019. The Man On The Phone

Nadezhda’s explanation left both Litsi and Ullirth perplexed, their expressions reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern. As she spoke, Ullirth, the élwathi high priest, found himself vividly picturing the land Nadezhda described—rolling hills, dense forests, and ancient, towering structures that seemed straight out of a medieval painting. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't find any place in the world that matched her description. It was as if she spoke of a world that existed only in the realm of forgotten art or long-lost tales.
It soon became clear that Nadezhda's narrative was not a straightforward account but rather a tapestry woven from memory, longing, and hope for the land she called home. Yet, as Ullirth gently pressed for more details, the story began to shift. The once idyllic imagery gave way to a landscape shrouded in darkness, despair, and horror—a stark contrast to the peaceful world she had initially described.
Despite the unsettling turn in her tale, Ullirth could sense the honesty in Nadezhda’s words. There was no deception in her eyes, only a deep-seated yearning for a place that seemed to elude even her understanding. The ancient Eastern Slavic language she spoke, tinged with a dialect long forgotten by most, provided Ullirth with the final clue. Piecing together the fragments of her narrative, he deduced that the land Nadezhda spoke of could only be somewhere in Russia.
"Russia is vast, Ullirth. How do you expect a girl as young and beautiful as Nadezhda to venture there alone?" Litsi objected, wrapping an arm protectively around the young woman's petite shoulder.
"I can sense the energy of my people once I'm near them," Nadezhda replied, her voice filled with a hopeful resolve. "Just show me the way to Russia, and I will burden you no more."
"Sweetie…" Litsi sighed, her usual smile fading into a look of concern. "We’re in a land called France, part of the continent known as Europe. Russia is far to the east, across vast distances. It would take four days by land to reach it, and it lies beyond the authority of Aélnimr," she stressed.
"Aélnimr… Solidarity?" Nadezhda translated the word from the Eldest Tongue.
"Yes," Ullirth confirmed. "That's what we call ourselves—the free interdimensional beings of France. And Litsi is right. Russia has different regulations regarding the existence of beings like us. We have no jurisdiction there."
The élwathi priest poured water into a wide basin on the table, his movements deliberate. He then selected powders from several jars, sprinkling them into the water before retrieving a flower bud hanging from the ceiling. As soon as he placed the bud in the basin, the water shifted to a glowing green hue.
Curiosity drew Nadezhda closer, but Litsi's hand gently halted her. With a subtle gesture, Litsi signaled for the young woman to remain still, her gaze encouraging Nadezhda to watch closely.
As the priest dipped his finger into the water, Ullirth's black eyes suddenly blazed a bright blue, his expression hardening like chiseled metal. But the transformation was fleeting. A moment later, the élwathi priest returned to his normal self.
"Gorlo will bring every document you need for your journey. If what I saw just now is accurate, it seems you’re from a city called Chelyabinsk. A hunt is underway there. You’ll need to erase any trace of who you truly are before you return," Ullirth explained. "And we must make haste."
"I’ve already told her what she needs to know about this world," Litsi said. "But no matter how much soap and shampoo I used, her scent will still be detectable—even by untrained dogs."
"I believe I can help with that," Ullirth offered, his expression thoughtful. "I’ll also restore some of her senses to their former human state. However, the metal structure of her form is unfamiliar to me. The toxic radiation will only be contained as long as she keeps her tail hidden. But every time she uses it, the radiation will be released."
"Just like a fart," Litsi quipped, grinning mischievously. "But instead of stinky, yours is deadly." She laughed heartily as Nadezhda’s beautiful eyes widened in embarrassment.
But the young woman quickly regained her composure, nodding solemnly to the élwathi priest. "Why are you helping me? You and Litsi treat me as if I were one of your own."
Ullirth’s gaze softened. "Because we see you as more than most humans would. Litsi and I know what it’s like to be misjudged, to be seen as something to fear. We help you because we believe in offering the understanding and protection we’ve found in each other. That’s the purpose of Aélnimr."
Nadezhda wasn’t satisfied with Ullirth’s answer, but the torrent of questions swirling in her mind left her stunned, unable to decide where to begin.
Before she could gather her thoughts, Ullirth’s demeanor shifted. With swift precision, he directed Litsi to leave the chamber, his focus already honed in on the task ahead. He moved with practiced ease, gathering the materials needed to enhance Nadezhda’s senses and suppress the toxic radiation lurking within her.
Litsi glanced back briefly as she stepped through the shimmering teleportation portal, her expression unreadable. Once outside, she didn’t waste a moment. Her hand instinctively reached for her new smartphone, her fingers moving quickly as she dialed a number etched into her memory with laser-like clarity.
"Yes?" A deep, raspy male voice echoed through the phone.
"It’s me, Litsi," she replied, her face taut with tension, though her eyes softened with a hint of longing. "Miss X's identity has been confirmed. She’s with us right now."
"So she’s one of those misunderstood beings, then. I’m glad to hear that," the man said, relief evident in his voice. "What will Aélnimr do?"
"Her story matches the information you provided," Litsi said, her tone steady. "It was wise to contact us before alerting other EPCU task forces. She wants to return to her homeland to prevent her kind from crossing into this world, and Ullirth has agreed to facilitate her return."
"The EPCU has alerted all of Europe. Another incident occurred in Russia—more people went missing, and last night one of their operatives was gravely injured during an investigation," the man reported. "I might be able to divert all FN members to ensure a safe passage until she boards the TGV, but I can’t guarantee the safety of her kind. Bayu Adiwira is en route to Russia."
"What?" Litsi's surprise was palpable. "That man is a nightmare!"
"He prefers negotiation to extermination, Litsi. I trust his judgment more than I trust any EPCU higher-up," the man reassured her. "And… Alain Dorléac?"
"Handled."
A heavy silence followed Litsi’s succinct response, the weight of her words hanging between them.
"I'm sorry you have to go through all of this, Litsi," the man said, his tone sincere and apologetic.
"I miss you, my love," the ymvith's voice quivered with raw emotion.
"After I take Miss X to Montparnasse station, I’ll meet you, and we can spend three days together in Paris," he replied, hope evident in his voice.
"Hmm… I wonder what you’ll do to me during those three days, Monsieur Balzac," Litsi’s voice took on a sensual, irresistible edge.
"I’m going to punish you," the man teased playfully.
"Ooh... My butthole is twitching. Punish me, Monsieur Balzac! I've been a naughty girl," Litsi purred, her expression showing clear desire.
"Hold on a little longer, honey," the man’s voice strained to stay composed. "And be careful. I don’t want anything to happen to you."
"Oh, Pierre. I love you so, so much," Litsi sighed deeply.
"You know I love you even more, Litsi," the man replied warmly.