Chapter 13: A New Plan for Today

"What do you mean formulate a plan of action? We don't have enough information to formulate anything!" Dr. Manning exclaimed. Officer Connor stood in front of him with his arms crossed and a stern expression on his face. Manning had filed a brief report following the appearance of Nuada at the bureau and his complaint about the attack in the forest . . . several days after the prince's visit. Connor had interrupted the writing of the report and had gone on to ask as many questions as possible about the elf. That had irritated Manning and led to Connor trying to change the subject by asserting the need to act against the enemy that had appeared in the Antarctic. The Marine's expression changed only when the man's eyebrow lifted slightly in amusement. Manning scratched his head and began breathing heavily. "We are still trying to scrape together the facts from our agents that were up there. I am just so glad that no one was killed this time. If Red was gone, we'd be up the creek without a paddle . . . no, wait, without even a boat."

"We know the general location of the enemy, the area of their first attack, and at least one of them is in a Gundam suit," Connor replied firmly with a refreshing touch of sarcasm. Manning frowned and shook his head. He had never felt comfortable in the same room with accomplished military personnel, but being across from a Marine commander for special operations that had just faced off an enemy with Agent Hellboy was even less pleasant than simply meeting with a few recruits sent to guard the facility. Connor strode around Manning's office over to a large, marble globe and pointed to Antarctica. "Look, it isn't that big and whatever we're after can't get too far that quickly. Give me some more of your agents, preferably the big, red guy when he's recovered, and we can kick this."

"It's not in anyone's best interest to 'kick' anything until Dr. Krauss gives me a full report," Manning countered. He popped a few antacids into his mouth anxiously and sighed. Connor smirked at the gesture, expecting the bureaucrat to spontaneously combust at any given moment. Manning trembled slightly as he chewed, trying to contain the fear that was flowing through him. Rasputin and Kroenen had killed Professor Broom. Broom had not only been a dear friend, he had been the greatest asset to the bureau (not to mention the only person that could really contain Red) and had even been considered more intelligent than Abe. He rubbed his bald forehead pensively. "We'll wait at least another day . . . at least," he breathed. "We'll let Red come back around so that everyone can give a full report and then I'll make a decision."

"I respect that," Connor said, trying to give most of the power in the room over to the man before he delayed things any longer. Connor had learned several months ago in going through 'emotional intelligence' training that many people in his presence felt intimidated and that he could communicate with them more easily if he allowed them to be empowered. "So you've been like taking care of him in this place for years, right?"

It was a pertinent question. As public as the idea of Hellboy had become, there were still hordes of information that people wanted and had little idea of how to get it. Most people wanted to know where the demon had come from, how he had come to live among humans, and why he had chosen to work for the BPRD. Connor was more interested in understanding what kind of man would have had the balls to take in a demon. Judging by the demon's behavior, he had not been given the nurturing influence of a woman, he had been the product of a very confident single father with a lot of patience. Manning frowned, feeling more faced with the memory of Professor Broom and his demise. He shook his head and turned back to the Marine. "It's a long story. Why don't you go and get me a report from your men before we start going over things tomorrow?" he offered, trying to take the conversation in a different direction so that it would end quickly. "That would certainly make my decision easier."

"Absolutely, sir," Connor said. He rose, nodded to the man, and then left the room.

Manning watched the youth close the door behind him with a great deal of relief. He sighed heavily and slipped back into his chair. He leaned over his desk, resting his head in his hands propped against his elbows. What was he getting into now? Not only was any chance of being a senator gone, but now he was sure he was going to be killed. He reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a small bottle of vodka that he kept hidden. It was one vice that the man had kept in his closet that never seemed to make him feel guilty. He took a quick drink, wincing as the burn moved from his mouth down to his already irritated stomach. He exhaled sharply and put the bottle back in the drawer. He needed to sleep at least one more time before his world came tumbling down.

(*)

Titania had stayed asleep by Nuada's side for the better part of the morning and afternoon. When the prince awoke he saw and felt Titania sleeping peacefully beside him and Puck curled up on his chest, his head pressed against Titania's. He sighed and held his wounded hand in front of him, examining it carefully. He felt something stir at the foot of the bed and craned his neck to get a better look at it. The prince noted that Ravi had fallen asleep sprawled out over the foot of the bed. A grunt and soft growling caught his attention. Nuada turned and now saw that Wink had fallen asleep leaning against the wall seated not far from the bed. The prince allowed his head to fall back against the pillow, closing his eyes with a slight disapproving shake of his head. He tried to allow himself to drift back to sleep and analyzed the possibility that the group had only been sleeping beside him for an hour or so.

"Hardly the norm for a court called to meet," a familiar voice announced from the opposite side of the bed. Nuada turned immediately and, without thinking, gasped at the sight. It stirred Puck and Titania both who sat upright and looked from the sight of the startled prince to the form of a battered goblin. The captain of Nuada's armies, Jareth the Goblin King, stood very wounded and yet resolute at the bedside of the elf and his companions. Titania scooted back quickly against Nuada, staring at the goblin in horror. Jareth, one eye still very swollen, bowed his head and grinned. "I apologize for waking you, your highness, but I could not wait to deliver this message any longer."

Nuada placed a hand on Titania's shoulder before moving closer to Jareth. The goblin frowned, realizing that Rasputin had not been bluffing in speaking of the prince being wounded as well. "What message, my friend? What happened to you?" Nuada demanded. "I was told you were seeking Grindel and his forces," the prince remarked glancing at Puck with disapproval. Puck glared back at the prince and folded his arms. "Did something stir your bivouac?"

"Hardly; I infiltrated the brute's fortress and paid the penalty." Jareth seemed quite calm about his description and the events that must have transpired before his thrashing. "I believe it was a small price for acquiring such important information. Not only did I get a feel for Grindel's forces, their potential and his achievements, but I also learned of the next foe that he plans to band together with to stand against us. Though, I believe that the fight against you will be a more pressing concern for them at the moment."

The prince turned back to Titania; he sighed heavily and moved to the edge of the bed, still favoring his hand. Titania started after him. "Wait here, Titania," he commanded in a firm, but kind tone. She frowned at him and watched Raavi lay his head back on the bed and drift back into a typical feline sleep. Puck looked up at his master inquisitively, asking silently if he should also wait with Titania or if he should accompany the two for the sake of information. Wink followed after them, not wanting to allow his master out of his sight again. The three convened in the hallway a short distance away from the door. Nuada did his best to not make any movements toward Jareth as he reeled during his story. The prince felt concerned for the leader of his armies and truly distressed at the thought of him being so easily overtaken, but the goblin's pride had not yet been wounded and the elf knew better than to deliver that blow. He nodded, folding his hands neatly behind his back and hiding them as his fingers pensively stroked the bandage still covering his own wound.

"I am not sure how Grindel has managed to acquire that kind of magic, your majesty," Jareth said with a sigh. "And it is likely that the sorcerer, Rasputin, will only serve to double, perhaps even quadruple, that power."

"Unless he is dispatched quickly," Nuada added with a sharp tone. Jareth's expression changed as the troll who had lumbered after them into the hallway gave a roar and raised his metal fist in agreement. It pleased Nuada more than anything to have his man-at-arms so ready once again and with blood-sport not far away. "I believe we have enough assassins at our disposal."

"Do you really think that a host of trolls and goblins would rather bow to a rogue elf than Grindel?" Jareth asked. Nuada frowned at him. His words were to the point and had been accurate; despite his royal title, Nuada was still having to prove his position and power on a daily basis. Had it not been for the diplomacy of Nuala and the terrifying Wink, he might not have risen to have loyal subjects further than a few citizens of the troll market itself whose businesses he frequented out of necessity. The thought had crossed his mind that the minority of trolls that served Grindel could have grown in number depending on what motivated their loyalties. Jareth looked away and drew in a little more strength. The prince was reviewing his words, but it would take another jab to provoke real thought and action. "Most would sooner find themselves bowing to a human sorcerer."

Wink roared in anger and took three great strides forward, standing over Jareth and raising his fist. Nuada turned hurriedly and caught his friend's wrist in mid-air, straining against the troll's strength even given his own. Wink growled and looked down at Nuada. Titania had made it to the doorway with Puck close beside her whispering to her that she should not view any conversation in private, and at seeing the situation, recognized the look in Wink's eyes as one of a minion whining 'let me at 'em, boss, let me at 'em'. She covered her mouth and stepped a little further away from the door as Nuada finally forced Wink's arm back down and told him that Jareth spoke out of fear and not disrespect. Jareth then added that the sorcerer created an even greater problem if not immediately addressed. He reminded Nuada that if the old Russian had summoned Anung Un Rama from Sheol, than he could just as easily summon other beings as well. "And then what will you do? Ride into the Otherworld and command the Tuathenia and Dyfed to follow you into battle?" Jareth asked with just an ounce of spite building in his quivering voice. "It's madness to think that we could outlast a Hadean fleet."

"A concern that is not yet pressing, Jareth. Try to focus on what faces us and not what keeps you awake at night," Nuada replied hotly. Jareth shook his head. Rasputin's power had yet to reach its fullest and Grindel would make a perfect puppet for him. Grindel . . . he was the only seedy lord under Oberon that could have claimed royal birth among the trolls. A wisewoman had once foretold that Beowulf, the brother of Balor, would destroy Grindel single-handed. Of course, that prophecy had long since died with Beowulf, and his twin went on to destroy many armies 'single-handed' that were certainly not Grindel. Still, the fact remained that not one, but two enemies were now threatening the kingdom . . . three if he wanted to press the issue about those governing humankind at the moment. No, he knew how simple humans were. It would be easy to make them afraid of Grindel and Rasputin both; they would rally to his side like children to a nursemaid if he gave them a significant target. The other two would be overwhelmed by human forces, not by their ability to do damage, but simply by their numbers. A brief smile entered the prince's mind at thinking of how many humans would be killed in the process . . . how easily their numbers could be reduced in such a battle. "Though perhaps it would be wise to call on certain others in positions of power for their support." Jareth watched an unsettling grin form on Nuada as he turned away and looked into the distance. "I have yet to truly unify our people, after all, and then there is the repair of the truce with mankind to consider," he reasoned aloud. Jareth groaned inwardly, Wink outwardly, Puck gasped, and Titania felt an enormous twinge of joy as her heart leapt.

"You really think uncovering not so old wounds with a skittish race of children is going to win you a war against the Underworld or the Gods of Chaos?" Jareth said unhappily.

"I don't recall a war being declared by the Underworld, Jareth," Nuada corrected. The goblin muttered something foul under his breath and clutched his bleeding shoulder with another muttered curse. "As a matter of fact, war has not been declared by anyone."

"Since you declared war against humanity," Jareth added.

Nuada waved his hand dismissively. "That was a good three years ago. Time is on my side for better spirits in . . ." he hesitate, trying to think of a word that was nonabrasive and yet wouldn't come back to bite him after the issue was resolved and humans were back to their old habits. The word finally came to him after thinking about what Nuala would use to describe it. " . . . diplomacy."

"You're no diplomat," Jareth muttered under his breath.

Nuada turned to him angrily. The goblin shook his head and took a step backward, expecting some sort of heated reprimand. Instead, Nuada turned toward the rest of the hallway and called for two servants. Jareth paused, completely immobile and expecting some harm to befall him. The servants arrived in a blink and bowed to their sovereign who ordered them to escort Jareth to the infirmary and to see that he received rest and anything else he desired for three days. The two nodded and gently led the way. Jareth, although grateful for the unusual kindness from the monarch, still felt aggravated that Nuada was proving too arrogant to see reason. The humans might have been simple and weak willed in large numbers, but they did not forget wrongs easily. His call to war would be used against him, the goblin was sure of it. The elf, however, felt nothing but confidence and resolve welling within him. It had been a good, long three years since he had been able to start training once again for a battle with specific enemies. Oh, how he would enjoy every bruise and bleeding sore acquired in preparation for meeting Grindel and that pathetic sorcerer. As he turned to go back to the bedchamber, he was startled by the sight of Titania. He was not sure how long she had been standing there, but she was directly behind him. The two exchanged silent glances for a moment and there was an odd and unusual energy behind Titania's gaze. Was she breathing heavily? Why?

"Titania, are you . . ." he began. He found it necessary to stop with the last word, though it might have been possible to still speak with Titania kissing him forcefully. She breathed heavily and, despite his larger size and presence, was able to overtake him enough with the kiss to force him back into the wall. He grunted in surprise as his back hit the cold stone, but found it impossible to resist the onslaught. He wrapped his arms around her, grasping at one shoulder with the opposite hand and occasionally grasping a lock of soft, dark hair. Titania grasped more forcefully clinging to his chest like a vine to an oak. The two could hear Puck protesting this from a distance away. As his voice began to get closer to them, Nuada heard Wink take a heavy step in the pwca's direction and seize him, allowing his master a moment more of what seemed to be the highlight of the evening. After what seemed like a warm, sensual eternity, Titania pulled her face away and looked down for a moment. As she caught her breath, Nuada began to recollect his thoughts. Whatever he had done to cause this sort of reaction he wanted to be clear and take pristine notes. She looked down at his bandaged hand, now resting against her forearm. She gently took it in her palm and looked back up at him. He examined her eyes carefully, unable to see past the wondrous jade and hope of adoration. What was she really thinking . . . why had she made such a sudden display of tenderness? He finally found the presence of mind to ask. "Titania, what . . ."

Again, another, and this one more passionate than the first. His eyes widened. He didn't want to interrupt this for anything, but why in heaven's name couldn't she have announced a reason. Surely it wouldn't be too much to ask for her to simply state what had made her feel so amorous. A slight twinge of anger moved through him at thinking that he was still going to be in the dark about the reason; no doubt she would forget by the end of the evening, and it would be another torturous wait until he found the right way to ensnare her for good! Wink could no longer contain the smaller and more animated form of Puck as he became an even smaller rabbit before hopping over to the couple and trying to situate himself between them. Unable, he sat less than a pace away from where they stood, trying to become a more human version of himself. He finally managed to acquire a form that resembled a mixture (too taken by emotion to fully transform) and speak more loudly at the two. "This is exactly why I told you to go home after you had finished tending to him! Do you have any idea what kind of impropriety this is? I am your consul and I demand that you heed my demands . . . now!"

At this, Titania finally pulled away, further than she had the first time, and looked back toward the bedchamber. A thought crossed the prince's mind and he shook it away as quickly and fully as he could manage, though desire seemed more pressing now than even the enchantment in the forest had created. He remembered his oath to her father and how frightened she had become in the forest and felt himself center. His mind was still spinning as Puck firmly took Titania by the hand and led her away, chastising the two audibly and visibly. Neither seemed to pay attention to this and Nuada still wanted to know what had prompted this behavior, but he was content to watch his beloved led away by the pwca, still smiling because of him. Puck would lead Titania and Ravi home neither worse for the night away. The prince turned back to Wink, who stood waiting for further instruction.

"Wait here and see that Jareth does not approach the door, Mr. Wink," he commanded. Wink grunted and watched his master head back for the bedchamber. "I have much to consider and prepare." The troll nodded and hesitated outside the door. Whatever was going through the elf's mind at the moment, it had brought about the same smile that had crossed the prince's dark lips when heading to the surface to leave his mark for humanity. While the troll had difficulty grasping much in the way of irony, he found it amusing that the grin was now because of a human's affection.