As they both got out, Dominus stopped as he recognized the car and tilted his head. "Muzet and Gaius know where you live?" He questioned and Alvin nodded, opening his phone and smiling. "Yep, they visit Milla when she sleeps over here." He said and Dominus jumped a little. "Milla spends a night...how often?" He asked, suddenly protective and Alvin smirked. "Enough, though I can assure you Jude has NEVER touched Milla, so don't worry that pretty little head of yours Dom." Alvin said before they headed up the driveway. "Looks like we got more evidence than we thought." Alvin said and Dominus rose a brow. "More evidence than we thought?" He asked and Alvin nodded, putting his phone away.
"Yep, we got video proof of Madhur attacking Milla, even of meeting with that white haired boy whom we learned is actually the kid I pulled a gun on." Alvin said, rubbing his head and Madhur's eyes widened. 'Say what?!' He wondered as they got to the door and Alvin walked in after unlocking it. "We're back!" Alvin shouted into the living room, seeing Ludger there with Muzet, Gaius, Milla and Jude, the two having finally left the bedroom after an hour nap. "And that's all we-dad?!" Muzet shouted, her shriek of 'dad' echoed by Milla. Dominus ignored everyone in favoring of running over to Milla, hugging her tightly as he dropped to his knees.
"I'm sorry my dear...I'm so sorry." Dominus mumbled to her and Milla felt something wet hit her shoulder, making her eyes widen in shock. There had only been one time when she last saw her father cry and that was at their mother's funeral when Manah passed away. "I'm sorry I didn't notice." He said brokenly and Milla's own eyes filled with tears as she realized she made her father worry and she hugged him in return, crying gently in his shoulder. Jude seemed surprised before he looked at Alvin, who nodded to Ludger as the black and white haired brother sighed, rubbing his neck. "Dad...why are you here?" Muzet suddenly asked, throwing the question her, Gaius, Milla and Jude wanted to ask out there. "Alvin picked me up." Dominus responded, slowly composing himself, yet didn't move from his position as he kept his tight hug around his youngest daughter.
"I thought you were-?" Jude was interrupted by Alvin's heavy sigh. "I lied." He said, looking off to the side, shocking Jude, yet also making him angry. "Why?!" Jude shouted as he stood, glaring at his oldest brother. "I had no choice!" He shouted and Jude growled. "Everyone has a choice!" He retorted, when Dominus stood from Milla, breaking their hug and laying a hand on Jude's shoulder. "If you want to be mad at someone Jude," He said, gaining the amber eyed boy's attention. "be mad at me." He said, shocking everyone except Alvin and Ludger. "W-what?" Jude questioned, eyes wide in surprise. "Be mad at me, if you need to be mad at someone." He stated seriously, yet this only confused Jude in which Dominus knew he had to tell the whole truth.
"Looks like I spill the beans now." He muttered bitterly, before sighing as he crossed his arms, sitting in the recliner across from Gaius and Muzet. "About a year ago, I asked Alvin and Ludger to do an assignment for me, since they did a lot of odd jobs, I figured this would be an easy task for them." He began, thinking back on everything. "I had noticed you, Milla," He said, fixing his daughter with a intense gaze that made her shrink a little in shame. "had been acting strange lately; jumpy, paranoid, fearful and you weren't even eating a lot." He explained and she fiddled with her fingers a little, surprised he HAD noticed. "I asked Alvin and Ludger to keep an eye on you, since I knew Alvin watched over the class you were in as he kept an eye on Jude, I asked if he wouldn't mind keeping an eye on you." He explained, before looking at Ludger.
"Alvin asked Ludger to help out since Alvin was more busy than him, so Ludger opted to help out as well and I gave them both my phone numbers so we could keep in contact and so I could get updates on what was going on." He explained with a shrug, before rubbing his forehead. "Recently they hadn't updated me, so I asked for actual meetings, in which they agreed and still the same answer all the time; 'we are trying to figure it out'. After awhile, they put the pieces together, yet I knew they weren't saying anything because one, they wanted proof and two, they weren't sure how I'd react." He explained and Jude tilted his head.
"Why all the trouble though?" He asked, confused and Dominus gave a weary smile. "I can't exactly be in several different places at once Jude; I'm merely human, not a god." He commented softly and Jude flushed, slightly embarrassed. "I got curious when you, Milla, started getting happier, so I took a day or two off, which is when I meet Jude." Dominus said, turning to look at Jude with a smile. "That's when I realized that, maybe Jude could help you get back to your old self. I got to know the boy from Alvin's and Ludger's texts and figured I needed to know Jude on a personal level, just in case something happened." He said, shrugging and Jude frowned, was Dominus unintentionally saying he thought Jude would hurt Milla?
"When I realized that Jude was more of a help to Milla, I asked Alvin and Ludger if they were already keeping an eye on Jude, in which they responded that they had kept doing that ever since that white-haired boy attacked Jude back in freshman year." He said and Jude rubbed his head, annoyed. "That explains all the times I felt like I was being watched." He commented and Dominus chuckled. "Yeah, that's my fault. I was worried about Milla, so I had them keep an eye on Milla; then I noticed how important you were to my daughter and I didn't want that to change, so I upped the task a bit." He explained and Milla sighed. "So...you know that Uncle is…" She trailed off as she heard her father sigh. "I do now...and I am so, so sorry I didn't realize it sooner Milla, really." He said and Milla gave a small smile. "Just knowing you are here is enough." She said and he returned the smile, watching as she leaned against Jude once more, the amber eyed boy wrapping an arm around her.
"So," Alvin began, catching everyone's attention as he sat on the couch with Ludger. "now that everything is cleared up, what do we have?" He asked, and Ludger pointed to the tapes that Muzet and Gaius brought. "Like we thought, that white-haired boy, who Jude and Milla said is Ivar, has been at the estate." Ludger explained, making Alvin growl, so that was the boy's name. "He's been meeting with Madhur in secret and we got Volt hacking his cellphone, as the man sleeps, to get all the text messages and calls so we can find out what they've been planning when their not meeting." He said and Alvin nodded, good, they were getting more proof. "Judge Origin has offered to take the case and trial Madhur if we bring the tapes AND cellphone records." Gaius said and Alvin smiled.
"Perfect, Judge Origin has always been a great man." He said and Dominus nodded, he agreed on that. They talked for a bit more, making plans here and there before Muzet and Gaius left, stating they would get the records from Volt when he was done. Dominus offered to stay, stating he didn't want to see his brother, afraid he'd lash out though he did want to punch the man. Ludger and Alvin were fine with that, he could have the guest bedroom before the two brothers left, stating they'd get some stuff from Rowen for Milla, stating she was NOT going BACK to the estate.
Jude called the school in the meantime, making an excuse that Milla was helping her father with some work as he knew if he said she was in the hospital, Madhur would go check. Dominus got to work on some paperwork there, sitting next to Milla and stroking her hair every now and then as she leaned against her father slightly, trying to sleep. Jude quickly closed his phone, ignoring the fact that the school asked where he was and he said he was with her, before they got confused and he hung-up as a result. "Such nosy people." He grumbled and Dominus chuckled softly, trying not to jostle Milla. "Sounds like them. Is Principle Milo still an asshole?" He asked and Jude scoffed, walking back over to them.
"You have NO idea." He mumbled and Dominus chuckled once more. Jude sat across from them before turning the TV on, not really caring what was on, yet having a week off school would drive him nuts...but they had things to do. Dominus regarded Jude for a moment, noting the way Jude was tense and how he seemed to be thinking on something and Dominus sighed. "Jude, is everything okay?" He asked, gaining the boys attention and Jude sighed. "I just want Milla to be safe, to have this nightmare be done and over with for her, you know?" He commented and Dominus nodded, he wanted it over now as well. Knowing what Milla went through and that it happened every day and yet he did nothing about it...it sickened him as a father! "I agree, it never once crossed my mind that my brother was the result of what was happening to Milla." He explained, pushing some bangs back from Milla's face.
"As a father, it's my job to protect her! Not expose her to such harsh abuse, especially from family!" He exclaimed, sighing heavily at the end, eyes holding nothing but worry and endearment toward his youngest daughter. Milla had always been a mix between him and Manah, something he had, at first, feared would have driven him crazy! Yet it didn't, in fact it made him want to protect her more than he first thought...yet it seemed to have driven his brother to madness! "As a father, I feel like I failed to protect her." Dominus said with a sad sigh, eyes holding a deep sorrow soon afterward. "Dominus…" Jude began, yet sighed and shook his head, there wasn't much he could say that he hadn't already said.
As night drew in, Alvin and Ludger had returned with clothes for Milla, giving her the two suitcases and she went to Jude's room to change into the clothes. Jude looked at the time, seeing it read ten till nine and he sighed, rubbing the area between his eyes; he was starting to get exhausted. "You okay little bro?" Ludger asked and Jude nodded, heaving another sigh. "Yeah, just all this thinking is making me tired." He said and Ludger chuckled. "Yeah, I can see how that would tire someone out." He said, ruffling Jude's hair and making the amber eyed boy smile, despite being tired. Suddenly a knock came at the door and everyone stiffened, even as Alvin looked out the window slightly.
"Why is Leia here?" He questioned and Jude stood. "Odd, she never comes over unless I call." He said and opened the door. "Leia, what-GYAH!" Jude gave a quick yelp of pain as a staff hit his head. "You got some explaining to do Mathis!" Leia shouted, puffing her cheeks out. "Why weren't you at school?" She demanded and Jude frowned. "Geez, no need to hit me." He complained, walking in as he let Leia in, the brunette closing the door behind her. "So, answer me!" She shouted, glaring at him as she followed him into the living room. "A lot of stuff happened." He said as Leia pouted.
"Like wh-?!" She stopped talking and stared in shock as she saw Dominus, Ludger and Alvin all hanging out, before she saw Milla walk out of Jude's bedroom, wearing some pajamas. "Okay…" She said, gaining Milla's attention. "am I missing something here?" She asked, tilting her head as her green eyes showed curiosity. "She doesn't know?" Dominus asked Milla, who looked down in shame. "I haven't told anyone, except Jude and his family." She said, holding her arm and Dominus sighed, rubbing his forehead. "What's going on?" Leia asked and Jude sighed, sitting down as Milla sat between him and her father. "You might wanna sit down, this is gonna take awhile." He said and Leia nodded, sitting across from them, even as Alvin went into the kitchen with Ludger, both deciding to prepare a late dinner.
Jude and Milla told Leia everything, not only shocking the brunette but horrifying her as well as she learned everything Milla went through. "That's why you weren't in class most of our Sophomore year!" She exclaimed in horror and Milla nodded, looking down in sadness. "Madhur has been trying to find ways to control me...his recent attempt to get someone to 'break me' nearly worked." She said and Leia's eyes went dark with rage. "Say what?!" She shouted, standing up as her body shook with rage. "Leia…" Jude warned, grabbing her staff before she could.
"Who did it?!" Leia demanded, glaring at the ground angrily. "I'll hurt the person so much they won't be able to reproduce!" She said firmly and Milla chuckled nervously, even as Dominus and Jude shifted a little, scared at her anger. "Ivar." Milla and Jude chorused at the same time and Leia's eyes widened. "That prick?!" She shouted once more, making Alvin groan and rub his head. "Can she get any louder?" He questioned and Ludger snickered, he was used to it with Elle and Mil. "Ivar was the one who tried to 'break' Milla." Jude said and Leia hummed, rubbing her chin. "That might explain why he wasn't at school today either." She said, shocking Jude.
"He wasn't at school?" He questioned and Leia nodded. "Yeah, when everyone showed up for roll-call, Ivar wasn't there either. We were actually somewhat shocked." Leia explained and Jude hummed. "He might be laying low and waiting for Madhur's next orders to keep himself out of trouble." He said and Dominus nodded. "I agree, I wouldn't be surprised. My brother usually likes to wait until things blow over before he makes his next move, so he probably told that Ivar boy to lay low." He commented and Jude agreed. "So, what are we doing about all of this?" Leia asked, concern for Milla in her voice. "Oh don't you worry Leia," Alvin said from the kitchen, catching everyone's attention. "we're going to make Madhur pay for everything he did." He stated and Leia smiled, happy to hear that.
[~~~~~*~~~~~]
Madhur growled as he looked at Ivar, the white haired boy looked guilty as hell for having let Milla get away, even as he looked to the ground. "I doubt she noticed it was me, Madhur." He said and Madhur growled, rubbing the area between his eyes. "Still, best not to try anything." He said before Ivar sighed, rubbing his neck. "Milla wasn't at school today." He said, catching Madhur's attention. "She wasn't?" He questioned, wondering where she was. "School said she was out helping her father with Jude, that Senator Maxwell called Milla to help and Jude offered since he's with Milla." Ivar said and Madhur growled, did Dominus come back early? No, Dominus would've called him if he did...something wasn't right.
"So, neither Jude or Milla were at school." He said and Ivar nodded. "What're you thinking Madhur?" Ivar asked the man, who seemed concerned as he narrowed his gold eyes at the ground. "I have a bad feeling about all of this, it's best if you lay low and not try ANYTHING until I figure out what's going on." Madhur said and Ivar nodded, not looking pleased. "Can I still harass Jude? I hate that boy with a fiery passion." He said and Madhur shrugged. "Do as you wish, just don't get near Milla. She'll tell if she's fighting back." He said and Ivar nodded. "So...you won't mind if I maul the boy?" He questioned and Madhur grinned. "I prefer you to do that actually." He said with a chuckle, in which Ivar mimicked.
Unaware of the two, Undine and Rowen were outside the room, listening to what was being said and recording it all. They left as they heard the two get up and made sure they were out of sight, before they looked at the other worried. "This isn't good Rowen, despite wanting to lay low, it seems Ivar is still intent on hurting Jude." She said and Rowen nodded. "I agree, which means Ivar will still be going to school and, if Jude and Milla return, Jude will be at risk." He said and Undine nodded, looking terrified. "What do we do?" She asked, handing the recording to Rowen, who would be meeting with Muzet and Gaius tomorrow for more planning. "We tell Alvin and Ludger what's going on, they are the only ones who can do anything at the moment." He said and Undine nodded, she prayed everything would be okay.
As the next day came, with it now being Saturday, Alvin hummed as he sat beside Ludger, both looking at the recording Rowen laid down, listening to it play. When it ended, Alvin looked ready to murder someone, even as Ludger try to calm him down. "Don't worry Alvin, Ivar won't try anything if he believes he'll get caught." Ludger tried to assure him, yet Alvin scoffed. "I don't care Ludger, Ivar is a cunning bastard, he'll find a way." He said and Ludger sighed, rubbing his head, even as the door opened.
"We're back!" A voice called out and they watched as Milla, Dominus and Jude walked in, carrying a few bags of groceries and some clothes. "Sorry it took so long." Jude said, laying some of the groceries on the counter, even as Ludger got up to help them put everything away. "Ah Rowen, how are you?" Dominus asked the butler, who smiled at seeing Dominus. "I am quite well, Sir Maxwell." Rowen responded with a smile, making Dominus smiled in return. "Glad to hear, Madhur hasn't done anything has he?" Dominus asked and Rowen pointed to the recording. "He and Ivar might do something." Rowen explained and Alvin pressed play, a frown on his face as everyone listened to the recording.
When it ended, Alvin stormed out of the kitchen, seething in anger, even as Jude and Milla were wide eyed and Ludger simply frowned at the ground. Rowen folded his arms, a concerned expression on his face and Dominus was shaking with rage. "I ought to bust him right now!" He shouted, almost punching the wall but restrained himself as he felt his fists shaking, he needed to keep his cool; Alvin was holding enough rage for everyone. "I'll go talk to Alvin and try to calm him down." Dominus said and ran off after the brunette, hoping to keep Alvin calm. Jude watched his older brother with deep sorrow, out of his two siblings, Alvin had taken on the role of father in the family, even Ludger noticed it. Alvin wanted to keep his two younger siblings safe, he couldn't bare to see them get hurt; he would've felt like he failed.
Jude was going to go help Alvin as well, except Ludger grabbed his wrist, stopping him. "Let Dom handle it Jude," He said, making Jude look at him concerned. "Dom knows how Alvin feels. He'll get through to him, we need to make plans to keep you safe." He said, letting Jude's wrist go and Jude growled. "I'm not worried about me, I'm worried about everyone else!" He shouted, making everyone jump, even Milla and Rowen at his sudden outburst. "It's like their trying to get under our skin, like they know that we're aware and are trying something! It's like they say these things because they know it can get to us, they want us out of the way because we stand in the way of what they want!" Jude shouted, silencing them including Dominus and Alvin as the two had begun to bicker.
"Ivar wants Milla, Madhur wants Dominus gone! I won't let that happen, so stop pushing me away and let me actually help in these actions and stop asking me to just 'make plans' and then have me sit on the sidelines! I'm not a child anymore!" He shouted, angry at everything. Ludger and Alvin had always kept him back from any kind of potential danger, kept him in the dark about most secrets, even if they needed help. Jude had to sneak and go behind his brother's back just to learn what was going on but now, he wanted to to be included. He wanted to stop being left in the dark, stop being put on the sidelines; he wanted to actually help! "Jude…" Ludger began yet Jude scoffed and looked away, he didn't want an empty promise.
Arms wrapped around him from behind though as Milla hugged him and Jude jumped a little bit, not having expected it before Milla laid her head on his shoulder. "Try to understand, Jude." Milla said softly and Jude sighed, holding her hands, their rings glinting in the light slightly. "They don't want you hurt, they probably don't want the other hurt. Imagine how they probably had to go to great lengths, simply with the other, to get where they needed to be." She said and Jude hummed a little, he wondered if they had fights like this with the other. "We are sorry Jude." Alvin began, catching their attention, seeing his rubbing his head sheepishly. "We never meant to hurt you that way, we just didn't want you getting involved; we promised mom and dad that we'd look after you." Alvin explained and Jude looked at the ground, aside from their own protective nature...they went THIS FAR...because of their parents? Keeping quiet and secretive because of their parents?
"We do what every older sibling does, we do our best to keep the younger safe." Ludger began, making them all look at him. "We're worry-warts Jude, it's how older siblings are with their younger siblings most of the time. We just didn't want you hurt." He explained, before smirking. "Imagine how many times me and Alvin went behind the others back to try and figure out what's going on with the other." He commented and Alvin flushed, remembering very clearly how Ludger had gone out of his way to know some people and get them both a job. Ludger had also known about Alvin's crush on Arianna and had gone behind Alvin's back to know Arianna and set the two of them on a date that got Alvin and Arianna together. Jude took a deep breath then let it out slowly, calming down as he knew he shouldn't be mad but still, they could've told him SOME things, right? "Just, tell me from now on, okay?" He asked and Ludger smiled.
"We'll do our best." He said and Jude returned the smile as well, glad they were at least trying. "Alright, since we got this voice evidence, we know that we can match it with the security tapes that Muzet and Gaius will keep getting." Jude said and Milla nodded, agreeing. "We don't have much time until Madhur starts to really take action." Dominus said as he looked at his cellphone, having gotten a message from Efreet and he frowned. "Madhur has something planned for Spring Break." He said as he closed his phone, not liking this. "Not to mention you have to go back home at some point, same with me." Milla said sadly, if neither showed up then Madhur WOULD KNOW that something was up.
Currently he was being cautious, which meant he'd act a little differently, probably even be jumpy. "Milla." Jude said, yet Milla smiled at him. "Don't worry, dad is with me as are the servants and they love us more than Madhur, so no need to fear." Milla said before she kissed him and Jude blushed, not having expected the sudden kiss. "It might be a good idea to go home on Sunday, make it seem like you were with me the whole weekend helping me with work." Dominus explained and Milla nodded, agreeing. Jude frowned, not wanting either of them to go home but knowing it was inevitable. If not, Madhur would grow suspicious and they could possibly lose evidence as they know Madhur would try something. "Alright, but be careful." Jude said as he kissed Milla this time and she smiled as they separated and hugged each other. "I will Jude, I will." She said and he smiled, hugging her tighter.
[~~~~~*~~~~~]
It was Sunday afternoon, well past eight when Milla and Dominus finally got home, deciding it was best to head after dinner with Jude and the others. Rowen took their bags and headed to their respective rooms as Milla and Dominus walked to the living room, opting to talk before heading to bed. "And so, that's why I have him taking care of everything." Dominus said to Milla, making her smile as he smirked at her. "You're so sneaky dad." She commented and Dominus laughed. "It's what I've always done!" He said as he poked her forehead. "Dominus, there you are!" Madhur commented and Dominus turned to look at Madhur, trying to remain normal. "Ah, brother, how are you?" Dominus asked, keeping everything he knew to himself and trying not to let any negative emotions through. "I heard from the school that Milla left to help you out, what happened?" Madhur asked, curious and cautious; he hoped nothing...incriminating, was going on.
"Ah, got stuck on some medical requests from one of the companies we're helping build and I asked Milla to help me. Instead of doing just that though, she brought Jude with her as well!" Dominus exclaimed as he sat down, Milla sitting next to her father. "I could've helped." Madhur commented with a frown and Dominus chuckled. "Madhur, if I couldn't figure out the real reason they sent several requests, I doubt you could've as well." He said and Madhur frowned, it was true, he had no knowledge of anything medicinal. "I see and did you gets the requests done?" He asked, trying to sound interested. "Yep, thanks to Jude's insight and Milla's suggestions, we got the company to agree that it would be best. As its a research facility, they figured it was-!" Madhur groaned and Dominus stopped before laughing.
"Sorry, I'm boring you, aren't I?" He asked and Madhur nodded. "Yes, you are." He mumbled and Dominus chuckled. "Sorry about that." He said before opening his cellphone and smiling. "Well, looks like I have about a month or two to myself." Dominus said and Milla smiled. "Really?!" She asked happily, glad her dad's secretary and the man one-step-below her father agreed to take over until problems were resolved. "Yep!" Dominus said as he hugged Milla, making her laugh happily, yet Madhur was internally freaking out.
'A month or two?! How the hell did he achieve that?! Dom is sneaky but not that sneaky, unless...he's aware something is wrong. Looks like plans to controlling Milla are being postponed further. I hope Ivar gets a hold of that Jude kid and gives him a beating, otherwise Milla will continue to be confident enough to stand her own against me!' He worried and fretted in his mind, unaware Dominus was watching the way he fidgeted a little. 'He's worried, I know that look anywhere.' Dominus thought, seeing how Madhur's eyes widened a little, before Madhur shook his head and Dominus tilted his head, acting like he was confused. "Madhur, are you okay?" He asked and Madhur nodded, giving a fake smile. "Yes, just tired." He said and Dominus sighed, shaking his head. "Stop pushing yourself, it's not good for you." He commented and Madhur nodded. Eventually, everyone went to bed; all wondering how the next few days would play out.
