Enid stirred she felt shackles around her wrists and looked down she was wearing a skimpy outfit, almost bikini like. She was being ogled at by a chubby Chinese man in far too expensive looking robes. Reminded her of Winnie the Pooh for some reason. Probably was all the red. She felt her stomach twist and looked around. Her eyes fell to what looked like a very handsome Chinese man. She knew him for what he was a fallen angel. She snapped at the chains but found she could not break them. She looked up and the sun crystal, she surmised it was the fallen angel’s handy work shone down on her.

“You were right, she is magnificent. You say she is immortal?”

“Yes, she will never age a day.”

“Possessing a goddess is so much better than her half mortal daughter. Once we have broken her, she will make excellent breeding stock. My son will from her will truly be a god-emperor. Once we have her daughter and she is raised properly she will make the perfect wife.”

Enid stared at the fallen angel and spoke in the angelic tongue.

“You’re so dead.”

The angel blinked at her. Enid blinked back. He had no idea who she was. She said a mental prayer of thanks to whatever greater power was listening. He replied in the same language.

“You know what I am then.”

“Yes, and I’ve killed several of you.”

“You don’t seem to be in a position to do much of anything currently.”

“I don’t need my powers to end you.”

Winnie the Pooh, for that is what Enid would call the Chinese emperor from now on because its all she could see when she looked at him started to look annoyed.

“What is she saying? I heard her speaking our language before. Is she damaged?”

“She was just telling me she was going to kill me.”

Winnie the Pooh laughed his many ringed fingers touching his large belly.

“So much fire. For such a little caged rat.”

Enid reached out but her hand snapped short of being able to grab the man’s robes. She growled at him. Share glared at Winnie the Pooh then back to the fallen angel. The emperor smiled and gave a finger wave to her.

“Goodbye pet, we’ll be back when you’re more…pliable.”

“There is nothing you can do to me that hasn’t already been done by more disgusting men then you.”

Enid struggled against her chains again then gave up. She looked around herself. It was like she was a bird in a golden cage. The emperor had obviously been planning this for a long time. She sighed and ate the fruit that had been left for her. Starving would do her no good she was spiteful but suffering for it seemed pointless. She looked out and saw her armor and Lucius. Lucius was bound with some strange runic chains. She could sense him but couldn’t communicate. She frowned.

*****

Enid was growing bored. Time was starting to lose meaning, trapped in a windowless room under the light of the sunstone. The fallen angel whom she had no name for yet and Winnie the Pooh’s serving girls had visited, the girls had tried to touch her. It went poorly for them. One of his warriors had tried to draw Lucius and died for his trouble. She had the briefest of contact with him. She hear footsteps again and blinked when she saw Kimo walk in, holding Miko. She sighed. They’d gotten her too.

“Kimo, I’m so sorry you got caught up in this.”

The emperor followed Kimo in and laughed when Enid spoke. Kimo wouldn’t meet Enid’s gaze. Enid was starting to get angry.

“Leave my daughter and sister-in-law out of this.”

Winnie the Pooh laughed.

“Oh, you think… Oh no, you see it was her who told us how to trap you.”

Enid felt like throwing up. The betrayal if it was true cut deeply.

“She is a cunning one, came up with the whole plan after the kidnapping failed. Isn’t that true child?”

He looked to Kimo he nodded. Enid felt tears on her cheeks.

“Kimo why?”

“You’re an abomination. The only thing good came from my brother. I could have you destroying his daughter with your… your ways. Look at your daughter long an adult and still single.”

“He was your brother.”

“He lost his way and wouldn’t come back. Now your daughter will be raised properly, and she will be an empress. And so, will I.”

The emperor chuckled and reached his hand through to grope Enid. She grabbed it and pulled him against he bars twisting the arm. He cried out and before Enid knew it one of his guardsman had a dagger to Miko’s throat. Enid released the emperor. Who backed away and straightened out his robe.

“You will be bred, and you will produce heirs for me. Or your daughter…”

“I can’t have children you-”

The dagger was raised again, Enid cut herself off.

“I’m not mortal anymore, I can’t have children.”

“Not so, not so, Nevin tells me so long as we keep you in the light you can produce offspring just fine.”

“I would rather die.”

“Ah but the question is, would you rather your daughter die?”

Enid growled at the pair. She stared at Kimo.

“I will kill you for this. Your suffering will be legendary. Making me submit to a man again…against my will. You are the real abomination.”

“I’ll just let you prepare yourself. You might find you enjoy a real man instead of…one of these.”

He waved his hand toward Kimo.

“I’ve had real men. You aren’t one you fat fuck.”

“Watch your tone… your daughter is going to live comfortably raised by your prim and proper, if woman of lesser… pureness. That can change very quickly if I decide.”

Enid frowned.

“I understand, Emperor.”

“I thought you might. You will be brought to my bed during the day and we shall start…”

Enid frowned.

*****

Enid felt the twisting in her gut before she saw Nevin enter her private menagerie she assumed it was to bring her to the Emperor’s room. He grinned at her.

“Women were God’s worst creation. Do you know why?”

“I don’t care what you have to say, but I’m sure you’re going to tell me anyway.”

“You see, your gender, it wasn’t a thing until Lilith was created. From the outset you had this illusion you were free. When your sole purpose is to be used to produce offspring. Your feelings and needs don’t matter. They never did. Why do you resist the inevitable? What fool gave you power?”

Enid glared at him about to spit a string of curse words that would give the devil himself pause then she noticed that Lucius was missing. She swallowed her pride.

“I understand that now.”

“See, I told the Emperor you would see reason without mental control. You just need to apply the right leverage. Good girl. You might even be allowed out of your cage in between sessions.”

“Thank you, sir.”

He glanced around then down at her.

“Perhaps I should test you out myself, this human body I’ve shifted into seems to have needs and appreciates…what you have.”

Enid saw a flicker behind him. She tugged her top lower showing off her full chest for him. The fallen angel reached his hand out and Enid snagged it forcing it onto her chest.

“Do you like that, Lord Nevin?”

He nodded squeezing.

“I don’t.”

Enid twisted suddenly breaking his wrist. He cried out and snapped his arm back. She assumed it would heal quickly. He reached in and with supernatural strength grabbed her neck.

“You…tiresome little mortal wretch! What Lucifer sees in Lilith I’ll never know!”

“Do you even know who I am?”

“You’re breeding stock, and I’m about to take the souls of an entire kingdom because of you. That’s who you are.”

“I’m Lilith’s daughter. The one Lucifer has been looking for since the dawn of time. And you…let me get away. Its almost a pity you’re about to die.”

“What are you talking about?”

His eyes went wide as Lucius’s blade pierced his back and protruded from his neck. He released Enid as he started to twitch his legs dangling as Hazel lifted him with the blade.

“You idiots assumed no one but me could wield the sword. That’s what I’m talking about.”

Enid held her hand over her eyes to shield them from the inevitable flash of the fallen angel’s demise. Hazel was in her half wolf form. She grabbed the golden cage’s door and wrenched it free easily. Enid held out her arms one at a time and then her legs. Hazel sliced through the chains with Lucius. Enid stood up and grabbed the sunstone she couldn’t tug it free. Hazel reached up and tore it free of its metal fittings and offered it to her mother.

“What time is it dear?”

Hazel gave her a toothy grin and spoke in the tongue of wolves.

“Time for them to all die.”

“That’s my girl.”

Enid hopped out of the cage and lifted her pack up. She dropped the sunstone it and relished in the hunger and power as it flowed out from her shielded heart. She cracked her neck and stuffed her armor in her pack and handed it to Hazel.

“Take this and find Miko. Kimo betrayed us and helped kill Ara. You know what to do hon.”

Hazel growled.

“What are you going to do?”

“Show the emperor what happens when you piss off a woman who has power.”

Enid, please cal…please think this through.

“The time for thinking is over, now it’s time for action.”

Hazel nodded, sniffed the air and moved off. Enid reached down and snapped the metal shackles on her wrists and ankles before sniffing the air and walking towards the Emperor’s scent. She ran into several guards who ignored the scantly clad woman who looked at the ground as she passed. She smiled at the emperor’s two guards and knocked on the door. The doors swung open Enid was greeted by a naked woman who stumbled backwards when she saw Enid. Enid met her gaze.

“Take your…companions and leave. He wants an heir not…filth.”

The woman quickly rushed to tug two other women out of the bed. Enid looked at the Emperor’s naked body. She was as unattracted to it as she assumed she would be. He stared at her as she turned and closed the doors locking them. She let the scarcely concealing outfit he’d kept her in fall to the ground. He rubbed his belly then his man hood.

“You…came on your own.”

“Lord Nevin explained…my place. I understand now. I only exist for the pleasure of men and carrying children.”

“Where is the stone?”

“He bound me with this.”

She held up her wrist. It had her smartwatch on it.

“I now exist only to service you. You are going to have a night you will never forget.”

She walked forward keeping the dumb look on her face until she was on the bed. She reached her hand down towards his manhood and grabbed it. He grinned at her…his grin soon faded as her hand clutched the entirety of it. Her other hand went to his mouth, and she covered it holding him down. Once she had him in a position he couldn’t scream. She crushed his firm manhood. He struggled and tried to scream but with her hand covering his mouth the only sound was muffled groans. She wiped the blood off on his stomach then his sheets. Then looked him in the eyes.

“You know in your heart you deserved that. Goodbye, never come after my family or I again. You will also forbid anyone from your kingdom from seeking me out. Wait until you see the moon through your window to call for assistance with your…issue.”

Enid stood up and tugged on her skimpy outfit again. She walked to a water basin and washed her hands off. Then unlocked the door and exited. The guards gawked at her. She shrugged.

“I think I broke it.”

They looked away she could tell they wanted to laugh. If only they knew the truth. Enid sniffed the air and tracked Hazel’s scent now. She found her standing her half wolf form, Miko in one arm Lucius pointed at Kimo’s heart with the other. Kimo was panicking and screaming. The guards nearby had been dispatched by Hazel’s massive talons. Hazel glanced at her mother.

“Are you sure? She’s defenseless mom.”

“So was your step-father, so was I, especially once I was trapped, it was her intent to let the Emperor rape me, over and over again, force me to have children. All for what? So, you could raise my daughter as your own?”

Enid reached out for Miko who swiftly clutched onto her mother’s neck. Enid reached out her other hand and took Lucius into it. She looked down at Kimo with disdain.

“I choose not to kill you. We will tell your father and your clan what you’ve done. The shogun, Toyo. All will know of your betrayel. Toyo will divorce you. You will be disowned, and your life will be forfeit. Your emperor is without his tool and has no heir. You are…utterly alone. Killing you would be merciful, and I have no mercy in my heart for you, and people like you.”

Enid met her gaze.

“You will not kill yourself. You will live with what you’ve done and you will realize you did it to yourself. You will never know peace.”

Enid released her mind and looked up to Hazel.

“Come on, let’s go.”

“What about the rest of them mom?”

“We can’t, the timeline…”

“Mom!”

“No. I’ve already caused enough damage. We need to go.”

Hazel sighed and shifted into her human form.

*****

Enid was in her armor and the pair were walking along a road, still in China a few hours after Hazel had stormed the palace. Enid glanced at her daughter.

“How did you know where to find me?”

Hazel shrugged.

“You were missing for a couple days. Kimo was acting squirrelly when I asked about you and tried to take Miko home. I went to Toyo and the Shogun demanded she be returned to me. Next thing you know Kimo up and runs off with a couple of her guard in tow. I traced them watched some Chinese army guys kill her guards then escort her to the palace. Hiding on the ship sucked. Was totally seasick. Took us weeks on the water and on the mainland. Wasn’t sure if you were even alive to tell the truth until I smelled you. Skulked around the palace for a few days using my shadow power. Figured out where you were being held. Heard what the emperor had planned. Figured out Nevin was a demon…”

“I may have underestimated you.”

“You think?”

“I know. Thank you Hazel. My position was…untenable especially once Miko was brought into he mix. Didn’t care if the killed me but I would have done anything to keep her safe.”

“I know mom. Same thing you’d do for me. Even if you were gone, I was still going to rescue her. What now?”

“I’ll change my face, you’ll take wolf form, we’ll get passage to Japan on a ship and we’ll go see Taichai. We’ll need food and milk for Miko though.”

*****

Enid looked up at the moon. She was holding Miko in her arms and feeding her some mushed fruit. Miko snuggled with Enid and blinked up at her mother with wide green eyes.

“Dada?”

Enid felt tears threatening to well up. She forced the blood back down. Refusing to cry blood tears on the boat. She rocked Miko in her arms.

“I’m sorry sweetie. Daddy is gone.”

Enid started to hum then sing. She chose amazing grace for tonight. She poured every bit of hurt and sorrow into it. Miko stared up at her and her big green eyes blinked a few times and about halfway through they closed and Miko was breathing deeply. When she finished she was met by silence. A few drops of moisture fell on her, she looked at the clear sky and calm sea. The night crew had paused in their work and were staring at her. Many eyes were moist. They didn’t understand the words, but they understood the emotion. One of them patting Enid on the shoulder before going up to pull a line on one of the sails.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t save him Miko. I wish he were here. I miss him too.”

She rocked Miko in her arms and leaned on the railing and stared back up at the quarter moon. She let her mind drift to Ara’s smile and the time they’d spent training and courting. He was a good man. He deserved better. Her daughter deserved better. Hazel came up from below decks and sat on the step just below Enid a few minutes later.

“I heard you singing mom. What song was it?”

“It was a hymn.”

“What is that?”

“A song sung during worship.”

“Were you praying?”

Enid shook her head.

“Its just the first song that popped into my head when I was trying to get Miko to sleep.”

“It sounded sad. You were thinking about Ara weren’t you.”

“And Rolf, and Hazel…and so many more.”

“Do you want me to take her?”

Enid shook her head.

“I’m so sorry mom, your husband died and you haven’t even had a chance to grieve.”

“They’ll be time when we’re all safe.”

“How do you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Turn it off, just turn off your emotions.”

“I still feel them, I’m just old enough to understand there is a time and place for them. This isn’t the time or place. Once we’re safe I’ll find a place and cry my eyes out for days but now…now we need to figure out what to do next.”

“We’re going to see Taichai aren’t we?”

“Yes.”

“Then that’s what next right? All we can do is the next right thing, that’s what you always say.”

“Yes, yes, it is.”

Enid reached out her arm and pulled Hazel’s head to her leg.

“As long as we do it together, it is always the next right thing.”

*****

Enid and Hazel arrived at the Shogun’s mostly empty summer residence. They walked through the open gates. Fallen leaves swirled around. Everything seemed faded and lonesome. Two bored looking guards rushed to look like they were paying full attention. Enid had let herself revert to her Sarah face. The guards recognized her immediately and bowed. The Shogun had made her one of his Samurai.

“My lord. We did not expect you.”

Enid smiled and bowed slightly as to not disturb the sleeping Miko.

“Go back to your stations. If we have need of you I will let you know.”

They bowed deeply and rushed off. Enid motioned for Hazel to follow her. She led her daughter to the temple and motioned for her to move the alter.

“Slide that please.”

Hazel did as she was asked then started gagging.

“What the hell is that smell?”

“Taichai.”

“You want me to go down there?”

“You’re part of this aren’t you?”

“I’m not sure I want to be. Uck how can you deal with that?”

“Its easy, I’m dead, I don’t breathe.”

“Lucky you.”

Hazel covered her face. Miko was giggling. Enid arched and eyebrow at the one-year-old.

“Miko you are an odd duck.”

Enid poked her nose which caused more giggles.

“How is she breathing? It smells like something crawled up someone’s ass and died then they died. Then someone left fish rotting on top of it.”

Enid shrugged.

“She seems fine, maybe you’re the baby here?”

The pair walked down the damp stone steps and rounded the corner. Taichai was sitting in his usual spot and looked them up and down.

“You are in trouble.”

Enid blinked at him.

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

“It means someone’s been trying to reach you, but you are ignoring…him.”

“Then he has to try harder.”

Taichai shrugged.

“Well message is: You’re done here, you should try again.”

“Ya, no I’m not going anywhere with my baby.”

“About that…. You’re supposed to leave her with me.”

“As fucking if.”

Enid held Miko closer. Hazel had already shifted to her hybrid form. Her growl didn’t leave much room for debate in her stance. Taichai held up his hands.

“Slow down puppy-girl. I’m just the messenger.”

Enid glared at Taichai remembering the girls in his employ in the future.

“I’ve seen how you treat women. No way my daughter is being left anywhere near you.”

“Enid, I’m just telling you what I was told. You can feel free to ignore it or not. I mean I ignored it and look where I am?”

“But its my daughter!”

“You know you can’t stay here. You know you can’t take her with you without…”

He looked to Hazel.

“How is that going to work for her?”

Enid felt blood tears on her cheeks. She cursed under her breath. She knew Taichai was speaking the truth. Her gift was screaming it at her. She wanted to ignore it and keep Miko close. Hazel shifted to her human shape and was looking at her mother her eyes wide.

“You’re not seriously considering this…this…thing’s proposal?”

“He’s right Hazel. We can’t stay here and we can’t take her with us. If God wants us gone and he does we’ll get gone whether by our choice or not…Miko… might become a non-issue. Do you understand?”

Hazel threw her hands up then started to gag and covered her mouth and nose again.

“You can’t take care of her yourself Taichai. You’re…not human.”

“Oh, you misunderstand me. I was going to suspend her in amber. You go do what you need to, you come back you find me when you can take her to safety. I’m not good with kids. Or people.”

Enid quirked her head to the side.

“You’re…going to kill her.”

“No, no its suspended animation. I did it for other things…they were animals…but it’s the same concept. She won’t even know any time has passed. She will close her eyes then covered in an indestructible block of amber. Then you come and get her I snap my fingers and poof she’s in your mom’s arms.”

Enid kept Miko clutch tightly to her chest.

“Fucking gift. What is it going to cost me?”

“Just you putting in a good word with the powers that be sister. You got pull with the host. You think he talks to me willingly?”

Enid kissed Miko and rocked her to sleep. Hazel was glaring at her.

“Mom you can’t do this. You can’t just leave her with him.”

“What choice do we have? She stays here with him, or she dies, and we have to leave anyway. This is the only choice.”

“And what if you die mom? What then?”

“Then I will make sure someone knows to come and get her, like say you.”

“Me?”

“Yes. Taichai, my daughter can pick her up, or if I send someone…you’ll know them, right?”

Taichai nodded.

“I’ll know if they’re supposed to have her.”

Enid kissed Miko on the forehead blood tears running down her cheeks.

“I love you Miko, just sleep, mommy will be back before you can blink.”

Enid offered Miko to Taichai. Hazel crossed her arms and was about to protest but then was forced to cover her mouth and nose when she started gagging. He took the baby in his hand and kissed her forehead and amber started coating her and finally she was left suspended in the crystal. He looked to Enid. She had never thought he would ever show the empathy she saw in his eyes at that moment.

“You…”

“Sister, I know who you are now. I will never cross you.”

Enid shook her head.

“No Taichai. I was going to say, you’re not who I thought you were.”

He blinked at her. Enid’s hand reached towards the amber then she swung it around and grabbed Hazel’s wrist.

“Thank you, old friend.”

Taichai watched them leave. He touched the amber and looked to the stone stairway.

“Godspeed to you sister. May father watch over you, you tread into a darkness I do not wish upon you. My niece will be safe with me.”