Xenobia Legacy. The Years of Legacy: Chapter Oneby

LauriMizutani

Aristide starts her new life and Jack, Kento, and Flavius rescue Mitchellnikan.

Memoirs of Aristidellanthe alves Numantis dursia Xenobia. The days and months after my escape seemed to me almost as a blur with some vivid memories standing in vivd relief. Before Jack left he brought me to a piece of land and handed me a bundle of money. When I asked what it meant, he told me that a woman named Lauri had purchased the land in my name and had given the money to get me started on a house. I knew Jack was looking for Mitchell, so with renewed purpose I hired men to build me a house and furnish it.

It didn't go far, but it had a roof and walls and a covered patio area in the front. They seemed a bit confused when I asked them to paint it purple. I tried to explain to them that it was my life color, but they just seemed more confused. Eventually they just shrugged and said it was my house and money, and it was a free country I could do what I wanted as long as I could afford to pay for it.

It's amazing really, even after all this time the amount of freedom here. I think perhaps those that have never had it differently do not understand. Well perhaps some do. There are all kinds of prisons after all.

The furnishings were quite bare, but compared to my cell, it was quite cozy. It wasn't any worse than where I had lived before my arrest.

Some would have called me foolish for spending the money on a double bed with only myself to sleep on it. I didn't care, however. I trusted the Father and Jack to bring Mitchellnikan back to me.

A part of me that didn't want to speak too loudly also added that if they didn't I might fall in love with someone else. But it didn't speak too loudly and I didn't listen too well.

After a look around her house I met one of my new neighbors."Hello, my name is Lindsay, oh goodness those ears, are you an elf?""An elf? No....I have never heard the term before.""Ohhhh an alien then? Your lack of green skin through me off."

I wasn't sure how to answer this. I was indeed from another world, but green skin?"I suppose you could call me an alien...My name is Aristidellanthe alves Numantis dursia Xenobia."The lady from the garden club's eyes went wide at the length of the introduction."But you can call me Aristide Xenobia."

Lindsay wasn't the only visitor that day. Three people calling themselves, "Townies" arrived. They introduced themselves as Brandi, Jan, and Benjamin. They didn't stay long, and I hoped that it wasn't because of me.

I had enough money left over after building the house to buy a game board. I was quite suprised they played "opposition" here. I've never been very good, but I do enjoy playing.

Wanting to pay back the mysterious Lauri for her generosity, I started searching for work. I had wanted to be a doctor even as a little child, but never had the opportunity. When I found an opening position in the medical carreer, I grabbed it quickly. The next day the ambulance arrived to pick me up for the day. But where was I?

Still eating in my pajamas, oh they were so comfortable. They were Mitchellnikan's life color, and I think I liked them even more because they reminded me of him. But that wasn't the point it was my first day of work and I was running late!

I changed my clothes and ran as quickly as I could to my ride.

"I'm sorry, I am not used to sleeping in such a comfortable bed. I'm afraid I overslept.""Oh don't sweat it hon, I get here an hour early just in case. So we're fine. Name's Connie by the way.""Aristide.""Nice to meet ya, Aristide, now hold on!"And with a roar of the engine and a squeal of the tires that left a large black mark on the asphalt for a few hours, Connie and I rushed off to help sims in trouble.

It wasn't long before I starting making enough money that I thought I could afford to adopt a cat. I was rather lonely and company would be welcome. I named the little black ball of fur Venus after a name I saw on a story on the internet*. I think I understand about the green skin now. In most of those stories the aliens and their children have green skin.

*Venus Legacina form Orike's Pseudo Legacy.

I quickly fell in love with her. She was so dear to me.

Of course a pet while easing a person's lonliness can not take the place of friends of your own kind. So I began to talk to the people that came by the house. Ivy Couper seemed to like the idea of becoming friends.

"You should save your money too. You're a lucky one you have a real home. So save your moeny and make it a good one.""I don't understand, do you not have a real home? Do you not like where you live?""I'm a Townie, Aristide," and that was all the answer she would give. I let it go, if Ivy didn't want to elaborate, I would respect that.

Venus seemed very content with her new home as well.

On the last day of Fall, a man approached the house and introduced himself to me."Hello, my name is Kento. My wife is named Lauri.""Oh my benefactor?" I was even more excited now, I had waited quite a while to meet the mysterious Lauri."Yes." He seemed a bit stiff as if he were sizing me up. "Miss Xenobia, I know about your escape and I understand that you needed a refuge. But I also know your enemies might trace you here. And I want you to know that if it ever came to defending my family or you, well there is no choice really."I remember blinking in amazement. "Sir, I would not have it any other way. You should protect your family first. You remind me in some ways of my Mitchell, he would feel the same as you do.""Where is your fiance, or is it husband now? He was coming with you wasn't he?"I sighed softly but I tried to keep up my spirits, "Mr. Jack says that he could not find him. He's still looking so until then I wait."Kento frowned but nodded, "I hope he finds him."

"So do I, I don't mind meeting new people but they can't take the place...." I was about to choke up so I didn't say anything for a moment."My wife says she'll be by in a day or two. With winter a day away she wants to make sure you're all right."

"Was there enough money? Have you found a job yet?"I was quiet a bit as the man behind us passed on."Yes, thank you, and I'm persuing a job in medicine."

An hour or so after he left a man named Flavius Marius* arrived and we played "opposition". Although he called it by some other name I can't quite get used to saying. He was very eager to talk about his wife and children*. The one named Cassius seemed quite the cad, but as a father he was able to see the young mans good qualities as well.

*Flavius and Cassius from Bilte/Ben's Ten Caesars Legacy. Flavius's wife is none other than Professor Butters of Squeaky Clean Fame.

I was being promoted and soon I was a nurse. It wouldn't be long until I could call my self Doctor Xenobia. I wondered sometimes if they knew that Xenobia isn't my family name but Mitchell's. I told myself that when we marry it will be mine so what matter does it make.

Venus grew up and part of her hair tuned white. I was quite surprised at that, but I loved that cat so it didn't matter to me.

I decided it was time for a second kitten and made a call and adopted Aries.

It didn't take me long to adore that kitten too. I did harbor hopes that he and Venus might give me kittens but that wasn't the reason I adopted him. I wanted another kitty to love.

As Kento had said, Lauri came over the next day, as did the snow."Hello, my name is Aristidellanthe, but you can call me Aristide. I know that everyone here uses shorter names than I am used to.""Thank you, Aristide, my name is Lauri, it's short for Laurinda, but you call me whatever is easier for you.""Oh, Lauri, I have so much to thank you for. This house, this land, it is all very generous of you."

"Think nothing of it, Aristide. I wanted to help. You deserve your freedom, your jubilee.""Jubilee?""Oh, well a long time ago there was a custom among a certain people that every seven years they were supposed to free their slaves, forgive all debts, and even let the fields go fallow and the livestock rest. It quickly fell into disuse, or at least parts of it did. But usually when people referred to it, it was called the year of Jubilee."

"Oh, the Year of Rest? Yes, we had a similar custom among my people long ago, but it hasn't been truly celebrated in over a thousand years. The Emporer disposed of the practice.""Well, here you can celebrate it all you want. You're free to believe what you want. Free to do as you please as long as it doesn't harm someone else. Just make sure if you have kids they don't get too hot or cold, and don't fail school, or the social worker will collect them. They have a little more tolerance than they once did, but they don't play around where kids are concerned."

"I understand, believe me I will take good care of my children.""I'm sure you will, Aristide, I just wanted to make sure you knew, it's a little too easy sometimes for them to get overheated or cold just doing things you and I wouldn't think twice about.""Ahh, I see, thank you for letting me know. Is there anything I can ever do to repay you for all you have done?"

"Be happy, marry your sweetheart when Jack finds him, have lots of kids and grandkids, and don't worry so much about the money. Kento and I have plenty. And I'd say by the time your grandkids grow up this family will to.""Grandkids," I almost laughed at the thought I hadn't let myself think too much of children let alone a third generation, "I would like that, I would like it a lot. If Mr. Jack finds Mitchellnikan.""He will. I have faith in Jack. What do you know about him?""I know that he is a soul collector normally. But I truly began to feel like he was my friend. I will be glad that it is him that will take me to the next life rather than a stranger. He was a bit vague about his name however, I know that it causes him some aggrevation, but I am not sure why."

Lauri burst out laughing at that point and then caught her breath to go on, "Most people here know Jack as the Grim Reaper. And so when they find out his name is Jack Reaper they think Jack the Reaper and laugh and so he feels like they don't take him seriously enough.""Jack the Reaper? Why would that make one laugh?""Oh yeah you wouldn't recognize it. Well a little over a century ago there was a man who went about butchering women, and some think children as well. He was called Jack the Ripper, and since Ripper and Reaper sound so similar it's a pun. And since Jack is a soul collector as you put it...."I chuckled slightly, "A bit morbid, but I can see where it's a bit funny too. I would never confuse him with a monster like that though.""Neither would anyone that knew him. I really don't see why it bothers him but he is rather sensitive about it. Anytime I tell someone his name I always try to keep them from saying the pun aloud.""I will be careful not to offend him. He is our friend after all."

I kept getting promoted and I before I knew it I was working as a young doctor in the hospital. I was still learning, and practicing, but I was helping people. It gave me a sense of acomplishment. But my heart still longed for Mitchell.

Some of Lauri's children came by as well, I am told this is Megumi. A rather serious teen but she is a lovely mix of her parent's features in my mind.

And this is Sakura, Aries didn't seem very happy to see her, and I think it was mutual. Oh yes, Aries grew up, but I'm afraid he and Venus didn't get along well at all.

So I called up Flavius and asked if he and his wife would like another cat. He said of course and came and picked up Aries the next day. He says that he is quite happy there so I'm happy.

My life is lonely though, I miss, Mitchellnikan, and I can't find myself able to love another. Will I grow old alone. Is he dead? Will he still want me after all this time? I'm not sure of anything anymore. I often sit alone on the beach and just meditate and pray.

Meanwhile....

"Flavius, Kento, thank you for meeting me here."

"Of course, Jack, but what's going on? Why didn't you want Lauri or the Professor to come?"

"I've found Aristide's fiance. It took me a while but I've figured out where they're keeping him.""Aristide will be relieved to hear that, she's really missed him," Kento added, he'd grown to like Aristide over the winter and into the spring. She was a good person and honest with him. He felt he could trust her and wanted her to be happy."Yes, but I don't dare tell her yet."

"Because he's been tortured and the order to execute him could come at any moment. He's well guarded and I won't be able to just sneak in like I did for Aristide. That's why I asked you two to come alone. Your families will need to know certainly, but to effect the escape, I'll need help."

"What kind of help? I may be a chef here, but I was a Mayor and a Hero in Pleasantville I'll do whatever I can to help!"

"I agree we should help if we can Flavius, but we have to think of our own as well. I'm not saying we shouldn't go, just that we should make sure that Lauri, Professor, and the kids will be safe."

"You have a point there, Kento. But Prof told me that a couple of new simselves have moved into the neighborhood and are ready to protect anyone that needs it."

"Oh yes, Lauri mentioned them, Cel and Michelle. Well that makes me feel a little better. And I've trained Hiro well, he should be able to protect himself and his sisters at college. And your sons and daughter as well if they need it."

"Well they seem to have a good bit of their mother's powers, so I think they'll be all right, but thank you. Any help from a friend is good."

"Thanks gentleman, yes I wouldn't have wanted you to foresake your families. But I do need help. As I said Mitchell is held in a well guarded cell and there might be fighting, and I'm afraid I'm no good at that sort of thing."

A few days later in a deep forest on another world, a woman with white hair despite her young years stands in front of three guards outside a cell."I've heard that some of you have been taking pity on our prisoner by feeding him extra food. Do not be so weak! This man is a criminal and has committed high treason, he does not deserve pity! He deserves death! Just because the Emperor has held off killing him to extract information from him does not mean he is being shown pity, just the opposite. If he does not break soon we will kill him, and if he does break, we will wring every piece of information from hem and then kill him. He is a dead man as sure as if he were already on the crossbars."

"My haven't we gotten mighty since we started wearing the red uniform," the bearded guard muttered under his breath, "of course we all know how you got into it.""What did you say?" the commander spun toward the mutterer."Just that I'm not sure who would give him food, Commander."

"Oh really, Tershanalash? Do you think we are stupid? We know who's food requisition has been larger of late. Or are you going to tell us your pregnant and that you're eating for two?""I am not pregnant, Commander, but this air makes me hungrier than normal.""Hmm," the comment was non-committal.

"But know this, that anyone caught helping the prisoner in anyway will be reckoned to be in league with him and also branded a traitor!"

"A traitor? For giving a few extra scraps of food?""Indeed, and do you question my authority in making that judgement, Tershanalash?"At that unexpected voice all heads turned toward the newcomer in the cloak.

Grand Captain Kelishanakpera strode with purpose toward the group."No sir, I did not mean to question your authority.""Then do not question Commander Valectamisa when she repeats my orders to you.""Of course not, Grand Captain.""Very well. You three have your orders and your duty this night, the commander will be with me. Your relief will arrived at sunrise."

After the two had left the blonde guard smiled, and said in a conspiratorial whisper, "Guess they're headed to his room to woohoo."The darkskinned man behind him grinned, "Aww you think? Artescanich""Like Tershanalash said, how else do you think she got the red uniform, Crytalickan"

"Well guys," the bearded guard said after a bit, I need to relieve myself, I'll be back in a bit.""Sure go ahead, we'll be fine. No one cares about this guy but the Emporer, no one is going to try to get him out. No one dares try."

As soon as Tershanalash was gone the other two guards caught eachother in a hot passionate kiss. Determined to make the most of the momentary privacy enjoying each other.

"The cell is just through these trees. There should be three guards right?""That's what I've seen while watching, Kento.""All right Flavius, let's do this quickly and quietly, we don't want to wake up anyone else nearby."

The two guards never really saw what hit them when Kento and Flavius attacked. But that didn't stop them from fighting back the best they could.

"Where's the third one I wonder?"

However, Kento and Flavius were better prepared and had the advantage of surprise on their side and soon the two guards lay unconcious on the ground.

"I thought you said there were three, Jack?""There were, Kento.""Why are we complaining because there were less of them?""Because the third one could sneak up behind us, Flavius.""Oh."

They finally found the entrance and slowly carefully made their way in one at a time.

Kento looked in one door checking carefully for more guards.

Instead he found torture devices ready to be used the next day.

Flavius looked into another room and frowned. "Why would they have fun stuff like this in a prison?"

Jack's voice could be heard from the cooridor behind them. "Those are only fun if you do them voluntarily, Flavius, and the bubble blower is filled with truth serum.""Oh, I guess so."

"I think the room we want is directly in front of us gentleman."

"Mitchellnikan Numantis?""That is my name.""We've come to take you to Aristide."