Side Story 5: Till my Life Runs Dry
30 years ago; Shanghai
The ship moored at the Port of Shanghai was named the Midnight Star. It was registered as a cargo ship by an extremely wealthy company that made good money from trading various goods, most of all artificial blood for extremely wealthy vampires worldwide.
However, it also ran a small business of illegal immigration. There were always people who wanted to cross borders in search of a better life, or maybe those who simply wanted to survive. Regardless of the reasons, no one really cared, as long as it roped in a hefty amount of dollar bills.
Within one of the massive cargo boxes were large crates labelled as holding blood tablets. Of course, it wasn't a complete lie that it held blood tablets. After all, such was necessary to ensure the vampires being smuggled together didn't starve over the long journey. In each crate huddled about seven adult vampires, all of whom either dissolved the tablets in the scarce amount of water available or chewed on the tablets directly.
In a corner were two vampires of Chinese descent, one was a young woman while the other a female child. The woman slowly fed the girl a blood tablet solution while placing one hand protectively on her head. "Don't worry my daughter." The woman spoke in Mandarin. "We'll be somewhere better soon." At this, the ship's horn sounded, and before long all felt the subtle movement as the ship cast off. Li Ming now breathed as she prepared them for the long journey ahead.
No one really knew what had happened, but all Li Ming could recall was the blaring of alarms, shouting and the smell of burning oil. The vampires upon the ship suddenly awoke and emerged to find the ship on fire, explosions rocking the vessel and tearing the air apart with thunderous booms. It wasn't long before her child started to cry, scared by all the loud noises
Li Ming wasted no time in scooping up her daughter and escaping the confines of the cargo container and running out onto the deck. Seawater lashed her face while the reddish glow of the inferno could be seen at the stern. She could see members of the crew now scrambling to lifeboats. She looked around frantically for an empty boat as another round of explosions tore through the ship.
"Which one!?" Li Ming said to herself frantically as she looked around. Finally, her eyes caught the sight of one boat, still empty though it wouldn't be for long with all the vampires running to it. Li Ming hurriedly broke for the boat, narrowly avoiding a stray barrel that was flung her way due to an explosion.
Then, a stray rocket flew across her, hitting the lifeboat square in the middle and consuming it in a massive fireball. Lim Ming ducked to shield her child from the debris, managing to see a few men dressed in black clothing. Seeing no other choice, Li Ming bolted for the side just as they aimed at her. With all her strength, she jumped over, holding her child tightly as they hit the water below.
She had lost count of how many days it had possibly been. Li Ming hugged herself and her child as she drifted on the sea. It was only fortunate she had found a sizeable wood plank for them to stay dry on.
Despite the strides the world has taken, there are always people who had less than adequate means of living a proper life. Even vampires were not immune to the trials of poverty or misfortune. Being a humble descent of normal vampires, Li Ming was not among the most entitled of her race. She had to work hard to support herself through multiple odd jobs, surrounded by both humans and vampires. For a while, it went well. She managed everything properly and was able to support herself just fine.
Until that time, that one night stand, that one careless moment of her life. Of all the things that could have happened, it was undoubtedly the stupidest thing she did. She still couldn't figure out the reason why she agreed to go drinking with that man who just left her on a whim. Then again, she reasoned idiocy rarely needed reason, such was its nature.
As a result, she could not afford to work, not with the constant thirst plaguing her every waking hour that was only standard when it came to vampire pregnancy. After her daughter was born, things didn't get easier. So many challenges came with having to provide for the both of them. And while she had enough to scrape by, it didn't last for long. With no one to support her, there were no other options save to seek a better life elsewhere, beyond the borders of her country. Of course, she could have opted to abandon the child, but no matter what, she couldn't bring herself to do it.
Her child whimpered again, indicating she was hungry. Despite this however, Li Ming knew she was getting weaker. Lack of blood was now starting to make her weary, and now she wasn't sure if she had any to give her child. Slowly the exhaustion became too much to bear, and she drifted off into such a deep sleep that she didn't notice the sound of a boat approaching her.
When she awoke again, Li Ming found herself staring at an elaborate ceiling and lying in a comfortable bed. She sat upright, surprised to find that the burning sensation in her throat was gone. She also appeared to be dressed in new clothes. She felt the slight rocking sensation, and looking out of the window she saw the ocean.
Then, she realized her daughter was gone. Panic filled her mind as she scrambled to find her child. It was then that the door to her room opened. She looked as three people entered. Two appeared to be butlers, but the third anyone could have recognized anywhere. In fact, no vampire in the world did not know her.
"Queen Ai…" Li Ming breathed.
"Well then, at least that is out of the way." Ai smiled playfully. "May I therefore know yours?"
"Li Ming…" She said.
"It is a pleasure." Ai nodded. "Rest assured, I have commanded my servants to ensure you are nursed back to health properly, and that all you require is provided. And before you ask, I have a few maids attending to the needs of your daughter. By the by, what is her name?"
"Lin Hua…" Li Ming replied.
"A good name." Ai smiled. "You will be glad to know that she is fine, and more or less uninjured."
Relief washed through Li Ming on news of her daughter. "You have my deepest gratitude." Li Ming bowed. "But I don't know how I can…"
"Think nothing of it." Ai smiled as she turned to leave the room. "Though, if you do intend to repay me for this, then all you need do is promise me that you will raise that child well, despite everything that has happened." Ai now departed, leaving Li Ming with a surprised look on her face.
"So we can confirm that the ones we are pursuing are the rogues we've been after?" Ai asked.
"Yes." Ren nodded. "While this incident calls into question the Midnight Star's owners' business ethics, the fact that even rogue hunters are out on the oceans presents very dire news for us."
Ai sighed as she took up her teacup and sipped from it. "Probably piggy-backing off pirates in the seas. Perhaps there is a mothership somewhere out there? Best to alert the local hunter's association and have them contribute."
"Indeed." Ren replied from opposite her. "This group could very well cause problems for everyone if they go around and indiscriminately attack vampires anywhere in these waters. Also, if they are allowing piracy, then it would mean issues for free trade as well. To think they'd stoop this low…"
"Even with Kirihara's support and the Association actively policing the world, it isn't possible to catch everyone." Ai nodded. "I'm certain there will be plenty of individuals who will be upset with my little jaunt here, but this has already gone on for a few months. It's time we stopped these men. All that's left is to find them, wherever they are…"
"Any ideas sister?" Ren asked.
"Well, we so happen to have a boat stocked full with vampires." Ai pursed her lips.
"Surely you jest." Ren frowned. "We act as live bait? I don't know if I am comfortable with both you and those two civilians aboard this ship. Also, despite our crew, this ship has no weapons. It's at best a private yacht."
"I don't think a private yacht has a state-of-the-art radar system and an ultrasound scanner…" Ai frowned.
"You put that in only because at one point in your extremely long life you wanted to go whale watching and swimming with dolphins." Ren deadpanned. "None of that was an actual security necessity."
"Hey! I was young and I had a dream okay!?" Ai pouted. "What's the harm?"
"I thought your dream was to create a world that fostered vampire and human coexistence?" Ren replied with the similar monotonous voice. "But with that besides the point, we need a much better plan than simply acting as bait for pirates."
Ai sighed and she laid her chin on both her hands. "Still, I can't simply ignore this. Isn't there a way we can catch them as we are?"
Ren closed her eyes and folded her arms, deep in thought. Silence stretched between them both for a long period until someone knocked on the door. "Enter." Ai said. At once, one of the butlers entered.
"My queen, apologies for the interruption." The butler said. "But our guest wishes to speak with you."
"For what purpose?" Ai frowned.
"She wishes to know where you are headed currently." The butler replied. "When I asked, apparently she has no place to go."
"Such is the situation for an illegal immigrant." Ai concluded. "Very well, send her to my office. I'll head there now." Ai now left the room and went to see their newest guest.
Li Ming walked through the corridors of the ship, impressed with the amount of décor that lined the walls. It wasn't long before the man who escorted her pointed toward an ornate wooden door. This, she reasoned, was Ai's private office and cabin on the ship.
The man knocked on the door. "Your majesty, I have brought our guest, as instructed."
"Very good." Ai called from inside. "Please send her in."
At once, the man opened the door and gestured for Li Ming to enter. As soon as she did, her eyes widened at the mess on the table. Paper was strewn everywhere while a few files had stacked up on the side. Various pens were also splayed over the table while a laptop with a blinking power light was almost falling off.
"Uh…" Li Ming stared, completely dumbstruck by the mess.
"Hm?" Ai frowned before looking to the mess on the desk. "Oh! No, no. It's just, work recently has been piling up and I haven't been getting round to organizing all of it. I normally have a secretary, but the only one is indisposed due to an emergency meeting attended to by my husband."
"I see…" Li Ming frowned as she stepped closer. "I-if you'd like, I can help with the desk…"
"Oh, don't bother. I'll be doing it eventually. In any case, have a seat!" Ai smiled as she slowly straightened her desk out, though only minimally. "I understand you wished to speak with me?"
Without delay, Li Ming sat down on one of the chairs as Ai came over. The queen immediately offered a cup of tea with some sugar cubes, which Li Ming helped herself to.
"So I hear you currently have no home to go to." Ai said as she sipped tea.
"Yes…" Li Ming answered. "I was therefore wondering if your Majesty could tell me where we are headed."
"Hmm, a difficult question." Ai pursed her lips. "We are actually here on a bit of an excursion."
"An excursion?" Li Ming frowned. "But, out in the middle of the ocean?"
"As you know already, we have been getting word of a rogue team of hunters attacking ships out in these waters." Ai said. "Therefore, I saw fit to ensure personally that these ruffians are caught and thereafter punished. We have managed to apprehend the ones that attacked your ship, but I fear there is more to this than it seems. Thus, I hope you will at least follow the instructions of the crew should things go awry."
"But, you are the queen aren't you?" Li Ming's frown deepened. "Couldn't you just have gotten some soldiers to do that for you?"
"And I do…" Ai replied in a strange tone. "They are all over this ship after all."
"But isn't it too risky for a queen to endanger herself?" Li Ming asked.
"Come now, I'm more than capable of protecting myself, you know that." Ai replied smugly. "Besides, as a Pureblood and as the queen, it is my responsibility as well to see these criminals arrested!"
At once, the door opened and Ren walked in with a blank look on her face. "My sister simply wanted to ditch her office and see the ocean. This particular problem was the perfect chance for her to do just that."
"Ren!" Ai wailed. "That was supposed to be a secret!"
"You should at least be truthful about your affairs." Ren answered, forcing Ai to resume pouting. Ren now sighed, shaking her head as she went and sat beside her, turning once to see the mess on the table. "Sister, I really think you should find some extra help with your work. That stack of documents seems only to be growing by the hour. I have no doubt your desk is going to be swamped by the end."
"Well, that would be a splendid development." Ai exhaled as she slouched into the chair. "But as you can see, we are on the ocean. Where am I supposed to find someone who could possibly have the experience needed to manage so many of my tasks? If only we didn't need to send David to that conference. Despite everything, I don't understand why it is so hard for some aristocrats to see working with humans will be more beneficial in the long run."
"Um…" Li Ming said meekly, getting the attention of both sisters. "If you'd like, I can help a little." Ai and Ren looked at her quizzically as she continued to explain. "I worked once in a few secretary positions. Maybe I can help with cleaning as well due to my experience as a hotel worker. But if that is insufficient…"
"I'm certain it will more than qualify." Ren nodded. "As you have noticed, my sister lacks any skill in cleaning up after herself."
"No I don't." Ai frowned, though she didn't seem angry. "It's just there's too much of a mess now for me to clean up appropriately."
Ren smiled. "And there you have it. She appreciates your offer Ms Li Ming."
And so, Li Ming got to work, sifting through the various sheets of paper on Ai's desk and cleaning up the strewn about stationary. Even Ren pitched in for a bit before leaving to do some patrols. Within a short five minutes, AI's desk was finally starting to look neater.
"Wow." Ai chuckled. "You have my thanks."
"It's an honour your majesty." Li Ming replied, but was shocked to see Ai hold her hand up.
"No need for that." Ai sighed. "I've had quite enough years of people fawning over my Pureblood status. No need to add to that pile."
"But, you are an exalted member of our race!" Li Ming protested.
"A view I do not wish applied to myself." Ai replied. "I want to be seen not because of what I am, but what I've done for this world. And as of now, my greatest goal is to keep both humans and vampires living in prosperity."
"Your majesty…" Li Ming blinked as Ai continued.
"My mother fought to ensure coexistence between humans and vampires." Ai responded. "Gave much of her life to that cause that now has fallen to me. And yet, incidents like what you and your daughter faced still run rampant through the world. It isn't easy, I know. But even so, I'm certain we can all come together to make this world a better place for all."
Ai sat down in the chair, her eyes closed in deep thought. Li Ming merely placed some paper away before standing before Ai again. Ai seemed to realise she was still being watched, for she opened her eyes and stared at Li Ming. "Well, whatever shall I do with you?" She chuckled.
"Your majesty?" Li Ming questioned.
"While attempted by both vampires and humans, the fact is those who seek to be smuggled often have reasons to do so. Reasons that are fairly easy to guess." Ai smiled. "If your reason is that you can seek employment, then I might just be able to help with that."
Li Ming felt her jaw drop. "W-wha…"
"Of course, the work might not be what you're used to." Ai continued as she adjusted her position in the chair. "But I can at least guarantee you a home for you and your daughter. And rest assured I have more than enough manservants and maids to care for an extra child. What do you think?"
"Um, why would you…" Li Ming began to ask but stopped as Ai stood up.
"But for now…" Ai clapped her hands. "I think it best for you to go see your daughter in our nursery room."
"Nursery room?" Li Ming blinked.
"Well, Ren does speak truth. This is a private yacht." Ai answered. "And within is housed a room that serves as a nursery, specifically for my son and his friends on the occasion they were present."
"Oh…" Li Ming breathed. "I wasn't aware…"
"So why not spend time with the little one for now?" Ai said with a smile. "I'm certain she is worried about her mother."
"V-very well." Li Ming nodded. "But if you need me, don't be afraid to ask."
"I shall take you up on that offer then." Ai smiled.
Night had fallen, and in the dark the yacht's lights shone brightly. It skimmed across the water, making its way to a nearby port to refuel and stock up on supplies. Guards patrolled the deck, alert for the slightest movement on the water's surface. Ren herself came up, her silver hair illuminated by the lights against the darkness. She looked off to starboard before heading up to the bridge to check on the helmsman.
"Milady." He greeted as he kept his eyes forward. Ren stood nearby, her eyes scanning the waves. "Might I ask, why is it that you seem more on edge than usual?"
"Because I think we'll be in for a bit of rougher sea state than usual." Ren replied.
"Well, it's all clear for now." The helmsman replied. "No strong winds and the waves are quite low. We ought to be fine."
Ren frowned as she kept her eyes focused on the ocean before her. While she saw nothing, her instincts told her something else. Quickly, she ran out and went to the port deck, looking slightly to the stern of the ship. While it was difficult to make out, she could tell something was moving in the darkness, along with the nearly inaudible whine of a motor.
"So it's that kind of sea state hm?" The helmsman frowned as he hurried back in.
"Indeed. Ren nodded as she reached for her gun.
It was good that she was able to spend time with her daughter all day. But when the alarms sounded, Li Ming was hurried to Ai's own room by the knights on duty. As she did, sounds of gunfire immediately erupted through the air. The servants forced them to the ground as the glass windows broke from a few stray shots.
Lin Hua started crying again as she huddled the child close to her. Only when the bullets stopped did the servants quickly usher them both into Ai's private cabin. For her part however, the queen seemed to be missing.
"Just stay here for now." The knight who escorted them said as he left the room, closing the door in the process.
"Shhh." Li Ming stroked her child's hair before speaking in Chinese. "It's ok. Everything will be fine."
Gunshots rang out through the ship, the noise amplified by the tight quarters. Li Ming slowly went into the bedroom, placing the child in a corner. "Do not make a sound, understand?" Lin Hua nodded as Li Ming placed her in the closet, hiding her amongst the dresses Ai had kept in there. Lin Hua left the room and closed the door, heading to the door and peeking her head out. Seeing no one around, she stepped back and closed the door.
The wall behind her suddenly exploded, throwing Li Ming against the door, simultaneously strewing paper and broken wood everywhere. Li Ming slid down, a pained expression on her face. As she turned around, she saw two hooks get thrown through the gaping hole in the room and soon enough armed men came in.
"Clear." One of them said before laying his eyes on Li Ming. "Now here's a surprise. It's the one that got away yesterday."
"Hey, you're right." Another said as he climbed up. "Well, no better time to finish the job huh?"
At this, the first man cocked his rifle, aiming it at Li Ming's head. Before he could squeeze the trigger however, a swarm of black engulfed him. The men cried as they tried to swat away what looked like butterflies. Li Ming watched as a figure now descended, a massive rod in her hands that she now used to swat away the intruders.
"In the nick of time it would seem." Ai remarked as she gathered flames in her hands. The butterflies cleared away as she dropped the flames onto the pirate boat below, setting it alight. "Get inside the room and stay there." Ai now twirled the staff as two more men dropped down from above, using hooks to swing themselves in from the deck above. Li Ming scrambled to safety as the guns began firing. Ai expertly blocked all the bullets with her staff before telekinetically blasting the gunman out. Unfortunately, this allowed the other to charge in and strike her with his sword. Ai parried, quickly twirling to smack him on the head.
As Li Ming scrambled to the room. The main door opened as another man clothed in black appeared holding a cutlass, an odd weapon for this day and age. Ai turned to face him as soon as she knocked out the other. "A Hunter's weapon. Where did you get it?" The man did not reply. He merely charged in, weapon raised.
"Well, I suppose talking will come later." Ai frowned as she parried the blow, spinning round to kick him in the back. As this went on however, Li Ming watched as the one who was knocked out pulled out an ornate dagger, revealing his false incapacitation. While she wasn't versed in them, she was more than certain it was a Hunter's weapon, and that it would gravely wound the queen.
Without hesitation, Li Ming charged at the man as he was getting up, giving a forceful kick to his face and stunning him before she pounced on his back and wrapped her arms around his neck, putting him into a camel clutch. The man struggled furiously, but Li Ming refused to let go, her vampire physique helping her keep the hold till the man fell unconscious.
Once he stopped struggling, Li Ming looked up to see Ai smack the back of her opponent's head with the staff, a look of incredulity forming on her face as she saw Li Ming's unconscious opponent. "Well, keep this up and I'll definitely have a use for you." She chuckled. "But for now, make yourself and your daughter scarce. Head to the state room, it is so far untouched. At least I hope it is."
Despite the clamour of battle, Li Ming found a smile forming on her face. "Perhaps if possible, I ought to tidy it up for you."
A few hours later, the vampires watched as the pirates and rogues were all transported to the naval ship that had responded to their distress signal. Li Ming watched from a safe distance as Ren and Ai spoke with the navy captain while armed men ushered them off the yacht. In her arms, he daughter slept soundly.
Quite the eventful trip huh? Li Ming mused to herself and her daughter as she rocked the sleeping child. She watched as the queen finished with the military personnel and made her way back to her.
"So…" Ai smiled. "All's well that ends well, right?"
"I believe so." Li Ming said before she bowed. "Thank you your Majesty. I owe you my life, and so much more."
"Don't mention it." Ai replied. "It is my duty after all, to safeguard vampires and promote peace between us and humans. It is a long journey, but well worth it I'm sure."
Li Ming straightened up. "I suppose that is why you'd offer me a job just out of the blue. And after much consideration…"
"You'll take it!?" Ai beamed, edging closer to Li Ming.
"W-well…" Li Ming chuckled half nervously. "Considering I have no way to support myself and my child, and considering there aren't any other options, beggars can't be choosers. Besides..." Li Ming now looked to her sleeping child. "We are indebted to you. So consider my life in service to you, till the day it is extinguished."
Ai stared and smiled. "Just be sure it does not extinguish before your time is due. I believe this world is a better place with you in it."
"Thank you my Queen." Li Ming bowed her head. "If you'd like, I can start immediately."
"Excellent!" Ai clapped her hands together. "I will make the arrangements at once! Oh, I can't believe what fortuitous circumstances this is! Another helper around the house!"
"Another one for you to lump your stress and some of your menial tasks on?" Ren frowned as she got close, startling Ai.
"Ren! Stop doing that!" Ai pouted.
"No need. You get so preoccupied you don't even notice." Ren frowned.
"Lady Ren, whatever do you mean?" Li Ming asked.
"You see, my sister has been wanting to have another personal butler or maid around to help with her work, not simply because her husband isn't always available. She wants to have time for slacking off."
"No I don't!" Ai half screamed. "I just think it would be nice to have help with the work that has been piling up and…"
"You just want someone to help you with cleaning up so you can enjoy more of your personal snack time." Ren continued her accusations unabated, forcing Ai to clamp up as sweat beaded her forehead. Li Ming frowned as she saw the vampire queen everyone seemed to idolize became un-queenlier by the moment.
"Come on Ren!" Ai started wailing. "At least show your big sister some deference! Isn't that what a little sister does!?"
"Not this one." Ren deadpanned.
"Why you!" Ai growled as she dove at Ren, the two sisters now scuffling on the deck as the crew watched. Li Ming felt her daughter stir as she awoke, disturbed by the two vampires fighting on deck.
"Um, I'm still willing to take the job offer…" Li Ming stated, garnering their attention.
3 years later
Ai finally finished with the papers on her desk. She looked at the clock, clicking her tongue as she saw it was only ten minutes to four in the afternoon.
"Why does tea time have to be so far away…" She moaned as her forehead connected with the table. As she did so, the door to her private study opened. She looked up as Li Ming walked in. She recounted the day she had met the Chinese vampire who was illegally traveling to another country. The difference was without doubt stark now that Li Ming wore a suit complete with black pants and a bow tie, her hair tied up into a neat bun.
"Now your Majesty, it would not do well for you to shirk your responsibilities." Li Ming said. "Now then, please take your time to go through these letters." Li Ming now handed a few envelopes to Ai. "They are the responses from the delegates in Europe that you have approached earlier."
Ai whimpered as she took the letters without complaint. Since Li Ming began here she had been quite the stern enforcer of Ai's schedule and duties. It would seem her experience in working with various businesses had made her quite the monster at time management.
Still, considering Ai had been less stressed over work, she had to admit Li Ming excelled at her duties. She was even surprised to learn about Li Ming's self-defense skills. While she was certain those had come as per her old jobs, she didn't think too much about what those jobs entailed. Overall, Li Ming had grown to be quite the trusted hand in her affairs.
"Hmm." Ai pursed her lips as she read the first letter. "It seems we'll be able to get some German vampires enrolled soon. Had it not been for you, I'm certain I would have forgotten."
"It's my duty to ensure things stay on track your Majesty." Li Ming nodded. "Oh, the chef says tea time will be a blueberry pie."
"Something I can look forward to hmm?" Ai chuckled. As she reached for the second letter, the laughter of two children echoed through the halls. She watched as her son and Lin Hua ran in, not bothering with the fact this place was meant to be a private workplace.
"Mother, can we go play in the garden?" Akira asked. "Lin Hua wants some time outdoors."
"Why not?" Ai smiled. "Children ought to spend time outdoors, don't you think so Li Ming?"
"Indeed." The Chinese vampire smiled. "Well, run along you two." The two vampire children ran out, Lin Hua tugging behind Akira like a miniature manservant.
"They get along so well, don't they?" Ai mused.
"Truly my Queen." Li Ming smiled. "And you'd like that for everyone, don't you?"
"Definitely." Ai smiled as she read the second letter. "And that is what I toil towards."
"And yet you get weak over the thought of missing tea." Li Ming smirked.
Ai pouted. "Even I need a break, ok? Besides, I can't make a peaceful world of coexistence without a clear and steady head."
Li Ming chuckled as she bowed. "Whatever you say your Majesty." She now left the room, closing the door behind her and Ai smiled.
"After all, I have to make sure it is done for you as well." Ai mused. "As one who pledged herself to me."
Author's Note:
Well, things are getting busy nowadays. The commute from work back home doesn't do much favours for time, which makes writing all the harder. However, I intend to finish this story now that we are at the last arc of it all. So do be patient, and I hope you will read what comes next!
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