Date: Sun, 30 May 2021 20:11:54 -0400 From: Justin Forfun Subject: New Reality 35 This story started out of boredom, and has now taken on a life of its own. Text copyright ©Justin Forfun 2020-2021 All rights reserved. This work is fully protected under the United States Copyright Laws © 17 USC§§ 101, 102(a), 302(a). All rights reserved. Placing or posting any or all of this story on any website, or distribution of any of these works in any way (in part or in whole) without the explicit consent of the author is strictly prohibited. Any and all copyright infringements will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Any names, characters, or incidents are the product of the author's imagination and are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental, and no harm or slanderous intent is implied or intended. I've gotten a lot of positive feedback, and some negative. I'm open to suggestions and feedback, but it is what it is. You can comment as you like at Jst4fun2nyt@gmail.com. The sex isn't a major part of it, nor is it going to be graphic. If you're looking for masturbation fodder, look elsewhere. There will be slow times in this story, just like there are in life. Other times, things will fly at you too fast. There will be boring days, and exciting days. It's just how it's flowing. With work, I'm getting about a chapter done a week. So I'll post twice a week, and see how that flows. Here is the house plan I used for inspiration for their new lake house. I've modified it to fit my dream, but this is what gave me the idea of the general layout. https://archivaldesigns.com/collections/castle-house-plans/products/balmoral-castle-house-plan DONATE to Nifty so you can continue to enjoy my story, and the thousands of others!!!! https://donate.nifty.org/ ********************************************************************************************* The next morning Billy was struggling to wake up at 6, so Scott and I carried him to the shower and held him there as he grumbled. Bea was laughing as we turned the cold water on and he screamed. Once the water warmed up, we washed each other and dried. We dressed in jeans and headed to breakfast where Lucas greeted me by asking permission to mate bond with LeAnn. I looked to Andrew, and his look told me that they were adults, and were asking their Alpha, it was my call. "Well, it would only be valid among vampires, until you can pass for 18. Are you wanting pups yet?" "Oh no Sire, we have a few years of school still. I want my masters in finance and she does too. We just, well..." and they both blushed. "You just want to show your love and you want to wait until you're mated?" They both softly said "Yeah." "I think that's a wonderful thing. I approve. Will you have a wedding at some point as well?" "We don't care about that. The pack is our only family Uncle Greg. We just wanted your blessing first. Uncle Andrew and Aunt Amie will be there with us, and Andy." "I think that's beautiful" Samantha said, as she walked in. "We were hoping Alpha Greg and Scott would be at ours." "I didn't think about things like that Samantha, do you two want a wedding as well? What about your Dad or Mom Josh?" "My parents will be happy with a signed marriage license. They won't come to a wedding even if we have one. Adam and Linda aren't big on these things, so we're quite happy with how it is going to happen. But she's right Dad. I'd like you and Pop to be there. Billy and Bea too. You all were there to change me, so it's only right." "Bea and I will be there." "As will Greg and I. We all will be honored to be there for you." "I guess that's settled then? Lucas, when?" "We'll let you know Greg, and thanks." Brandon and Chipper came in and joined Kailani and Andy at the counter. A few minutes later, Jack sat with them and was asking about school, and their plans for this afternoon. It only took them five minutes to decide they all would go fishing when they got home, and I reminded them that homework had to be finished first. Then Alejo came in and they all followed him out to the Sprinter to head to school, but not before I got a hug from my boys, and a quiet thanks from Brandon. Ted, Mickey, and Clint came in, and I overheard Andrew saying he would move their things. When I asked, Ted explained that with us adding planes, he was bringing the alternate couple to live here, along with another pair. "They've flown for me for several weeks and I don't even know their names Ted. Will I ever meet them?" "Amelia is still camera shy Greg, Fred is very protective of her. It's why I've always just said the other couple." I could almost hear Billy's head snap up to stare as he said "Amelia and Fred?" "Yes. She wanted to mate with Fred but she was too public a figure, so they disappeared. It was very complicated to do, but their last radio signals actually came from a boat that belonged to George. They landed safely at a private strip on the big island. Shame we had to destroy the plane, but you understand." I laughed. "Make sure she knows her privacy will be respected Ted, even if I have to bite a certain Beta." "I would never bother her Greg, I was just surprised, that's all." "Anyway, you were saying about moving?" "Yeah, Andrew suggested all the flight personnel move to that 6-bedroom house. We'll give Amelia and Fred the main floor master, and the rest of us can share the rooms upstairs." "How many are you bringing to take care of us?" "Well, the three of us are dedicated to your personal needs. Everyone we'll have can fly the Phenoms and the Bells, so you can just use them as a pool, or assign aircraft, or assign people to people. I prefer to assign them aircraft. If you're used to the same one, you'll notice the slightest thing out of place." "That makes sense, do that for the jets. The Bell we have is you and Mickey. The new one will be shared by Josh and Todd, and they'll both have access to Phenoms without asking me. No one uses the Gulfstream unless you talk to me, and only you three crew it." "Billy told me two new Bells?" I turned to Billy as he said "Between Todd, Josh, Craig, Leonard, and Johnny, two might not be enough. When you add someone over fast food, they might need access too. I almost bought a third." "He's right, I'll let you sort out who's flying which but I think I'd like the same pilots with the same people as much as possible." "I agree Greg, they get to work as a team better that way. I'll probably ask Amelia and Fred to stick with Josh. Rowland and Gene can fly for Todd. Amelia and Gene will probably fly their Bells. If you do buy that third, I can add a crew." "That leaves a Jet without a regular crew?" "Yours, that's us." "Find a third crew that you trust. Keep them on standby. I doubt all four will be in the air at any one time, but just in case, it's nice to know you have a crew you trust with the lives of my family." "Why are you talking about flying me around?" Craig asked, as he and Johnny walked in. "I didn't know you stayed last night. Good morning Craig, Johnny. Where'd you two sleep?" "They told me they weren't feeling much pack love last night after dinner Greg, so they spent the night with Tanya, Shane and me." Sam said, as he came in. "Yeah, we should talk about that before I leave Sam. But to answer your question Craig, you and Johnny will be working with Todd anytime he has remodeling to do, anywhere. So, you might look at an office building in New York, a strip mall in New Haven, or a hotel in Los Angeles." "Don't forget going with me to remodel car dealerships Dad. You guys will be traveling quite a lot." "Good point Josh. Can you guys wait a few minutes to eat? I need to be leaving and we really should discuss this Sam." "Anytime you like Greg." So, I headed to my office with Sam, Shane, Craig, Johnny, Billy, and Josh. I sat in one of the chairs by the window and pointed for them to use the sofa and other chair. Billy just stood behind me. "Sam, you know that when we met, I had only been an Alpha for a few days, and when I said sub-Alpha, it was a slip of the tongue. I love you as my brother, and I want you to know I would never dishonor you by removing that title, ok?" "I know that Greg. I love you too. You're Tanya's Dad, after all." "Yeah, I need to remember that fact more often than I do. Anyway, we have a problem and I want to be clear that the solution is up to you. Be as creative as you like, you know I don't hold to the traditions, but the fact is... well, I don't need a whipping boy. You have a pack, and if it was just Shane, Johnny, Craig and Brian we could simply make you Alpha without a pack. But when you saved those other kids off the streets, we put them in your pack. That was my mistake, not thinking things through. Do you see the problem we've created?" "They need an Alpha that is there, since the pack is small. Or we need to move them all to your pack. Or I need to give up the rank of sub-Alpha and go to my pack." "Those are the options I see Sam. Like I said, if you see others, I'm open. And I'm not blaming you in any way, I agreed to things and made some quick decisions before I understood all the details. Unfortunately, I need you to solve the problem I've created." "We both did it Greg, but it's my pack so it's my problem. And I hate to add to the issue, but Tanya's expecting." "That's not a problem. When I created her I told you all pups were to be assumed mine but raised as yours. I will happily change that and drop any claim. I have 5 sons and a daughter, and another on the way. I don't need another pup." "Do I have to answer now? I think I know what I want to do, but I'd like to talk to Tanya and Shane first." "I'll be back from Hawaii on Friday. If you need to talk to me more about it, we'll find time over the weekend. Can we settle this by Monday?" "I'll settle this by Monday, yes. Can I ask a couple of things in private before you go?" "Of course Sam. Before you leave, do any of you have anything to add or ask?" "I can only speak for myself, but either solution will make me happy. Right now, things are just too confused." "I agree with Craig. We love you Sam, you saved us, but if we're yours, we need you as ours." Sam looked from Craig to Johnny, then to me "My idea was for you to take these two, because they're working so closely with you, and for us to go back to the safe house and care for the rest. Now I don't know what to do. I don't want them to feel rejected." "It's not a rejection Sam, it does make sense. If we leave your pack, we still love you." Craig said as Johnny smiled and nodded. "We don't have to wait Greg. If you will allow me, I would like to change to a Serving Alpha, retaining my pack, and handling your pack social service issues." "I think that is the best for all Sam. You and my daughter are always welcome here, every night for dinner if you want. And I better see my grandchild often!" I said with a smile. "And Craig and Johnny?" I looked to them "Well, it's up to you two. Sam loves you and is happy to have you, and I love you and you do work closely with me. I will approve whatever you choose." They both looked to Sam, and when he smiled and nodded, they both asked to join me. I told Sam to have Andrew get him moved and Craig said they could use his pickup, so Sam, Tanya, and Shane wouldn't be here when we got home. My first child was leaving the nest. I went back to the kitchen and sent Ted, Mickey, and Clint to the Bell, while Billy headed downstairs. They would all fly to the airport, and while Billy got Dad in the bedroom, Ted would fly back to get Josh, Samantha, my other mates, and myself. An hour later, we were flying west. We watched a movie, and Clint served us a small meal, as we would be in the air for seven and a half hours. I saw the pain on Scott's face as Clint took two meals into the bedroom. He knew who was in there with Billy, and he also knew he couldn't see him. None of us knew when we would see him again. Billy joined us as I explained to Joshua how the mating bond was formed. He and Samantha then described how they wanted each of us involved and we agreed we would be honored to join them in sharing their special night. Billy had arranged the same house, and we had a private section of beach that would be perfect. I sent Hiroki's assistant an email saying when we would arrive and asking if we could have lunch today, and I sent one to Kenji, asking if he were free that afternoon, we could go over the businesses we had set up. I got both replies as Mickey announced we would be landing shortly. When we landed, there was a car waiting for the six of us, and it took us to the house. Clint, Ted, and Mickey would take Dad to the Hilton. We had a suite there and they would stay to keep him safe, in case our deceptions had failed. When we arrived at the house, there was a young man in a business suit, waiting to greet us. I didn't know his face, but I knew the scent. I stepped out and shook hands. "Kenji, you look wonderful! When did you do this?" "Forgive me Sire, but watching Father and Mother with your pups made me long for youth again. I have another surprise, but you will have to wait until this evening for that. If you will forgive me, I will wait until you have settled, then I am to take you to meet my Father for lunch." "We only have these small bags, we'll be out in a minute. First, let me introduce my son Joshua, and this is Samantha. They came to have their mate bond on your beautiful island." Kenji smiled "Such a lovely thing to do in such a lovely place. Please accept my blessings on your mating, a long and happy life to you both." He said, offering a traditional bow. Joshua returned the bow with a smile "Thank you, and we hope to see you many times in the future." We all put our bags in our rooms, and changed into business dress to meet with Hiroki. Our reason for being here was business, after all, so we had to play the part. When we went back outside, Josh and I rode with Kenji, with our mates following in our car. Minutes later, we were pulling up at Le Mer. Kenji led us in, and Hiroki stood to greet us. He made a show of introducing his wife, as we had supposedly never met her, and we enjoyed our meal. We didn't know who was watching or listening, so the conversation started with their condolences on our Father's death then they asked about our pups. We told them about each one, telling them things they already knew, and adding more. Yoshiko had just asked Bea how she was handling being pregnant for the first time when Hiroki tensed. I had let my guard down, but now I scented him too. We all stood and bowed, then I introduced my family to Prince Chao Fen Yuan. "You will forgive us Prince Yuan. We would ask you to join us, but as you can see, we have almost finished our meal. Prince Warnick has come to visit his businesses with my son, and they must be going soon. My wife and I would be honored to have you join us if you like?" "I thank you, but no. It is I who must ask for forgiveness, but I wonder if you would honor me by allowing me to join you for dinner at your son's home this evening? It is most rude of me to invite myself, but it must be this way. If you refuse, I will understand, and I will find another time to meet with the Son of Heaven." I was lost, and was depending entirely on Hiroki. George had told me Hiroki was not on our side, but I knew things, and I trusted the ancient Japanese vampire with my life. When he heard `Son of Heaven' I saw him start, but he recovered and said "We would be most honored to have you. Prince Warnick's son is here to complete his mating bond this evening as well. Our plan was to dine early. Shall we say 5pm?" "I will arrive alone, and will not impose on the family of the Son of Heaven more than I must. Please, finish your meal, I must be off." And he bowed to us, and left us, thoroughly confused. To make my confusion worse, I couldn't discuss it with Hiroki due to our surroundings. That didn't mean I couldn't discuss it with my mates, and my son. I could tell Hiroki and his wife were using their bond as well, but we were all equally confused. "If you will forgive us Prince Honda, my afternoon was promised to business with your son. I will see you this evening." "Yes, of course. Maybe fortune will smile on us once more, and Prince Markov or Prince Hauer will appear." "I would welcome it Sir. I understand that I am to select the newest member of the Council, and I could use the guidance." He smiled at me, and we left him and his wife, sipping their tea. When we got to our cars, Scott, Bea, and Samantha said they would do some shopping, and meet us at the house at 4. Billy, Josh, and I went with Kenji to the airport, where he showed us the helicopters we had purchased, then the hanger facility and luxury waiting area and bar. We talked about the profits to this point, and Joshua surprised him with several of his questions. It seemed our investments in Hawaii were doing well, so we parted ways, saying we would see him at his home at 5. Bea had been on Google while they shopped and had told me `Son of Heaven' was an ancient Chinese name used when referring to the Emperor. Scott and Billy were concerned and wanted me to extremely careful at dinner, and to have my defensive spells already in mind, just in case. Joshua was more optimistic, saying that it was possible that Yuan, like Honda, had known of the prophecy and was just waiting. Samantha said she didn't feel qualified to offer her opinion, but when Josh pushed her, she said she thought it was wise to go in with an open mind, but ready. Bea just replied with `well duh', which made us all laugh. We got to Kenji's home at 4:45, and after greeting us, we all removed our shoes and he led us in to join his parents in the living room. Yoshiko was seated, holding an infant, no more than a week old. We all were shocked and I questioned how it was possible, we had seen her only weeks before and she showed no sign of being pregnant. She and Hiroki just laughed, as Kenji explained this was his adopted daughter. A street vampire in Tokyo had found herself pregnant and came to Hiroki, asking for help. In the past, he would have simply told her to fend for herself, but in accordance with our conversation, he called his son and asked for help finding a home. Kenji had been moved by our pups, and stepped up and accepted her. This was the real reason for their visit. Bea was still holding the baby when the doorbell rang. Knowing who was expected, Hiroki and I both went to greet Prince Yuan. As soon as the door was closed behind him and he had removed his shoes, he dropped to both knees, then bowed his face to the floor, actually putting the whole front of his body to the floor. I had no idea what to do. "Prince Yuan, I don't understand, what are you doing?" "Forgive me Dread Lord, it is Chinese custom to kau tau to the Son of Heaven." "I am still confused, please stand and explain." He slowly got to his feet but kept his head low, speaking to my feet "I have deceived you Lord, I ask mercy for my family and pack." "Now I'm really confused. Prince Yuan, what have you deceived me about? And who am I to ask mercy from? I'm just a Prince, like you." "You will forgive me Lord, I am fighting the internal conflict. Part of me can speak to you as that, yet part of me knows who you are and I have not spoken to the Son of Heaven for many centuries." Hiroki saw an opening, and took a chance "The Son of Heaven has asked you to explain, yet you disrespect him by answering with questions. Out with it!" "As you say, I am not showing proper respect, forgive me Lord. I believe you have been told of a prophecy?" None of us would reply, none of us made a move. He was going to have to play this out. "Forgive me, I speak more questions. You have heard of a prophecy and I have come to tell you what I know, Lord." "And what do you know Prince Yuan?" "The Dread Lord honors me by calling me that which I do not deserve. But you have your doubts Lord, about my loyalty, and fear that I am deceiving you." And he dropped to his knees again, pulling his head to the side in submission "Feed from me Lord, see the truth in my words." "I might do that Prince Yuan, but I still don't understand all of your words. You are talking in a circle, get to the point." "Forgive me, the point is, oh great one, that I saw your face. On that night, almost 5000 years ago, I saw the face of the future Son of Heaven. It was less than a year after I was made, and I told the tale, and I've waited. Watched and waited so that when you appeared, I may serve you." I didn't know what to do. Is this an act? Is he here to trap me? I looked to Joshua who was also lost in the same thoughts. I turned to Hiroki, who was staring, open mouthed, at Prince Yuan. I made my decision. "I will feed to know your thoughts Prince Yuan. If this is a lie, tell me now and I will spare your life. If I find deception when I drink, your life ends tonight." He didn't move a muscle, remaining on his knees, head turned to the side, offering me his jugular. I stepped forward, letting my fangs drop, and bit into his throat. I saw no deceit, no lies. This was the man that had written the prophecy so long ago. In his mind I saw my face, with my glowing purple eyes, standing with Joshua, George, Hiroki, and Reinhardt. There were others, but they were out of focus, but he was speaking the truth. I stopped and stood, pulling him to his feet as I did. "I accept your service Prince Yuan. Face your King, and advise me on what I do next." Tears rolled down his old cheeks as he said "I am not worthy to serve the Son of Heaven. I have served in the past, but none were as great as he who now stands." "I disagree, but answer this first. Am I correct that your family name is Chao and your given name is Yuan? The opposite of western countries?" "You are, Dread Lord. My friends call me Yuan, I gave up centuries ago trying to be called Prince Chao." "Then I will call you Yuan, if I may?" "You honor me beyond belief Lord." "I understand you are fighting centuries of tradition but can you please not use Lord or the other titles so often? I'm still struggling to accept Prince." That got the first smile out of him and he said "I will do my best, Prince." "I guess Greg is out of the question?" "I am not set so deep in tradition that I fail to respect modern ways, Greg. But it is beyond me to assume such familiarity without being instructed to. You honor me with such instruction." "Kenji, you did plan for Yuan to eat? Do you have staff tonight?" "I did prepare for Prince Chao to dine with us Sire, and you will honor me by allowing me to serve you all." "And you will honor me by finding staff that you can trust so I can enjoy a meal with you. Would it offend you if we ate American family style Kenji? Just put the bowls on the table and let us serve ourselves?" "It will be as you wish Greg." Prince Chao looked at Hiroki and said with a smile "Prince Honda, I believe the common saying in America would be `close your mouth before an insect flies in'." "Forgive me Prince Chao, I am simply stunned. If Sire accepts your service, who am I to question, but you have been so close to Igor for centuries." "Is that what has you stunned my old friend? Or is it the fact that you were not the only changeling all these years?" "The fact that I've known the author of the prophecy for three thousand years and never knew it is certainly cause for some surprise as well." "Gentlemen, there is enough shock to go around, you can share it later. Right now, I need to hear from Yuan. I've only heard parts of the prophecy, and hearing it from the source will certainly be helpful, don't you agree Hiroki?" "Of course, Sire, forgive me. And Yuan, please forgive any ill will I may have shown you all these years. I always assumed you supported Igor." "As did I you, Hiroki. May our next thousand years be as friends, serving the Son of Heaven, as he rights the wrongs we allowed to happen." "Yuan, we have many important things to discuss, but I really have to start with asking. Why are you calling me the Son of Heaven, and Dread Lord, and all of the indirect references?" "Forgive me Greg, as I said, I have not been in an Emperor's presence since Hongli met with Macartney. Under our laws, speaking the name of the Emperor carried a death sentence. Even his mother was forbidden the use of his name. I will strive to remain more modern, if you will forgive my slips." "I didn't know it was so severe. You were friends with many of them?" "The Son of Heaven had no friends. Those in his court were there to gain what they could gain. I served those I found worthy, and tried to defend the honorable. Forgive me, I am not here to talk of the past, you have questions I can answer, and your son has a beautiful mate to join." "Well, you saw the future, just tell me what to do." "If it were only that easy. My only magic is my foretelling, but it is not like counting on an abacus. I see broad generalities, sometimes only days in advance, other times thousands of years. I can not know the difference, and the times I have tried to do something to change things, it fails." "Do you mean changing it fails? Or what?" "I warned a friend that I had seen him die in a car crash. He took a train, and died when it crashed. Did I simply change how he died? Or did I see wrong and guide him to his death? Or how would it have happened had I not spoken? This is just one example of many over the centuries. I can only observe, and the more detail I share, the more I fear the outcome." "Then what can you tell me that can help? You obviously think you can help somehow or you wouldn't be here." "I can say that you will become King. Nothing will stop that. I know that your son Joshua is your Crown Prince, the heir. I know that you will unite all vampires and bring us out of these times of a Council that rules by fear." "Why didn't you stop this Yuan? Why didn't you stop Igor?" "I considered it Greg, then I feared I would be tampering with my visions. Many who have my gift have gone mad before they are 50 in their first lifetime. But for my one error, I have survived by simply seeing and recording and not trying to make my own changes." "Can you tell me when? How long?" "I know you already have your Royal Eyes Lord, they appeared when your Crown Prince did. I do not know when you will reign, but I know you will while you have an infant son. That could be now, or this pup your mate carries, or it could be 100 years from now and another pup, I do not know. And how long? Your reign will last a thousand years, but you will not see it end. Joshua will reign as well. I have not seen past him, and I do not know if that thousand is yours, or the two of you combined." Joshua sat stunned as he realized Yuan had just said he would live a thousand years. I smiled at him as I read him, then sat considering everything he had told us. "So, to put it in simple terms, we will win. You don't know when, but eventually we win, and bring peace and improve the lives of vampires worldwide? And this peaceful time will last at least a thousand years." "Those are facts Lord. Facts that have not come to pass, but they will, most certainly." "Are you sure that I survive this fight? Are you sure that I don't die fighting and pave the way for Joshua to reign for a thousand years?" "I hesitate to say I am sure, only because of my experience when I have tried to make changes Lord. I have told you what I have seen, I can do nothing more." "Wise counsel Yuan. If I don't fear death, I might take a stupid risk and change the tale." "The Son of Heaven is as wise as I knew he would be. Forgive me, yes, fear death, please Lord." "It is getting late. My family comes first in my life, so I need to be going soon. Yuan, you serve me now?" "With my life, Dread Lord!" "Then continue on as before, don't change anything. I need to let Igor make the next move." "His attempt on your father was foolish Lord." "Attempt?" I said, looking at him confused. "I have seen him at your side in the future Lord, forgive me if I reveal your deception." I thought quick and decided "Where are you staying while you're here Yuan?" "The Hilton, but if we are to continue, even our dinner will be suspect." I told them the story we would use. "I asked for advice about the spot on the Council. Both of you advised me to choose someone who honors tradition. Hiroki mentioned my association with the French Alpha Fabre and you said you would have to find out more about him. When you do that, he will quietly question my judgment, and because of that, you will tell me on the phone later this week that he is a wonderful candidate." They both smiled and nodded their agreement. "You will have a visitor this evening Yuan, please ask him to join you at your home? Care for him as you would my pup." "I will be honored to have your..." Yuan started, then smiled "I will open my home to your friend, Lord. And please accept my sympathies on the death of your father." "Hiroki, I think it best if my family and I leave now. The two of you can speak ill of me once I'm gone. Thank you for your hospitality. Kenji, thank you for another wonderful meal, and congratulations on your daughter. I pray that I see her grow to be as great a woman as her father. If I can do anything to help you, just ask." "Thank you Sire, my having her was inspired by you. I have a new interest in life now." Hiroki added "As do Yoshiko and I. We would be honored if you would stand as Sofu to our pup, as both our parents are long gone from this earth." "Sofu? Pup? Hiroki, I'm confused again." "My husband thinks everyone speaks Japanese Greg. I am expecting, and we would be honored to name you Grandfather to our pup." "I... I don't feel worthy, but of course I'll accept. If all this is over, I will stand with you. If not, I will stand with you in secret." "We understand Sire, and we pray you can be there. Now please, go honor your son. And take our blessings along with you." "And mine Lord." They all stood as we got up, and went to the door to see us out. I was learning Asian traditions, so once we had our shoes on, I faced them, they bowed and I returned the bow, and we left.