Life Never Ending (Part 9)

Posted on Sun Oct 23rd, 2022 @ 11:08am by Kyle Cragen [Reece] & Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson

Mission: WHAT IF?
3938 words - 7.9 OF Standard Post Measure

The Villa in the south of France was one of their few bolt holes and it was Natsuko's favorite. While their daughter had been born in Russia, their son, born 5 months before had been born here. She sat on the large veranda overlooking the grape vines while her daughter rode her pony nearby with her trainer.

As Phillip gurgled happily up at his mother, Kyle stepped out onto the veranda, a glass of wine in each hand. "And how is our little prince feeling, my love? Has his fever finally broke?"

"Yes." Natsuko smiled up at him. "He seems to have thrown it off. How are you feeling this afternoon darling?" She reached for the glass he held out to her.

Kyle leaned down to kiss his wife, then handed her her glass. Afterwards, he moved to sit next to her and their son. "Better, now that I'm home, my love." He seemed to have some concerns playing through his mind.

"Good we missed you. And your daughter is enjoying her pony lessons."

Kyle's eyes moved over to their beautiful little girl and a truly happy grin crossed his face. He watched her for a few beats, then the smile faltered and he sighed softly.

"What is wrong love?" Natsuko asked worriedly. "Are we not safe here?"

Looking over at Natsuko, he nodded slightly. "For now, yes. However, while I was in town, I heard that there were the beginnings of rumblings from the common man. Apparently, the humans are not finished with war and strife among themselves. There was some talk about overthrowing the ruling class."

Natusko cursed. They were wealthy but they treated their employees well, paid more than others did. "Where should we go?" She asked. "Our children must be kept safe Kyle."

"I've made some inquiries with some of our trusted allies. Should we need to run, we will be given safe passage to the Americas. The colony there is still very small, so, we could find a place to make our own and be safe."

Natsuko nodded. "How long do we have do you think?"

Kyle took a sip of his wine and shook his head. "I don't know. These humans are a finicky species. One minute, they are your friend and neighbor, the next, they could be at your throat. It could be days, weeks even months until something happens. Of course, the rumblings could just be that, rumblings of an angry few. We will have to watch it closely."

He took a breath, then offered, "Of course, we could always go home?" By home, he meant their castle back in Japan.

Natsuko frowned. "It might be best" She said softly. "If France is going to tear itself apart.." She glanced at their son then at their daughter. "I do not want them losing us or us losing them."

Kyle leaned over and whispered to his lovely wife. "If any harm were to befall you or the children, I will paint this world in blood." The seriousness in his eyes showed that he meant what he said.

"I know and I would do the same. So shall we make preparations to leave? Americas first, then to home if things get worse?"

Kyle considered it for a beat, then nodded. "Yes. I don't want to risk the safety of you and the children. Should things calm down, perhaps we will return here."

Natsuko nodded. She stood up and straightened her skirts. "We should be quiet about it. No use leaving in a scene. A family emergency would do well. Your father is dying?" she suggested in a low voice. None of their servants were in earshot.

Kyle nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, that could work. None of our current staff know about our family past." He stood as well, and reached out to pull her and their son into his arms. "Let Veronika finish her riding lessons. She really loves her pony."

"Hmm yes. Nothing to say we cannot take it with us. Head down into Italy, maybe further south before we take ship? Or maybe we travel towards Japan and then take ship from there?" She mused softly as she rocked their son.

Kyle thought about it and nodded. "Good idea, my love. Right now, the Spainards are in the westen reaches of the Americas. We could easily build a home there as well as in Japan."

"Well my spanish could do with some improvement." Natsuko smiled as the rocked Phillip. "I should go change him, and look into what we can pack. A carriage? Or a cart this time?"

"Carriage," Kyle replied as he gently touched their son's small head. "A cart would send the wrong message. We will take enough for it to appear that we will be gone a few months. I will instruct Pierre that we want him to have the staff start boxing things up and putting them in storage, just in case we are gone longer."

"We should take our essentials" Natsuko said softly. "I will make the arrangements for those." She kissed him gently on the cheek. "I will get started."

Kyle closed his eyes and smiled when Natsuko kissed him. "I will ensure we have enough money on hand for the journey, while leaving enough behind to ensure the staff's continued loyalty."

"I know you will" She whispered and headed up to the nursery with their son.

After watching Natsuko head inside, Kyle let out a sigh full of happiness and contentment. While he had lived with pain and rage for centuries, now. All he knew now was love. He had a family of his own and he would do whatever it took to keep them safe from the horrors of this world.

Turning back, he made his way over to where their daughter was having her riding lessons. A huge grin of pride filled his face as he watched Veronika listen closely to the instruction and learning quickly.

She looked up and waved to him when she spotted him, her smile bright. She was taught more than other girls her age. Her parents insisted on a well rounded education. "Hello Father!" she called out and then put her pony though its paces.

"Hello, my precious heart!" He called back proudly. "Remember, keep your hands on the reins at all times, Little One!" He then watched, immensely happy, as she ride like a champion. True, her steed was just a pony but, one had to learn somewhere. He himself had learned on a full-grown mare that his parents had. Over the centuries, he had learned more than the horse masters among the humans. He knew, one day, both of his children would outpace both himself and Natuko in how much knowledge of the world around them they acquired. He was perfectly fine with this. Children were supposed to go farther than their parents. It was the natural order of things.

Veronika was praised by the instructor as the lesson came to an end. She thanked him honestly and warmly as she dismounted and led her pony to the stable to curry him. It was part of her responsibility.

Nodding his gratitude to the instructor, Kyle walked next to his daughter as she led her pony to the stables. When they were alone, he spoke softly to her in Japanese, to keep others from understanding what was said.

~Little One, once you have tended your pony, go to the house and after you get cleaned up, help your mother. We are going on a trip.~

~Yes Father~ She replied. At nearly 11 she was fully versed in random trips.

Together, they worked to get the pony ready, though Kyle made sure that most of the work was done by Veronika.

When they were finished and the pony was happily eating, Cragen gave his little girl a kiss on her forehead, then sent her off to the main house. He started to get the carriage horses ready. Even though they had staff that did these things, both he and Natsuko would do work with them. It was one of the main reasons why they were so loved by everyone who worked for them.

Once things were ready, he made his way to the main house. He had to get cleaned and dressed for the trip as well.

In the hall were several small trunks, already packed and servants were carrying them out to the Carriage and there would be two more trunks brought down.

Upstairs, Natsuko had finished packing the children's clothes and belongings as well as several items of importance to the family in one trunk and sent it down to be loaded. She, Veronika and Phillip were in the master suite, Veronkia was helping carry the last of the clothes to the last trunk while Phillip slept in his crib.

Natsuko herself was packing another chest, which would be in the carriage with the family. In it she packed jewelry, books, money and ceremonial items. She looked up when Kyle entered."I have written down items to be sent to the House in Japan" she said softly. "When you send the letter to our people, it should be included." She handed it over as she finished packing the last of her jewels.

Kyle took the note, then moved to his study to write the required correspondence needed for their trip. A short time later, he handed them off to one of his runners, a local boy from the village nearby. Kyle gave him a frank note to make the postage delivery as quickly as possible, with the promise of a gold coin if he can get to the postman before the mail goes out.

Afterwards, Kyle moved to the bathroom, glad you see all had been made ready. He quickly washed and shaved, then dried off and got dressed. He was back with the family as they were heading to the carriage. "All set, my love?"

"yes, Phillip is changed and clean" She followed Veronika into the carriage and settled Phillip into a specially created crib.

Kyle nodded and started to climb inside. As he was closing the door, the young runner came sprinting back up the drive. Kyle got back out and met the young lad halfway. After hearing that he was successful, Kyle gave him the promised gold coin, then surprised him with another and told Pierre to have the kitchen fix the boy some food to have now, and a basket to take back to his family.

Kyle then returned to the carriage and climbed back inside.

Once the door was closed the driver whipped up the team of horses and they were off.

Behind Kyle's horse and Veronika's pony were tethered

Veronika sat facing backwards, the crib with her brother beside her. Natsuko and Kyle faced forward.

Natsuko handed Veronika a book to read and settled against her husband.

Kyle put his left arm around his wife's shoulders. "We will reach the ship in about six hours. You both should try to rest as much as possible."

Veronika nodded and buried herself in her book.

Phillip was asleep in his crib.

Natsuko meanwhile rested her head on his shoulder. "We are doing the right thing, right?" she asked. "Leaving like this?" Her voice was soft and for his ears only.

Kyle nodded slightly, then whispered back. "So long as there is a chance our treasures can be harmed, then it's ways the right thing, beloved."

She brushed her lips across his chin. "Our treasures. I want them so safe nothing will happen to them" she whispered.

A soft growl rumbled deep in Kyle's chest. "Agreed, my love. Everything we do is for them."

Natsuko snuggled down. Her eyes soft as she watched their children. One read, the other sleep, peaceful for now. Eventually she drifted off to sleep, a human habit she had not broken.

Kyle was awake for the entire trip, watching over his family and that which was most important to him.

**nearly six hours later**

"Beloved," Kyle whispered as he gently squeezed Natsuko.

"hmmm" she moaned and sat up sleepily. "Sorry.." she whispered.

He smiled down at her. "It's alright, Suki," he whispered in reply. The children were both still sleeping, and the carriage was approaching the docks and the ship that was going to take them south. "We will be at the harbor shortly."

She nodded. "We should make sure Veronika dresses warmly, it will be cooler at sea."

"Yes, but once we are safely aboard our ship." As they spoke, his eyes continued to scan for any signs of trouble on the streets around them.

Suki nodded and pulled her cloak to her lap. "So here is hoping we get a ship."

Kyle grinned at her as the carriage came to a stop. Kyle opened the door and climbed out. As he continued to smile, he offered his hand to Natsuko. Helping her out, he said, "My love, your ship awaits." He then turned out of her way so she could look upon the 24 gun frigate that was berthed next to where they stood.

~"You are magic Darling"~ she said in her native tongue. She smiled. "Perfect once we are loaded I will bring the children."

As they spoke, a man dressed in a smart uniform stepped forward and saluted Kyle. "Sir! As instructed, the Globe is nearly loaded and the crew stands ready to help you and your family aboard."

Kyle returned the salute. "Very good, Captain. Allow me to introduce my wife, Natsuko Cragen." He looked at Natsuko and said, "Beloved, this is Captain Edward Richardson IV. He will be running our crew on our new ship."

She held out her hand with a smile. "Captain, a pleasure to meet you."

Captain Richardson clicked his heels together, took gentle hold of her hand, removed his hat and bowed to gently kiss her knuckles. "The pleasure is entirely mine, my lady." He then straightened up, releasing her hand and put his hat back on his head. "Lord Cragen informed me that your two small children will also be traveling aboard. Rest assured, my men will watch what they say and do their best to keep the noise down while we are at sea."

Suki smiled. "Our daughter is 11, our son is only months old. I will do my best to make sure my daughter does not get under foot of your sailors."

Captain Richardson bowed again. He then led his employers aboard and to their cabin. Within the hour, everyone was settled and they had shoved off.

A few hours later, after they had finally reached open ocean, Kyle entered their cabin. "How is everyone feeling, my love?"

"Veronika seems to be getting mal de mer" she said from where she sat beside her daughter on her daughters bunk.

Veronika was pale and looked green around the gills as she curled into a ball.

Kyle looked over at their daughter, concern in his eyes. "I'll take her outside, to get some fresh air." He moved over and gently scooped up his little girl into his strong, protective arms. He started to whisper calming things to her as he carried her out on deck. When they reachedto port side railing, he quietly told her to take slow deep breaths and put her eyes on the horizon. "Don't focus on anything moving, look at the unmoving horizon. It will help."

Veronika did as he said in silence trying hard not to think about the waves.

As she did so, Kyle softly sang her her favorite lullaby, hoping it would also aid in helping her feel better.

Soon enough it lulled her into a kind of sleepy trance and she snuggled into her fathers arms.

Smiling softly, Kyle remained there until Veronika finally fell asleep. Thankfully, her color was looking much better. All around them, the crew watched their employer with soft grins on their faces. It was touching, even to the hard heart of a sea dog, to see such tenderness.

Suki was waiting for them when they returned. Phillip was also awake and cooing in his crib.

After Kyle carefully laid their daughter in her hammock, he moved over to coo and smile at their little boy. "Phillip seems no worse for the wear, my love."

"Yes but then he is still young." Natsuko tucked a blanket around their daughter and stepped over to him. "I guess it was bound to happen Love, we rarely travel by boat after all."

He put his arms around her back and pulled her to his chest. "I know, my love. However, it was the fastest way out of France. And as we own this boat and employ this crew now, quite handsomely I might add, the only thing we need worry about now are pirates in our travels. Of course, as this is a 24 gun frigate, the chances that a band of pirates coming at us are slim. I made sure to buy a good ship."

He chuckled softly. "Of course, I'd much rather have a huge man o'war, but, I couldn't find one at short notice."

"Its fine. I am sure we will be safe. Will we arrive before your next sleep cycle?"

Kyle thought about it briefly and nodded. "It will be close though. We will need to have a house set up withing the first two weeks of arriving. If need be, I could push my sleep for a few days, possibly a week, but any longer and there could be permanent damage."

"2 weeks is not a long time... " Natsuko worried. "We may have to take temporary lodgings. And then build our new home..."

He nodded. Not ideal, I know. However, I have faith that we will figure it out. Remember when we we stuck in China during that earthquake? We had to use a damaged barn for your cycle that time."

"Yes and what fun that was." She smiled up at him.

He chuckled softly. "Well, yes...afterwards, we did enjoy the rest of that barn. However, I was referring to the search for someplace safe for you to sleep in."

"i know" she teased him. "Which City will we land in?"

"Boston," he said evenly. "Apparently, it's a major hub of activity for the region. The Danes move much of their tea through there."

"Hmmm sounds like a good place for your business interests. "

He nodded. "Hopefully, we will be able to put down some roots, allow Veronika and Phillip some time to grow in onr place.

"Yes, and if we are lucky enough, maybe we can stay a bit longer..."

Suddenly, there was polite knocking on the door to their stateroom. "Lord Cragen?" Captain Richardson's voice could be heard on the other side. "I apologize for any interruption, however, I have some troubling news that you must know."

Kyle furrowed his brow. After releasing Natsuko, he stepped over to the door and opened it enough to speak with the Captain. They spoke back and forth for a fewbeats, then Richardson saluted and left.

Kyle closed the door, clearly deep in thought over what he had just been told.

"What is it?" Suki walked to his side. "Love?"

Kyle looked over at his wife. "The Captain just informed me that there is a squall on the horizon. He said that he was going to do his best to steer us clear of it. However, he suggested that we prepare for the worst."

She stared at him. Then moved to start securing their children. "How long?" She asked.

He moved to help her. When their babies were as safe as they could make them, he started to secure their possessions as best he could. "He said that if it doesn't catch us within the hour, then we should be okay."

She nodded. "Okay." She sat on their bunk and folded her hands in her lap. "It will be hard to swim in these skirts Love."

He chuckled. "Then perhaps I should relieve you of them," he reached over ad after grabbing main lace, he pulled on it and her bodice came loose and untied. "Oops?" He said with a suggestive grin.

Suki raised an eyebrow at him. "Oops?" She asked. "You would keep me sans clothes if you could, admit it my love." She stood and let him pull the rest of her laces.

He smiled the warm, loving mile that belonged only to her, as he continued to open and remove her clothing. "Oh definitely, my love. Are you saying you wouldn't do the same?"

"Oh no not saying that.." Suki replied. "Though admit it, less ties with Eastern fashion"

"Oh, definitely." He finally freed her from her bodice, then reached out and pulled her to him. "Even after all these years, you still cause an inferno of desire to churn inside of me."

Natsuko glanced to where their children slept and then kissed him as her clothes fell to the deck.

Kyle inhaled deeply through his nose as they kissed. He then wrapped his arms around his wife and laid back onto their bed, pulling her down atop his body.

She looked down at him. Her in her shift and him still dressed. "And now you are overdressed my love" she said reaching to undo his pants.

He grinned up at her and helped her to finish undress him. As they started to enjoy their time together, neither of them seemed to notice that the ship had started to rock and sway a bit more.

As they came down from their mutual highs, Natsuko noticed the rocking. "We didn't miss the storm," she said worriedly. "All our papers and such are safe in that waterproof box right?"

Kyle nodded as he replied. "Yes. And in the event that something unexpected happens, it will float. Though," he carefully extricated himself from his wife's embrace and moved to the aft windows. Opening one, he looked out over the sea. Calling back over his left shoulder, he said quietly, "Come here, my love." He turned to face her, lifting his left arm to allow her to stepped into his side.

She moved to stand beside him unconcerned that she was naked. She looked out at the waves.

Wrapping his left arm around her he direct her line of sight to the waves behind the ship. "Do you see how they are cresting gently? If the storm was catching us, they would be much bigger by now. It seems as if the good Captain made good on his word. Should his and the crew's performance continue in this fashion, I think a sizeable bonus will be required after we make Boston."

Natsuko nodded. "A good idea."She leaned against him. "It will be weeks though until then right?"

He nodded. "It'll be nearly two months, so long as there are no other storms and we have good winds the whole time."

She laid her head on his shoulder "Okay, I have two months to design our new home" She smiled. It was the one thing she loved to do.

Kyle smiled and pulled Natsuko in a bit closer and gently kissed the top of her head. They had had many adventures during their life together so far, and he looked forward to many more to come.

~TBC~

OOC Note to the Reader: Remember, at this point, the Brits are, at best, a few thousand rebuilt, following Kyle's blood bath through the country following the murder of his parents back in the 1400s. So, the Danes have filled the power vacuum some. New Amsterdam never becomes New York City, etc.