strange for you to read. Either, you've found Max and she's remembered hiding this, or you're a lot older now and have somehow found this without meeting Max again. God, I hope that's not the case. If it is, then this explanation is going to leave more questions and for that I truly am sorry, but I have to hope that at the least Max is alive. So, I am going to go with that. I don't think I can face any other possibility.

Firstly, I would like to offer my deepest sympathy for William. He was a good friend and I miss him dearly, as I am sure you do too. He was a wonderful father, not just to you but to Max too. The world is a much darker place without him in it. He never failed to make those around him smile, or groan in some cases thanks to that seemingly unending supply of bad jokes and puns. A trait Max unfortunately inherited. I cannot even begin to express the way I truly feel in the aftermath of his death. Words don't do it justice. They never will.

You should know the truth about his death, it's only fair. William died protecting myself and Max. For that, I am deeply sorry. Perhaps I should have done more, but right now I can't think like that. I have to protect Max. I'm sure you understand that, but I'm not selfish enough to put you, your mother or anyone else in danger. I can't. You've already been dragged into this mess more than you should have. Part of me realizes that my wish to keep you out of this may have failed to a degree. The other part hopes that regardless, you will remain safe.

You see, me and Max aren't exactly what you think we are. Well, ok technically Max is for the moment, but very soon she won't be. Don't worry, it's nothing bad, well, not in itself. Anyway, I'm an Ahri, Chloe. I'll save the exposition, you're a smart girl. There's a lot on the internet about us. Point is, me being an Ahri means that Max is also an Ahri, or will be on her fourteenth birthday, which is little over a week away now. Yes, her birthday is the same as yours. I'm afraid I don't have a huge amount of time to tell you all the details. It would take time I don't have. Hopefully, Joyce can fill you in there. Give your mother my regards, by the way. I'm going to really miss her.

Because of what we are someone or a group of people, we don't exactly know, are after us, and there killing any Ahri they find. Why, we don't know. This is why we left so abruptly.

There's not much I can tell you that I have the time to write down, I'm afraid. Hopefully, I'll get to see you all again one day, but if I don't, know this. I will deeply miss both you and your mother. I just wish things could have been different. I'll say hi to your father for you and, if possible, I'll try and keep an eye on both of you. It's the least I can do after all the trouble and heartache I have inadvertently caused.

I do have a personal request of you, Chloe, and I know it's a little bit selfish of me. You see, I don't know what Max will do. She may very well run, and I wouldn't blame her. It is, after all, what I chose to do. My only request is this...

Please look after my daughter. Stay by her side where I could not. Ahri don't do well on their own, and Max has never been alone since the day she was born. She's always had you.

And if Rachel is still around, tell her I miss her.

I love you all always,

Vanessa

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