The city looked like he'd remembered; the braziers on every corner casting the wide streets in a strange combination of light and dark, the large mansions towering high and regal above the dirtied maze like squabbles of the unimportant, and lastly the center piece of the city: the burning towers.
It all set alight a smoldering fire that burned in his veins. A fire that had come so close to expulsion was finally strong once more.
Even the smell was familiar to Vincent Cessation. Up high as he was, the air smelled of burning pines, but down bellow at street level he would enjoy the scent of fear, sweat and terror that wafted into every crevice. He smiled, taking in the moonlit city that he loved.
"You promised us we'd have them and they're gone. You better follow through or I swear you'll regret it!" Jack the Ripper's voice interrupted Cessation's reflection.
He turned away from the beautiful sight before him and left his spacious balcony. He entered the bronze study that Moriarty and Jack had cornered him in. He brushed his hand slowly over the spines of the books that lined every wall, swirling his cognac with his left hand. The heat seeped from it and he smiled fondly. His favorite brew, all his old books, even his favored servants had been brought back for him. By the time he'd reached his home, everything had been back where it'd belonged.
"You promised me Miss Cain!" Jack raged, finally managing to attract Cessation's full attention. "I helped you, I killed countless woman to store up enough power to bring you here. I want my reward!"
"As do I." Moriarty added. "Sherlock is mine."
"Gentlemen," Cessation silenced them, "the search has not stopped. The King's men are out looking for them."
He settled down on the crimson couch that adorned the room. "You must simply be patient."
"I'm not a patient man." Moriarty drawled.
"The King has been incredibly generous to you. I suggest you wait and enjoy the pleasures that have been given to you." Cessation was bored of the two men, their fighting and whining, but if he was one thing, he was honorable. He would fulfill his promises.
"I can't wait." Jack growled. "I've given up my world for you and now I want what is mine!"
"Enough!" Cessation order, surging to his feet. "There is nothing anyone can do to make the search go faster. Why don't you leave with the search groups to find them? Leave me in peace."
The two mercenaries paused and exchanged looks. How small their minds must be.
"That might be good." Jack said slowly. "Yes I think we will do that."
"Then get going before the sand storm hits." He dismissed them and they left, barely remembering to bow.
Cessation stared after them and held out his glass, it was immediately filled. They were fools really. They would die without a fight. It was sad that most people were like that. "Denever."
A shadow previously unseen stepped into the light, Cessation's invisible companion.
"Yes my lord?" The large man bowed his head.
"Follow Jack the Ripper." Cessation ordered. "Make sure he doesn't interfere with my priorities."
The man smiled. "Always my lord."
He was gone before Cessation could turn around but he expected nothing less.
A crooked smile crossed his face. He was home, finally. He downed his drink and exited the room, striding through the corridors as seamlessly as he once did. He felt stronger with ever step, more in control, more at ease.
He knew no one would look at him the same as they once did. Everyone was watching, waiting to see it they could stick a knife in his back. Even his once loyal servants were spies now. He would have to show them that nothing had changed. They were in for a shock, all of them.
Duke Vincent Aema Cessation was back.