In a study room of a rather lavish home, a man was sitting on a chair in front of his desk as he was writing pages and pages of words, stacking it one by one beside him. He was entirely focused, writing poems and phrases that couldn’t be understood in an instant, vague sentences formed together, telling hidden stories underneath.
That man was of course Michel de Nostradamus.
He looked younger, healthier, happier. He had married a woman, a widow to be precise. While his children have already died from the plague, he had step-children to take care of, the children of the widow. He was friendly towards them, loving even, they reminded him of his own.
He had retired, staying away from the plague doctor profession. Now though, he became a writer. A writer of prophecies. It sold really well, many people wanted to read it, wanted to buy it, and were simply curious about the predictions that he made.
Suddenly, a knock came from the door of his study.
He stopped writing, as he knew who was behind that door already, a person that he was deeply indebted to.
“Come in,” he said.
The door opened, revealing a young man with violet eyes, and a beautiful woman with him, blonde hair, with a face that looks like it was carved by those Greek gods.
“I see you’ve grown accustomed to the ring.” said the man, sitting in front of Nostradamus.
“Yes…” chuckled Nostradamus softly. “Though I still have much to learn… What I have seen… if that were true, I’m looking forward to seeing it…”
“Even the bad ones?” questioned the man, taking a page from the stack beside Nostradamus.
“Not really.” shook Nostradamus, sighing.
The man in front of him hummed, and read the page he took out loud. “Within two cities, there will be scourges the likes of which were never seen…”
“A horrible vision that one…” said Nostradamus grimly. “Mushroom clouds… waves of force, devastating a city in seconds…”
“Well, don’t use it too much.” said the man. “You’ll become insane. Instead, try focusing on other things other than visions.”
“The fighting side?” questioned Nostradamus. “I don’t know Pluto… these old bones…”
“Those are no excuse to you anymore Nostradamus, you know that.” scoffed the woman beside Pluto, who was quiet until this time. “I can train you for a while if you want.”
“I-I’d rather not be a burden to you my lady…” chuckled Nostradamus nervously.
“Then I think it’s time for you to contact your brethren.” continued Pluto. “Go to Alexandria, find my first daughter.”
“Very well, as soon as I’m finished with my mortal business, I will go to her straight away.” nodded Nostradamus. “If you could just leave me an address… if you can…”
“Oh no, you don’t need an address, trust me.” continued the woman beside Pluto. “She’ll know if you’re there.”
“Then, can I at least have a name, Lady Thena?”
“It’s Cleo.” Thena answered. “Cleopatra.”
Nostradamus was surprised. “As in Cleopatra VII?”
“I’m surprised you know about her.” stated Pluto. “The church isn't exactly friendly with those types of history…”
“The church is changing,” said Nostradamus. “Protestants are dominant around here. Gone are the days of the Vatican…”
“Not true,” said Pluto. “But in France, I suppose… speaking of which… How's your wife? I heard she’s quite a religious woman.”
Nostradamus sighed. “She’s fine. A bit disapproving about my ways… but still supportive.”
“You’ll have to leave her sooner or later, you know?”
“I know…” murmured Nostradamus, leaning against his chair. “I’m not good at separating… especially the children…”
“You can stay with her until her death, you know?” stated Thena. “Take care of her.”
“I don’t know what is more cruel my lady, leaving her while she is alive, or leaving her when she dies…” said Nostradamus. “I can’t stay with her forever… people will know I am not ageing, not to mention, the children… they can take care of themselves, old enough to marry… perhaps I’ll find them wives and husbands first before I leave. That way, they can take care of their mother’s grave.”
“I’m sure you’ll find a way.” Thena smiled.
Nostradamus sighed. “I still can’t decide… if longevity is a gift or a curse… I’m preparing myself to watch as people that I knew, that are dear to me, die one by one, as I keep on living…”
“My advice? Don’t get too attached to people anymore.” said Pluto. “Develop bonds with them, but don’t be too close with them, otherwise, it’ll just hurt when you see them swallowed by the earth, to their final rest.”
“Will do.” hummed Nostradamus.
“Anyway, I think it’s time me and Thena leave this place.”
“So soon?” questioned Nostradamus in surprise. “Where are you going, if I may ask?”
Pluto and Thena stood up as they walked away from the desk. “East.” Pluto said. “To the land of the rising sun.”