Bloodlines: Alexus Dracula

Meaning of Family

26 February 1939

World War 2 was on the brink as my family and I hid in the South Pacific.  My father's love for his country and honour would not let him sit this war out.  At this time we had settled in New Zealand, a serene country fill with wilderness and isolation away from the world trying to hunt us down.  “Roman, you can’t leave us! What if something happens to you?” cried Alexandra as she followed Roman around their cottage while he was busy packing his bags.  Roman stopped turns to Alexandra and places each palm on her shoulders.  “I am doing this for our family. If the Nazi’s win they will try and use our people, our children as a weapon,” explained Roman.  “I will write to you every day and if the letters stop then you will know,” said Roman.  “I can’t do this without you Roman,” replied Alexandra as she laid her head on his chest.  They both stayed there, in each other's arms taking in each other's scents before they part.  

Alexus slowly opened the door and walked in.  “Papa, Mama, why are you sad?” asked Alexus.  Roman looked at Alexus standing there in her nightgown as a tear left his eye.  Now 84 years old but only look like an 18-year-old.  “Papa has to go away for a little while my darling,” he said as he knelt down on one knee to be at the same level.  “Are you going to come back?” asked Alexus as Alexandra let out a small whimper.  “I am not sure Alex.  Dad has to go and fight for our people so that you will always be free.” explained Roman, “But I have one thing I need you to do for me”.  “Anything, sir,” said Alexus as she stood straight. “There's my little soldier.  I want you to look after your little brother Rome and Mama for me.  Can you do that?” asked Roman.  “Yes, sir” replied Alexus.  “Okay now let's get you back into bed so that Papa can finish packing,” said Roman as he stood up lifting Alexus with him.  

Roman softly placed Alexus on her bed and tucked her in tight.  “Papa, one day will I be big and strong as you?” asked Alexus.  Roman bent down and kiss her forehead before replying “You will be bigger and strong and will lead this family and our people into a better and brighter future.”.  Alexus rolled over a snuggled into her blanket, closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.  Roman stood next to her bed for a while longer before walking out.  He paused at the door and took one last glimpse back before returning to pack.

“Roman, what is the real reason for you going to the war?” asked Alexandra.  “I have already told you it is for our people,” replied Roman.  Alexandra lifted his chin until they were looking eye to eye and said “Look me in the eyes when you tell me the reason.”.  Roman looked Alexandra in the eyes and confessed his concerns, “Alexus is becoming stronger and stronger every day and I heard rumours of people in Germany talking about this unique girl.  I am afraid that they are speaking about our daughter.  After the incident in Columbia, we knew that it would travel.  I am going to try and make markers of her around the world using the war as my vessel but if I fail, I need to know that you three will be okay.”.  “And what if that does not work and they find us anyway?  What if they already know where we are?” asked Alexandra worried.  “Then you will hear them coming and you will move to the safe house by the spring.”  explained Roman.  “I have to keep packing and leave as soon as possible so that I can start leading anyone who is searching for her away.” said Roman as he continued to pack his bag.  Understanding why Roman was doing this, made it a lot easier for Alexandra to accept so she started to help him pack.  “My father will be here in 2 weeks time, to move you and the children to America with him.” explained Roman as Alexandra nodded.  

Once Roman had finished packing they laid in bed and cuddled until the rising sun woke Roman and he knew it was time to leave.  Roman carefully stood up trying not to wake Alexandra and kissed her forehead before leaving the room with his bag.  He then went into Rome’s room and kissed his son on the forehead before moving to Alexus’ room.  Roman bent down to kiss her forehead and quickly felt two strong arms pulling him into a tight hug.  “Be safe Papa and no matter what happens I will find you,” whispered Alexus.  “I love you sweetheart” replied Roman, “I love you too Papa,” said Alexus before she released her grip around his neck.  Roman stood up “Go back to sleep now,” he said gently as Alexus turned over and shut her eyes.  Roman stood there a while longer before leaving the house and quickly moving towards Auckland city, leaving traces of Alexus in his path to draw away anyone already searching for her.

The sun shone brightly through the house as Alexandra, Rome and Alexus woke to the morning birds singing and the faint scent on Roman that lingered in the house.  Alexandra dragged herself out of bed and walked to the kitchen to start preparing their meals. One by one, Rome and Alexus rose for the day, washed their faces and got dressed before making their way to the kitchen.  "Morning Mama," said Alexus as she walked into the kitchen where she saw her mother standing looking out the window into the sunrise.  "Morning my darling," replied Alexandra as she sniffled.  Alexus knowing her mother was sad walked up behind her, wrapping both arms around her waist and pulling her into a tight cuddle before looking up at her "Don't be sad Mama, everything will be alright" said Alexus small smile on her face.  Like a switch, that small smile was exactly what Alexandra needed to keep moving forward.  She hugged Alexus back before moving to the pantry to make Alexus and Rome some breakfast.

"Mama, I can't find my lunchbox," said young Rome as he stomped into the kitchen upset.  "Actually, there is something that I need to talk to both of you about," said Alexandra as she placed porridge bowls on the breakfast bar for the kids.  Rome and Alexus sat at the breakfast bar eating their porridge quietly waiting.  Alexandra bent down onto the breakfast bar so she was at eye level with them.  "You both won't be going to school for the next couple of weeks and your grandfather is coming to help us move back to the coven in America" explained Alexandra.  Alexus sat there quietly contemplating what this all meant while Rome's face started turning red with anger.  Suddenly out of nowhere "But I don't want to move back to America, I have heaps of friends here and we have the farm and animals and I am not going" shouted Rome as he stormed out of the house running into the forest.  Not knowing what to do Alexandra stood there stunned before letting out a deep sigh.  "It's okay Mama, I will go and get him soon.  He needs to cool off and will be heading for his fort" said Alexus quietly.  "Mama, can I ask but is this all because of me," said Alexus waiting for a reply from her mother.  "What would make you think that my darling?" asked Alexandra, "I heard the reason why Papa had to leave last night because I'm getting too strong and because of what happened in Columbia," she said with her head hanging low. "But I can be more careful and I can make sure that I don't use my strength or abilities ever again and then Papa can come home, right?" explained Alexus.  "I am sorry darling but it is not that easy and Papa left because he is our protector and no matter what, he will protect this family," she said as she cupped Alexus' face lifting it so they were face to face.  

After an eventful morning, Alexus found Rome at his fort and manage to calm him down before returning home and apologising to Mama.  The next week and a half flew by quickly as they all enjoyed each others company, looked after the animals on the farm, took walks through the forest and began packing their bags ready to leave.  The days were becoming shorter which was a sure sign that winter was on its way.  Alexandra lit the fireplace every night and they played games and told stories long into the night.  Rome and Alexus had moved into their parent's room and had sleepovers in there every night since their father had left.  Although it was comforting for both Rome and Alexus, they will never know how much more comforting it was for their mother.