Solbearers: Part 6- Transpacific

Cassandra zoned out reclining in the luxurious seats of Shinji's private jet. This was not the utilitarian craft used in the "clean sweep" mission from nights ago but instead a more flamboyant status symbol of a wealthy businessman. "Now let's get back to your lamprey problem" Chen said, interrupting Cassandra's relaxed state.

"Let's" Cassandra said annoyed she couldn't just relax but aware she should try and learn what she can from Chen.

"I agree with Shinji that they are probably weak to fire" Chen continued "but that might be hard to exploit underwater. As for another weakness it might help to think of the types of Lamprey you've encountered. How are they all different and how are they all the same?"

"They all hate silver, some have tails instead of legs and some are massive" Cassandra recalled.

"That can't be all" Chen prodded.

"The big ones don't run!" Cassandra said in a moment of realization.

"They're brave cause they're big?" Chen questioned.

"No not that. The smaller ones when one dies they flee. But the big ones they go crazy when another one dies" Cassandra started piecing things together. "Fisherman keep real lamprey away using the pheromones of injured ones. Most of the lamprey vamps act afraid when one dies but the big ones are emboldened by it" Cassandra excitedly spoke as she worked it out.

"Sounds like you've got it" Chen affirmed. "Lampires are typically weak to dead lampires but a select few have worked it out of their systems. Like some Leeches have done with salt and cold. You won't know for sure until you get back home but when you do I think you'll really be able to take the fight to them."

"I appreciate your help Chen" Cassandra said with a smile.

-^()^ Indicates the dialogue between the parentheses is happening telepathically in the characters first languages-

^(Chen and Cassandra were getting some rest while Buibui was devouring pounds of deli meats aboard the jet. With his mouth still stuffed Shinji locked eyes with him and they spoke telepathically.

"You're quite the warrior, how did you become like this?" Shinji began.

"My ancestors were mosquito vampires. Born into this life, they felt shame for the need to feed off of humans. They formed a new sect in Kenya, evolving into spider vampires they fed on the evil mosquitoes. We used to be many but now I think I might be the last" Buibui responded.

"I'm sorry you lost your sect" Shinji thought nodding towards a sleeping Chen and Cassandra "but I hope you see us as your new sect. And I hope one day I kill as many monsters as you have".

"You won't live to do so, I've lived for centuries" Buibui thought without restraint.

As he noticed Shinji's energy drop he continued "but don't focus on the hundreds you kill, focus on the thousands you save. That's why we do this. You're a great warrior whose legend will continue to grow. And yes the four of us are the beginning of a new great sect".

Shinji's trademark smirk was back. He smacked both of Buibui's immense shoulders in approval and went to get some rest.)^

When the whole group was up again Shinji was addressing the team.

"I'm not entirely sure of the plan here" Shinji confessed. "The concentration of wealthy corporations, local history of vampires and relative proximity to Africa makes the east coast a logical place for company trafficking vampires like Buibui thinks to exist".

"What vampire history?" Cassandra interjected.

"Namely the New England vampire panic starting in the late 18th century. I have no clue if it was really vampires or tuberculosis but if someone was studying vampires that reputation would make the east coast a good place to start" Shinji responded "but since you haven't had a vision since leaving Greece we need you to have one soon or we are just leaning on Buibui sensing other vampires once we land".

After landing, the three humans checked into a luxurious hotel on Shinji's dime. It felt too decadent and unproductive for Cassandra but Shinji assured her a good sleep would be important for how restless things would soon become. This feeling doubled when she realized he sprung for a second room just for her so she'd feel comfortable. On arrival Cassandra opened her window and removed its screen. With a decent effort Shinji pulled Buibui through the open window and received a hearty slap on both shoulders as a thank you.

After good conversation and a good meal (again on Shinji's dime) Cassandra opened the door that connected Shinji, Chen and Buibui's room to her's and then did the same to the corresponding door in her suite to adjoin their rooms. As brief as she had know Shinji and Chen she was confident she could trust them, and (perhaps strangely) she was even more confident that Buibui would rip them apart if it turned out they shouldn't be trusted.

Shinji and Chen spent half the night sharing one bed in the "men's" room but Shinji eventually tucked himself into it's second bed when he realized Buibui did more of a strange lean-crouch hibernation in the corner rather than a sleep. Cassandra was surprised how quickly she found sleep but it didn't last. Visions ran through her unconscious mind. A smug man. A forest. A Tunnel. Small scuttling vampires. Then she awoke and stayed that way for the rest of the night.