Plot: A mysterious force has been stealing rare and magical artifacts throughout London, and gathering forces rapidly. No one has any clue as to who it is, or why, for that matter. Will Nathaniel and Bartimaeus be able to stop this person? Or will they die trying?
Bartimaeus Trilogy - Haunted Nights
Disclaimer: I don't own this amazing series in any way, though if I did . . . Well. I'd be a much happier person. I do own Aldijahari, Ellis Darrine, and Alexander Darrine though. So. Erm. Here we go!
Chapter One - First Encounter, However Brief.
xBartimaeusx
I know I've always said that I hated being here, in this dreadful city of London. I've always complained about it, moaned about it, and insulted it in so many ways that I've lost count.(1) But, tonight seemed to be different. It was peaceful, with the light drizzle not too uncommon for the depressing manifestation of buildings and streets, and it had been quite awhile since the last huge heist.
Oh, haven't you heard? I'm working once more for Nat, the poor human. He summoned me about a month ago, because the government can't protect their damn artifacts(2). Yes, that's right! Some idiot magician had found a way to steal rare and powerful artifacts from right under their pathetic little noses. Which means more work for the djinn.
I shifted my black gaze to the east, wondering why I had been stationed near the re-built Pinn's. Yes, Sholto put his store back together, along with some more sophisticated security systems, both magical and human alike. I was quite surprised - it was one of the places that hadn't been hit yet(3).
A majectic bird with ebony feather seemingly sighed, as its head returned to said establishment. Of course, this lovely creature was me, Bartimaeus. As if you hadn't figured that out yet(4). I was perched upon a building directly across from it, shrouded in the shadows. I believe there were about three other djinn scattered about the area, watching various buildings.
I blink as I swore under my breath. The slightest movements with in Pinn's caught my eye, and with an arrogant ruffle of feathers, I swooped down to see what was happening. I could barely see what was going on, when something - or someone? - slipped out from beneath the door in a thin trail of smoke. I watched it glance at me, and was surprised (almost), as it seemed to smirk at me(5).
//You never learn, do you Bartimaeus?// it whispered, the voice of a mysterious female before slipping into the night.
xNathanielx
A young man with dark hair glared at the demon in the opposite pentacle. "How could you simply let it get away!" he hissed, folding his arms in front of him. The young man was pacing slightly in the decent sized pentacle, his black suit clinging to his lanky frame. He was furious, outraged, and truly annoyed with his demon. "Don't get mad at me, I didn't know it was whatever we're looking for!" retorted the being in other pentacle. It looked like a rather annoyed lioness, licking its paw as if it were hurt. "Besides, it didn't seem to have anything with it when it left," the lioness muttered.
Nathaniel sighed, holding his face in his hands for a moment. He was being severely pressured by the rest of the Security Administration, not to mention having Ms. Darrine on his case. Ms. Darrine had taken over the Security Admin about a two months ago, and had - at first - been impressed with him. Then, as more artifacts were taken, she became more sour, and displeased.
"Actually, Bartimaeus, there was something stolen. A simple artifact - the Solar Stone. It supposedly allows the user to gain powers from the sun, when used with the right incantations. No one has ever gotten it to work, so it was agreed to have it hidden away in Pinn's," said the magician, as he glanced at the clock. "You're to go out again tonight, and watch over the museum - you know which one," he muttered, catching the bemused look on the lioness's face. Just for good measure, he said a few formal commands, including the actual name, address, and area of the museum in question.
"Fair enough. Anything else/master/?" asked the lioness, sarcasm dripping in its voice.
"Get going, I've got work to do," muttered the magician, before sending the demon on its way, smirking at the annoyed gasp that had escaped the angry lioness's maw before it disappeared in a small whirl of wind.
xUknownx
"You did a wonderful job, demon. I'm surprised - most would've broken down by now," muttered a slightly amused male voice.
"You under-estimate me, sir," replied a feminine voice from the other pentacle.
The male sighed, brushing a strand of short dark blonde hair behind his ear, as he glanced at the radiant woman across from him. He was actually surprised, though. This demon had fulfilled all of her duties with speed, stealth, and accuracy. It seemed as if the plan would work, leaving him and his sibling with complete and utter control over London.
"You know your objective for this evening, correct?" asked the slender man, wearing a simple dark blue suit. "I do," she replied curtly. The 'demon' had taken the form of a slender young woman with brilliant red hair, and odd markings upon her face, arms, and legs, her only attired being a simple white tank top, and a pair of knee-length shorts. "Would you mind reminding me, so I can be sure that you understand/Alli/?" he asked, smirking at the minor sight of disgust on the demon's face.
"I am to simply find and capture the demon Bartimaeus, correct?" she replied.
The magician laughed, glad that the demon had kept all other signs of annoyance hidden behind that blank, lethal mask of her's.
"Correct. Now, go," he said, turning his back to her.
a/n: And, that's it! I hoped you all enjoyed my first fanfic, and that it wasn't too terrible. Reviews would be great, as well as critiques. So. Um. Yea! -Dija.
(1) No, seriously. The last time I bothered adding to the list was a little over one million.
(2) Honestly, a djinn would do better at guarding them then you pathetic excuses.
(3) I had thought that Pinn's would've been hit first. I guess not.
(4) I mean, who else could make a /raven/ look majestic?
(5) The last being who smirked at me died an instant later. This one's arrogance caught me off guard.